A Schengen visa is a necessary document if you are thinking of having a journey to Latvia-part of the Baltic number of countries-. Spreading Shown on the map Latvia, which lies in Northern Europe, has an enriching cultural background, breathtaking nature, and urban centers, and hence it is an attractive destination to many travelers. The comprehensive guide to Latvia visa requirements and the application process will be considered to make your trip go smoothly without any serious problems.
About Latvia
Discovering the Baltic Gem
The Republic of Latvia, situated in Northern Europe on the coast of the Baltic Sea with an area of approximately 64,589 km² and a population of around 1,841,775 has recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. The capital of Latvia, Riga, is indeed one of the most striking cities in the country, it is where a third of Latvian citizens are situated.
Latvia’s beauty is immanent in its extraordinary nature, which is demonstrated through over 12,000 rivers and 2,000 lakes. Just like the rest of Europe, Latvia values historical sites and one of them is the Struve Geodetic Arc and the Historic Center in Riga both are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2004, there was the historic decision of Latvia to join the European Union which highlighted the fit of the country into the continent even more. From that point on, in 2007, Latvia signed up for the Schengen agreement and that was the time when people were allowed to apply for a visa to Latvia, permitting stays for a maximum time of 90 days within 6 6-month time period.
Fun Fact: Latvia’s Towering Women
Here’s an intriguing tidbit about Latvia: Latvian women are renowned as the tallest in the world!
Latvia Entry Requirements
As Latvia is an integral member of the Schengen Area, it follows the common Schengen rules for all travelers. If you are a Schengen Area national, entering Latvia is straightforward – you only need a valid identification document to cross its borders.
However, if you are a non-Schengen national heading to Latvia, you must be prepared to present specific documents to the Latvian border officers upon arrival. These essential documents include:
A Valid Passport or Travel Document
Your passport should have at least three months of validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and should have been issued within the last 10 years.
Visa Requirements
If your nationality falls under the Latvian visa regime, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Latvia.
Travel Health Insurance
Your health insurance must cover health-related expenses in Latvia, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. It should also include provisions for transportation back to your home country in case of severe illness or, in unfortunate circumstances, death.
Border Officer’s Questions
Upon your arrival, the Latvian border officer may inquire about your trip, asking questions such as:
- What is the purpose of your visit to Latvia?
- How long do you intend to stay in Latvia?
- Where will you be staying in Latvia?
One crucial piece of advice: Ensure that the border officer stamps your passport when you enter Latvia. Failing to obtain this stamp could result in fines or detention within Latvia.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Latvia?
If you belong to one of the following categories, you will require a short-stay Schengen visa to enter Latvia, as well as other Schengen member countries:
Passport holders of third-world countries without a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.
Passport holders of third-world countries that have signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states but were previously denied entry into Latvia or any other Schengen country.
Please note that a Schengen Visa to Latvia permits a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days. If your intended stay exceeds this duration, you must apply for a Latvian National Visa.
Documents Required for a Latvia Schengen Visa Application
Applying for a Latvian short-stay visa involves submitting several documents to the Latvian embassy/consulate in your country of residence. These documents are essential to demonstrate your eligibility for entry into Latvia. The required documents include:
Latvian Visa Application Form
Completing the Latvian short-stay visa application form with all required information. Remember to sign it after printing.
Two Identical Photos
Provide two recent photos, no older than three months, adhering to the photo requirements for Latvian Schengen visa applications.
Valid Passport
Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages, is valid for three months beyond your departure date from Latvia and the Schengen Area, and is less than ten years old.
Copies of Previous Visas
Include copies of any previous visas, if applicable.
Latvia Travel Health Insurance
Acquire health insurance valid throughout the Schengen territory, with coverage for healthcare expenses of at least €30,000, including repatriation in case of severe illness or death.
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Provide proof of your travel plans, such as:
Round-trip Flight Itinerary
Bus or Train Tickets
Car Registration, Car Insurance, and Return Travel Tickets for those traveling by car
Proof of Accommodation for the entire duration of your stay, like a hotel reservation
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
Demonstrate that you possess a minimum of €14 per day for your intended stay in Latvia. If your stay exceeds 30 days, you should have at least €430 for the entire period.
A Cover Letter
Compose a personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Latvia, the duration of your stay, and other relevant details.
Proof of Civil Status
Provide documents such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate for children, or a death certificate of a spouse, if applicable.
Additional Requirements Based on Employment Status
Depending on your employment status, you may need to submit additional documents:
If Employed:
- Employment Contract
- Current Bank Statement for the last 6 months
- Leave Permission from the Employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form
Self-employed:
- Copy of Your Business Licence
- Company Bank Statement for the last 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
A Student:
- Proof of Enrollment
- No-objection Certificate from School or University
If Retired:
- Pension Statement for the last 6 months
If Applicable (Proof of Regular Income Generated by Property):
- Proof of Income from Property for the last 6 months
Additional Latvian Visa Requirements for Minors
Minors applying for a short-stay visa to Latvia must fulfill additional requirements by submitting the following documents:
- Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Latvia
- Latvia application form signed by both parents
- Family court order (if only one parent has full custody over the child)
- Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents
If the minor travels with another person:
- Original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page
- Notarized parental authorization to travel to Latvia, signed by both parents/guardians
Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Latvia
The purpose of your visit to Latvia dictates the type of Latvian visa you must apply for. Depending on your specific visa category, additional documents may be required:
For Latvia Airport Transit Visa:
If you’re traveling to another non-Schengen destination country via Latvia, you may need a Latvian Airport Transit Visa. Ensure you have:
- A valid visa (if needed) for the final destination country
- The flight ticket for the final destination
For Latvia Transit Visa:
Travelers disembarking at Latvian harbors for further travel to non-Schengen/EEA countries must apply for a Latvia Transit Visa. Additional documents include:
- A valid visa (if required) for the final destination country
- The ticket for the final destination
- Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book (required only for seafarers)
- Letter from the inviting Shipping Company (required only for seafarers)
- Employment contract with the navigation company/ship (required only for seafarers)
For Latvia Business Visa:
If you plan to attend business meetings, conferences, or work-related events in Latvia, you’ll need a Latvia Business Visa. Include the following:
- Invitation letter from the Latvian company you will visit
- Letter from employers explaining your trip’s purpose, accommodation details, and expense coverage
- Proof of trip financing, indicating who will cover expenses
For Latvia Study Visa:
When attending study courses, training, or internships lasting less than three months, apply for a Schengen Study Visa to Latvia and submit these documents:
- No-objection letter from your educational institution (if applicable)
- Internship agreement (if applicable)
- Certificate of admission or registration at an educational establishment or a cover letter from the inviting company
- Student cards or certificates from your current enrolled establishment
For Latvia Medical Visa:
Traveling to Latvia for medical treatment? Apply for a Latvia Medical Visa and submit:
- A local medical report from a doctor/clinic/hospital in your home country
- A medical attestation from the Latvian hospital or doctor, confirming your appointment and medical situation
- Proof of financial arrangements made
- Correspondence between the sending medical doctor and the receiving medical institution
For Latvia Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Purposes:
If you’re visiting Latvia for cultural, sports, film, or religious events, submit:
- Event information (entry ticket, invitation letter, program details)
- Proof of previous performances, certificates, or rankings (for sports events)
- Additional documentation as specified for film crews
For Latvia Visa for the Spouse of Latvian National:
Married to a Latvian national? Applying for a Latvia Visa for the Spouse of a Latvian National requires:
- Proof of Latvian citizenship
- Latvian marriage certificate
- Latvian family record book
For Latvia Official Visit Visa:
If you’re part of an official delegation representing a government, institution, or organization, apply for a Latvia Official Visit Visa. Include:
- An official invitation copy
- Verbal note from the sending authority confirming your identity, the purpose of the journey, stay duration, and place of stay
- Evidence of the purpose of your journey
How to Apply for a Latvian Short-Stay Visa
The application process for a short-stay visa to Latvia consists of several key steps:
- Determine the type of visa you need to enter Latvia.
- Identify where you should apply for your Latvia visa.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Gather all mandatory Latvia visa requirements.
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the visa appointment at the appropriate Latvian Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
Follow these steps in order, and after the final step, patiently await the processing of your visa.
Where to Apply for a Latvian Short-Stay Visa
When it comes to visa submissions, you may need to apply at one of the following Latvian diplomatic bodies in your country of residence:
- The Latvian Embassy
- A Latvian consulate
- A Visa Application Center (VAC) authorized by Latvia for visa submission
- The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country that handles visa submissions on behalf of Latvia
To be eligible to submit your visa application at the Latvian embassy/consulate, you must either be a citizen of the country from which you are applying or hold a permanent/temporary residence permit in that country.
Additionally, you will qualify to submit your visa application at the Latvian embassy/consulate if one of the following statements applies to your situation:
You will exclusively visit Latvia and no other Schengen country.
While visiting multiple Schengen states, Latvia is your primary destination, which means:
- You will spend more days in Latvia than in other countries.
- You will spend an equal number of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone via Latvia.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Latvian Visa?
The processing time for a Latvia short-stay visa typically takes up to 10 days, as per the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, for nationals of specific countries, the processing time may extend up to 30 days if additional documents are requested.
Latvia Visa Fees
The fees for Latvia short-stay visas, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 6 months, are as follows:
- €80 for adults
- €40 for children under 12 years old
- Free for children under 6 years old
Certain categories of applicants may qualify for reduced fees or be exempt from the visa fee altogether. Consult the official list of Latvia Schengen Visa fees to determine if you fall under any of these categories.
How Long Can You Stay in Latvia Without a Visa?
If you belong to a country without a visa-free agreement with Latvia or other Schengen member states, you must obtain a visa before traveling to Latvia or any other Schengen country.
Conversely, if you are a national of an EU/EEA member state or one of the Latvia visa-exempt countries, you can stay in Latvia for up to 90 days within 180 days. For longer stays, follow these guidelines based on your nationality:
EU/EEA nationals must register with Latvian authorities within three months of arrival.
Nationals of Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of South Korea, or the United States of America must obtain a residence permit within three months of arrival.
Nationals of other Latvia visa-exempt countries must apply for a Latvia National visa for long stays from their country of residence.
Please note the importance of adhering to the 90/180 Schengen Visa rule to avoid overstaying in the Schengen territory.
Can You Extend Your Schengen Visa in Latvia?
Yes, it is possible to extend your Latvian Schengen visa under certain circumstances. If you can provide evidence of force majeure or humanitarian reasons that prevent you from leaving Latvia (and other Schengen Member States) before your visa’s expiry, an extension may be granted free of charge.
For extensions granted for serious personal reasons justifying the extension, a fee of €30 will apply at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, including its territorial departments. To understand the circumstances and conditions under which you can extend your Latvian Schengen Visa, read our guide on How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Latvia.
Can Your Latvian Schengen Visa Be Revoked?
Yes, your Latvia visa can be revoked if the competent Latvian authorities determine that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met. Keep in mind that failing to provide the required entry documents to the border officer may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.
In the event of visa revocation, you have 30 days to submit a written and signed appeal to the diplomatic or consular mission of Latvia responsible for annulling or revoking the visa.
Now that you’re well-informed about the Latvia Visa Requirements and Application Guidelines, you can confidently plan your trip to this beautiful Baltic nation. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or other purposes, Latvia welcomes you to explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.
Enjoy your journey to Latvia, a land where tradition meets modernity, and natural beauty captivates the soul. Safe travels!
