Baltic States travel itinerary

Planning a trip to Baltic States? Here you'll find our day-by-day itinerary (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), plus all the practical info to organise your journey: currency, visa, e-SIM, health, plugs and useful numbers.

When to go to Baltic States

The climate is continental and cool: long, cold and snowy winters (below zero), mild and pleasant summers. The best time to visit the Baltics is May to September, with very long days (in June the sun sets very late) and lush nature. Spring and autumn offer splendid colours. Always bring a jacket and rain gear: the weather is changeable even in summer.

Practical info for travelling in Baltic States

Updated: June 2026

Documents and visa

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are in the European Union and the Schengen area: EU citizens only need a national ID card valid for travel (or a passport), no visa. There are no border controls between the three countries. For stays over 90 days a residence permit is required. Other nationalities should check their own rules.

Currency and payments

All three countries use the euro: no exchange for those arriving from the Eurozone. The Baltics are among the most digital countries in Europe (Estonia in particular): you pay by card or smartphone almost everywhere, even for small amounts, so you need very little cash. ATMs are common. Prices are lower than the Western European average, although the capitals are becoming more expensive.

Language

Each country has its own language: Estonian (related to Finnish), Latvian and Lithuanian (very ancient Baltic languages). Russian is still understood almost everywhere, especially by adults. English is very widespread among young people and in the tourism of the capitals: communicating is easy in places of interest.

Health and vaccines

No mandatory vaccine. Healthcare is of good quality in the cities; EU citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to necessary care, but travel insurance is also recommended. For those walking in the woods and bogs in spring/summer there is a low risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): use repellent and check your skin. Tap water is drinkable.

eSIM and connectivity

The main operators are Telia, Tele2, Bite and Elisa, with excellent 4G/5G coverage (the Baltics are very advanced digitally). Being in the EU, EU SIMs roam at no extra cost, just like at home, in all three countries. Free Wi-Fi is very widespread, even in parks and on public transport.

Electricity

Power is 230V/50Hz with type C and F sockets, the same as continental Europe: European plugs fit without an adapter.

Time zone

The three Baltic states are at UTC+2 (Eastern European Time, with daylight saving): one hour ahead of central Europe all year.

Good to know

Driving between the three countries — A car is the best way for the great north-south tour: the distances between the three capitals are short (4-5 hours Tallinn-Riga, similar Riga-Vilnius) and the roads are good. You pass from one country to another without controls (Schengen). You drive on the right. In winter snow tyres are compulsory. The cities have pedestrian historic centres: you park outside and get around on foot. Everything is well organised and public transport in the capitals is excellent.
Safety — The Baltics are safe countries, with low crime. Normal precautions apply against pickpocketing in crowded places (Tallinn's old town, stations, markets). In Riga a little caution is advised in the nightlife venues of the historic centre, where in the past there have been unpleasant episodes against tourists. Only the areas immediately next to the borders with Russia and Belarus, in any case outside the tourist routes, are advised against.
Eating and customs — Baltic cuisine is hearty and of peasant tradition: soups (the cold pink beetroot soup, summery and beautiful to look at), potatoes, pork, smoked fish, dark rye bread and, in Lithuania, cepelinai (filled dumplings). The craft beers and kvass are excellent. In the capitals modern, creative restaurants flourish. Tips are not compulsory but a 10% is welcome. The Balts are reserved but friendly and very proud of their independence.

Useful numbers

112 — Single European emergency number (in all three countries)
+372 6276160 — Italian Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia (emergencies: +372 5165723)
+371 67216069 — Italian Embassy in Riga, Latvia (emergencies: +371 29273027)
+370 5 2120620 — Italian Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania (emergencies: +370 68262006). For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy

💡 The three Baltic states are best visited in a single north-south trip, from Tallinn to Vilnius: they are in the EU, use the euro, EU SIMs work like at home and the distances between the capitals are short. Travel between May and September to enjoy the very long days and the nature, bring a jacket for the changeable weather and repellent for the woods. A safe, authentic and still uncrowded discovery.

Baltic States