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Latvia flag Get your Latvia visa

Find the right Latvia visa for your trip. Apply online with iVisa and skip the hassle.

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Our Latvia visa application process

How to apply for your Latvia visa with iVisa

1

Complete your online application

Answer a few simple questions, upload documents, see when you’ll get your Schengen Visa, and pay using secure methods. You can save your progress and come back anytime. Most people finish in under 10 minutes.

The Latvia Schengen Visa is our most popular travel document for this destination. We’ll guide you through any unclear questions during the application process.

2

We review your application

The Latvia Schengen Visa system is known for being tricky – your photo must be the right size, and your passport scan must be clear.

Don’t worry; we will review your application to see if anything might cause delays. One of our experts checks everything for errors or missing information to make sure it’s ready to go. This review is quick but thorough.

3

We submit it for government processing

We’re not the government, but we submit your application to them and are here for you along the way if there are any problems.

4

Get your Latvia Schengen Visa

We’ll email your approved Schengen Visa and let you know how to use it for your trip.

💡Pro-tip: When filling out your Latvia Schengen Visa, double-check your hotel or host address - it must be complete, detailed, and accurate to avoid delays.

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Visa types needed for Latvia

  • Latvia Schengen Visa
  • Latvia ETA
  • ETIAS for Latvia (coming soon)*
  • Latvia Long-Stay National Visa (D Visa)*
  • Latvia Residence Permit*
  • Latvia Transit Visa*

Latvia Schengen Visa

The Latvia Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows eligible non-EU nationals to travel to Latvia and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family, or transit.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

🛂 Passport: Issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after the planned exit from the Schengen Area, and with at least 2 blank pages

📸 Photos: Recent biometric passport photos

🗺️ Travel itinerary: Planned dates of travel and purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting family, transit)

✈️ Proof of onward/return travel: Confirmed or reserved return flight ticket

🏨 Proof of accommodation: Reservation or invitation letter with address

💰 Proof of sufficient financial means: Recent bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letter

🏠 Proof of ties to country of residence: Employment letter, student enrollment, business registration, or proof of residence

🩺 Travel medical insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000 in all Schengen countries

Latvia ETA

This document is meant for travelers who need authorization to visit Latvia for tourism, business, or short-term visits. Instead of applying for a traditional visa, eligible travelers can apply for this simple electronic travel authorization.

Your Latvia ETA allows a single entry stay of up to 30 days. It must be obtained before traveling and is linked electronically to your passport.

Required Documents

  • 🛂 Your passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Latvia.
  • 🤳 A passport photo: Follow our step-by-step guidance to upload or take your own photo.

ETIAS for Latvia (coming soon)*

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorization that will be required for visa-exempt travelers entering Latvia and the Schengen Area.

  • Who needs it: Travelers from visa-free countries (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Australia)

  • Purpose: Tourism, business, transit, or short stays

  • Stay limit: 90 days within a 180-day period

*ETIAS is not yet in force. Once implemented, it will be mandatory to have a valid ETIAS to enter Latvia for visa-exempt travelers.

Latvia Long-Stay National Visa (D Visa)*

The Latvia National Visa (D Visa) is for travelers who plan to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days. It is often issued for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification.

This visa typically allows a continuous stay of up to one year and may be extended or used as a pathway to a residence permit. Applicants must provide proof of purpose, such as an employment contract or university acceptance letter.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Latvia Residence Permit*

A residence permit is required for those who want to live in Latvia long term. It may be granted for work, study, business investment, or family reasons.

A residence permit allows stays longer than one year, with the option to renew. It also provides access to Schengen travel during the validity period. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements and provide supporting documentation such as proof of income and accommodation.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

Latvia Transit Visa*

The Transit Visa is for travelers passing through Latvia to a non-Schengen country. It is required if you are a citizen of a country that needs a Schengen visa to transit through the Schengen Area.

It allows a short stay of up to 5 days in Latvia while in transit. Applicants must show proof of onward travel and a valid visa for the final destination country.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*
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Latvia visa policy

Latvia follows the Schengen Area visa policy, which regulates short-term entry for non-EU nationals. Travelers from visa-required countries must obtain a Schengen Visa (Type C) before arrival for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.

To strengthen border security while maintaining visa-free travel, Latvia will participate in the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) once it becomes operational in 2026. ETIAS will apply to visa-exempt travelers and will require them to have an online travel authorization before entering Latvia or any other Schengen country. The authorization will be valid for multiple entries over several years and will allow short stays under the same 90/180-day rule, but it does not replace a visa or permit long-term residence or employment.

For stays exceeding 90 days, Latvia requires foreign nationals to apply for a national visa (Type D) or a residence permit, depending on the purpose and length of stay. These applications must generally be submitted in advance through a Latvian embassy or consulate, and approval is required before entering Latvia for long-term purposes.

Latvia visa prices

Latvia Schengen Visa

From $399.99

Valid for 3 months after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 90 days per entry

Latvia ETA

From $74.99

Valid for 1 month after issued
Single entry
Stay up to 30 days per entry

Fast facts

iVisa approval rate:

97.4%

Main reason for denials:

Unclear passport or photo scans

Average time it takes to apply:

10 mins

Why choose iVisa?

Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reduces errors, and gives you peace of mind

Applying by yourself
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Simple, easy forms
24x7 support from visa experts
Error detection to prevent rejections
World's easiest passport scan
Multiple payment methods

1.4M happy customers

24/7support

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67,000+ reviews

10 years of experience

98%  visa approval rate

Certified customer reviews

Travelers to Latvia rated this product a 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 reviews.
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Ariel A.
December 7, 2024
"I was hesitant at first but after reading positive reviews of ivisa, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did!! The process was well explained, and I didn’t run into any unexpected issues"

FAQs

With a Latvia-issued Schengen Visa, you can stay up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This includes all time spent in Latvia and other Schengen countries combined. The 180-day period is calculated backward from each day you are in the Schengen Area, so careful tracking is key to avoid overstaying.
For short visits such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, or transit, you need a Schengen Visa (Type C). For longer stays like work, study, or relocation, a national visa (Type D) or residence permit is required. Each visa type has specific documents and processing requirements, so make sure to pick the one that matches your purpose of travel.
If you are from a visa-exempt country (like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia), starting in 2026, you will need ETIAS. ETIAS is an online travel authorization, not a visa. It confirms your eligibility to enter Latvia and other Schengen countries for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS is valid for multiple trips over several years and is applied for online before departure.
No. Schengen Visas are only for short-term travel such as tourism, business, or family visits. To work, study, or live long-term in Latvia, you need a national visa (Type D) or an appropriate residence permit. These require additional documentation like employment contracts, proof of enrollment, or financial means.
Yes. A valid Schengen Visa issued by Latvia allows you to travel throughout the Schengen Area, as long as your total stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. This makes it easy to combine Latvia with visits to nearby countries like Estonia, Lithuania, or Germany.
After submission, our legal partner reviews your application for accuracy and completeness, including passport scans, photos, accommodation details, and supporting documents. Once approved by authorities, you’ll receive an email with your visa or instructions for collection so you can travel with confidence.
The rule means that at any given day, your total days spent in the Schengen Area over the previous 180 days cannot exceed 90. Exiting the Schengen Area does not reset this count. For example:
  • Enter Latvia on January 1, stay 30 days → 30 used, 60 left
  • Return on March 1, stay 40 days → 70 days used in the last 180 days, 20 remaining Tracking your days carefully prevents overstaying and potential fines or entry refusal.
A Schengen Visa (Type C) is required for travelers from visa-required countries and allows stays up to 90 days. ETIAS is for travelers from visa-exempt countries and is an online pre-travel authorization, not a visa. It permits short visits but does not allow work, study, or long-term residence. ETIAS is faster and easier to obtain, but it does not replace a Schengen Visa for those who need one.

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