The Baltic states, which are Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, are a hidden gem in
Northern Europe, and recently more travellers from Dubai have been embarking on
the journey to discover this charming region. Baltic countries offer a blend of
medieval glamour, breathtaking sceneries, and vibrant modern culture.
The Baltic tour packages from Dubai offer you a unique European experience
through these three captivating countries.
In this comprehensive guide, we will show you all you need to know about
travelling to the Baltic region from Dubai, including details of visa
requirements, the best places to visit, and how to navigate the three countries.
Featured Baltic Holiday Offers from Dubai
Enchanting Baltic Escape
Baltic
Why Visit the Baltic States
Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia are known for:
- Historical heritage and medieval architecture
- Stunning natural beauty of the dense forests, sandy beaches, and national
parks
- Unique culture and festivals
- Easy travels between the three countries
- Affordable travel as compared to the Western Europe countries
Visa Requirements for Travelers from Dubai
Since Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are part of the Schengen zone, travelers from
Dubai therefore need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit. UAE citizens qualify
to enter the Baltic region without visa for a short visit of up to 90 days. A
resident in the UAE must however apply for the Schengen visa before travelling
to the Baltic countries.
To apply for the Schengen visa contact Arooha and send them all the required
documents for verification. The required documents include a passport valid for
at least six months and a valid Dubai residence permit. Other requirements are
passport sized photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation and proof
that you have sufficient funds. You should also decide the particular Baltic
country that will be your port of entry. After the Arooha team verifies your
documents and countercheck your application form and then they will then book
you an appointment at the specific country’s embassy. Attend the appointment
where your biometrics will be taken and submit the application. You will be
notified when your visa is ready for and proceed with your travel plans.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Baltic States
The dry season from June to August is a great time for tourist from Dubai to
visit the Baltic as the weather is warm and great for outdoor activities. There
are also many summer festivals during this time, making it great for travellers
looking to get absorbed into the culture of the Baltics. Spring and autumn also
have mild weather and the crowds are fewer therefore giving you ample time for
sightseeing. During winter, which runs from December to February, the region
transforms into a snowy fairy tale making it perfect for winter sports like
snowboarding and skiing. There are also bustling Christmas markets offering you
a unique Christmas in the snow.
What are The Best Places to Visit?
All the three Baltic countries have so much to offer to tourists.
1. Places to visit in Estonia
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Tallinn, the fairy tale capital of Estonia, is popular for
its medieval charm and modern innovation. Explore the
Old Town of Tallinn
and admire the cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and medieval walls. Tour
the Toompea Castle, which is home to the Parliament of Estonia, and enjoy
panoramic views of the city from there. Other intriguing places to visit in
Tallinn include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Telliskivi Creative City,
and the Kadriorg Palace and Park.
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Tartu, a favorite for intellects. Visit the University of
Tartu, one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe, the AHHAA Science
Center, and the Suurturg Market where you can sample authentic local dishes
and shop for handmade crafts.
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Lahemaa National Park, a perfect escape for nature lovers.
Enjoy a Viru Bog Walk over the wetlands and take in the stunning sceneries,
and visit Palmse and Sagadi Manor Houses, which are historical estates
featuring lush gardens. Admire the Jägala Waterfall, the widest natural
waterfall in Estonia.
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Pärnu, a beach destination for travelers who are looking to
relax and unwind by the beach. Enjoy views of the Baltic Sea and savor the
sandy shores of Pärnu Beach. Go for a relaxing spa treatment in the spa
resorts of Pärnu.
Places to Visit in Latvia
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Riga, the cultural hub of Latvia. Tour the Old Town of
Riga, a UNESCO-listed city full of cobbled streets, medieval churches, and
vibrant squares. Admire the over 800 beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in the
Art Nouveau District and explore the Central Market, the largest market in
Europe located in historic Zeppelin hangars. Other attractions to visit in
Riga include the Riga Castle, the Three Brothers Houses, and the Latvian
National Museum of Art.
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Jūrmala is home to the Majori Beach and the Ķemeri National
Park, where you will find beautiful wetlands, boardwalks, and healing
mineral waters.
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Other places to visit include Sigulda and
Cēsis, which is home to the Cēsis Castle and St. John's
Church.
Places to Visit in Lithuania
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Vilnius — Explore the Old Town of Vilnius and climb the
Gediminas Tower for panoramic views of the city. Tour the Gate of Dawn, a
sacred shrine marked with a miraculous icon, and visit the Trakai Island
Castle, a fairytale castle on a lake. Do not leave the town without stepping
into the Užupis Republic, a bohemian district with its own constitution.
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Kaunas — A modernist capital and home to Lithuania’s oldest
stone castle, the Kaunas Castle. Other interesting places include the
Devil’s Museum and Laisvės Alėja, a bustling pedestrian boulevard full of
cafés.
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Klaipėda — The port city where you can explore the Theatre
Square and the Old Town, which is full of German-style architecture. If you
are traveling with family, don’t miss out on visiting the Dolphinarium to
see Lithuania’s marine life and learn about its history.
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The Curonian Spit — A stunning natural wonder that
separates the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Enjoy beach activities
like swimming and sunbathing, and admire views of the Baltic Sea. Visit Nida
to see colorful fishermen’s houses and the giant sand dunes.
Key Tourism Statistics for Baltic
Cultural and Budget Travel
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Every traveler's attention will be grabbed by the history and culture behind the main cities in
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Once you visit UNESCO-listed old towns and medieval castles, you’ll
experience something truly unique.
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Must-see highlights include: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn (Estonia), Riga’s Art Nouveau
buildings (Latvia), and Vilnius’s Baroque architecture (Lithuania).
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In 2023, 3.2 million people visited Estonia. In Latvia, tourism grew by 20% in 2024 thanks to
cultural festivals and budget-friendly travel. With meals starting at $3 and hostels from $8/night,
UAE travelers can easily enjoy the Baltic region on a budget.
Sustainable and Digital Nomad Appeal
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The Baltic countries are popular with eco-conscious travelers and digital nomads. Their cities are
known for green spaces like Tallinn’s Kadriorg Park and excellent public transport systems.
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Estonia and Lithuania offer special digital nomad visas, making them attractive destinations for
remote workers from the UAE and beyond.
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According to Skyscanner, 88% of recent travelers used AI tools like travel apps and chatbots to plan
trips—proving the Baltics are a rising destination among smart tech-savvy travelers.
Festival and Event Tourism
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The Baltic region is known for its cultural events that attract global attention. Popular festivals
include:
- Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn (November)
- Christmas Market in Riga (December)
- St. Casimir’s Fair in Vilnius (March)
-
These vibrant celebrations are perfect for “live tourism” lovers—travelers who want to experience
cultural moments in real time.
Digital Booking Surge
- 72% of travelers booked their trips online in 2024.
- 53% used digital platforms to save time, and 47% appreciated the ability to compare prices in real
time.
- 26% checked flight options through OTAs, while 36% completed bookings using them.
- 68% used mobile phones to browse travel websites, though 62% preferred using a computer or laptop
for the final booking.
Flight Connectivity & Travel Time
Airlines
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From December 2025, Flydubai will start offering direct flights from Dubai to Riga (Latvia) and
Vilnius (Lithuania), with 4 to 7 flights per week.
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Air Baltic already operates direct flights from Dubai to Tallinn (Estonia), Riga, and Vilnius. By
June 2025, they will offer daily flights to Riga and four flights a week to Vilnius.
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Emirates has codeshare agreements with these airlines. That means you can also book these flights
through Emirates for added convenience.
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Overall, travel to the Baltic countries from Dubai is becoming easier and more flexible with these
airline services.
Frequency
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Travelers can access around 15 to 20 direct flights per week from Dubai International Airport (DXB)
to the Baltic capitals:
- Riga (RIX) – Latvia
- Vilnius (VNO) – Lithuania
- Tallinn (TLL) – Estonia
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However, direct flights from Sharjah (SHJ) or Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) are currently unavailable.
Booking Tips
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Airlines typically release tickets 12 months in advance. For best prices—especially in May or
September—book flights 79 to 90 days early.
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Avoid booking on Saturdays as fares tend to be higher. Instead, book on Mondays or Tuesdays for
better deals.
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Choose early morning or late-night departures to save additional money on airfare.
Travel Guide
There are no direct flights from Dubai to the Baltic, but there are
convenient connections through Istanbul, Doha or Frankfurt. The airlines
plying this route include the Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Lufthansa.
The main airports in the Baltic are Tallin Airport in Estonia, Riga Airport
in Latvia and Vilnius Airport in Lithuania. Accommodation, transport and
other essentials in the Baltic are quite affordable when compared to the
western European countries.
Average temp : 5°C
Average flight time : 7.5 hours
Most suited for : Couples, families, Solo
trips
Currency : Euro (EUR)
Time Difference : +1 hour
Getting Around
When travelling between the Baltic countries, you can use a bus, train or a
car. The bus is comfortable and affordable and usually takes 4 to 5 hours
between the cities. The train is only limited between Vilnius and Riga
cities while a car is more convenient and scenic. The road network between
the three countries is very great and their proximity to each other makes it
easier to commute.
When in Tallin the best means of transport to navigate within the city are
trams and buses. In Riga there are also affordable trams and taxis while in
Vilnius you may use buses or walk through the Old Town for a more enriching
experience.
Taxi
By Bike
Buses
By Train
By Plane
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