Do you expect to visit Latvia as a tourist or a guest? You have to be familiar with visa requirements and applications, to have a problem-free trip. This guide takes you to all you need to know about getting a Latvian tourist/visitor visa including the documents and other requirements. From application criteria to documentation, we’ve got you fully it.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Latvia as a Tourist/Visitor?
As a member of the Schengen area, Latvia gives passport-free access to its territory for tourism purposes to citizens of 62 countries. Nevertheless, from the year of 2024, nationals of these areas should be registered for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before passing through Latvia. By simplifying this process, most travelers now can walk through without hassle.
On the flip side, if you hail from one of the following countries, you will need a tourist/visitor short-stay visa to enter Latvia for a maximum duration of 90 days within six months:
List of Countries Requiring a Tourist/Visitor Visa for Latvia
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Angola
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burma/Myanmar
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Comoros
- Congo
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Dem. Rep. Of Congo
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Northern Marianas
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Authority
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome And Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Türkiye (Turkey)
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Requirements for Applying for a Tourist/Visitor Visa to Latvia
The acquisition of a Latvian tourist/visitor visa required submitting a set of mandatory papers. A prerequisite here is to make sure that all forms of the documentation have been met. Here’s what you’ll need:
Visa Application Form
Firstly take a bunch of your spare time and work on making a perfect and carefully filled-in visa application form. Make sure all information is exactly as it needs to be, and don’t forget to sign it at the end.
Recent Photos
Include two recent passport-sized photos that were taken no more than three months ago. Users should ensure that they comply with the Schengen visa criteria for the photo.
Valid Passport
To apply for a Schengen Area visa, it is advised that the applicant’s passport should have at least one valid year (maximum 10 years old) and should have a validity of at least three months after the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area. It can additionally be equipped with at least two blank pages for gluing the visa stickers.
Round Trip Reservation or Itinerary
Prepare a document that outlines your travel plans, including dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the Schengen area. If you’re unsure how to obtain a flight reservation for your tourist visa application, seek assistance.
Travel Health Insurance
Demonstrate that you have acquired travel health insurance covering medical emergencies with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for the entire duration of your stay in Latvia. You can conveniently purchase a Latvian insurance policy online through Europ Assistance, which is widely accepted by Latvian embassies and consulates worldwide.
Proof of Accommodation
- Provide evidence of your accommodation arrangements during your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be in the form of:
- Hotel/hostel booking, including complete contact details.
- Rent agreement if you have rented a place in Latvia.
- A letter from the tour organizer if you are traveling with a tour agency.
Financial Proof
- Demonstrate that you possess sufficient financial resources to support yourself throughout your stay in the Schengen Area. This can be achieved through:
- Bank account statements.
- A sponsorship letter if someone else is financially supporting your trip, often referred to as an Affidavit of Support.
- A combination of both.
Proof of Invitation
- If you have a relative or friend residing in Latvia who has invited you to visit, you’ll need:
- An invitation letter from your Latvian host, including a copy of their passport and/or residence permit for Latvia.
- Proof of your relationship with the host residing in Latvia.
Proof of Civil Status
- Depending on your situation, provide relevant documents such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, or the death certificate of a spouse.
Evidence of Employment or Student Status
If you are employed, include:
- Your employment contract.
- A leave permission letter from your employer.
- Income Tax Return.
- For self-employed individuals:
- A copy of your business license.
- Bank statements for the past six months.
- Income Tax Return (ITR).
- If you are a student, you’ll need:
- Proof of enrollment.
- A No Objection Letter from your university.
Travel Itinerary
Provide a detailed description of your trip to Europe, including the purpose of your visit, the places you plan to explore, your travel timeline, and all relevant personal information.
For Minors
- If you are traveling with minors, you may need to provide additional documents, including:
- Birth certificates or proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced.
- A letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, along with their passport copies.
It’s important to note that Latvian authorities strictly adhere to visa issuance rules and requirements. Therefore, ensure that you have all the necessary documents in order before submitting your application. If you have any doubts or questions, consider reaching out to the embassy or visa application center for clarification.
How Much Money Do I Need to Apply for a Latvian Tourist/Visitor Visa?
Latvian embassies and consulates typically require applicants to provide evidence of a minimum of EUR 14 per day of their stay in Latvia when applying for a Tourist/Visitor visa. This financial requirement ensures that travelers have sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their visit.
Please keep in mind that currency exchange rates may fluctuate, so it’s advisable to check the latest rates before preparing your financial documents.
How to Apply for the Latvia Tourist/Visitor Visa?
Applying for a Latvian tourist/visitor visa involves several steps to ensure a successful application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Apply Early
Submit your visa application at least three weeks before your planned travel date. Bear in mind that appointment waiting times at Latvian embassies can be lengthy, often spanning weeks or even months.
Locate the Nearest Latvian Embassy/Consulate
Find the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate to your location and schedule an appointment. If there is no Latvian diplomatic mission in your country, explore options in neighboring countries responsible for processing Schengen visa applications for Latvia. In some cases, other Schengen countries may accept visa submissions on Latvia’s behalf.
Fill Out the Application Form
Completing the visa application form is a crucial step. Depending on your location, you may have the option to fill out the form online or by hand. Regardless of the method, ensure that you submit two signed copies of your application.
Pay the Visa Fee
The embassy, consulate, or visa application center will provide instructions on how to pay the visa fee. Payment methods may include online transactions or bank transfers. Be sure to retain the payment confirmation and attach it to your application package.
Prepare for the Visa Interview
To increase your chances of a successful application, research common questions asked during Latvian tourist visa interviews. Thorough preparation will help you confidently respond to the visa officer’s inquiries.
Verify Your Documents
Before submitting your application, double-check that you have all the required documents in order. Ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Submit Your Application
On the day of your visa appointment, submit your application. Arrive on time, neither too early nor too late.
Processing Time for the Latvian Tourist/Visitor Visa
The processing time for a Latvian tourist/visitor visa varies based on the specific embassy or consulate and their workload at the time. Typically, the waiting period for such a visa worldwide is around two weeks. However, it’s essential to apply as early as possible, as processing times may extend to 30 or even 60 calendar days in certain circumstances, depending on various factors.
When Should I Apply for the Latvian Tourist/Visitor Visa?
Applying for your Latvian tourist/visitor visa early is advisable. According to recent changes in Schengen visa rules, you can now submit your application up to six months before your intended travel date. This extended timeframe offers greater flexibility in planning your trip.
Latvian Tourist/Visitor Visa Fee
As of May 2023, the Latvian tourist/visitor visa fee for adults is €80, while children aged 6-12 are required to pay €40. Nationals of countries with visa-facilitation agreements with the European Union (EU) may have a reduced fee of €35. It’s important to note that visa fees are subject to change at any time, and in the event of a visa application rejection, the fee is non-refundable.
Duration of Stay in Latvia With a Tourist/Visitor Visa
With a Latvian tourist/visitor visa, you can stay in Latvia for a maximum of 90 days within six months. The specific validity of your visa is determined by the embassy that issues it. You can find detailed information about your authorized stay in the Schengen Area on the visa sticker affixed to your passport.
For further insights on how to interpret the information on a visa sticker, refer to our guide on understanding visa stickers.
In conclusion, planning a trip to Latvia means embarking on an exciting adventure. However, it’s crucial to understand and complete the necessary visa requirements and application procedures to ensure a successful visit. This guide has provided all the details you need to apply for a tourist or visitor visa to Latvia, from eligibility to application steps. Follow this information closely for a smooth journey and explore Latvia’s rich culture and beautiful landscapes. If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate.
