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How to Apply: Schengen Visa
Complete our user-friendly online application in just 20 minutes, or feel free to take breaks and return at your convenience.
Move closer to an approved visa with our team of iVisa Experts, who not only review your answers but also provide you with the necessary tools to prepare.
Make use of our feedback and free templates to confidently submit accurate information, and experience a surprisingly stress-free process!
Once government-approved, your visa will be ready for collection, marking the start of your travels.
How to Apply: Embassy Registration
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur
Why Register with the Embassy
Required Information to Apply
Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:
- your contact details change,
- your civil status changes,
- you are going back to your home country.
Learn More: Schengen Visa
Apply today for the Latvia Schengen Visa with us!
Last updated: October 2023
Welcome to the lowdown on the Latvia Schengen Visa – your passport to exploring the stunning Baltic gem, Latvia! Whether you're a culture enthusiast or nature lover, the Latvia Schengen Visa is your golden ticket to this enchanting European destination.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Latvia Schengen Visa, from the application process to visa fees and processing times. Also, download the handy iVisa app to apply from anywhere, anytime!
What is the Latvia Schengen Visa?
The Latvia Schengen Visa is a travel document that lets you explore 27 Schengen countries, including Latvia, without needing separate visas.
To be eligible, Latvia should be the first country you enter in the Schengen Zone.
The Schengen countries that you can visit with this visa are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
What can I do with the Latvia Schengen Visa?
With this visa, you’re allowed to:
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Visit Latvia and other Schengen countries for tourism and visiting family and friends.
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Take part in business meetings, conferences, or other business activities.
What can I not do with the Latvia Schengen Visa?
Keep in mind that you cannot:
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Get a job in Latvia.
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Live in Latvia.
Who can apply for the Latvia Schengen Visa?
The majority of travelers from outside Europe and the Schengen Zone are typically required to apply for a Latvian Schengen Visa and undergo an interview prior to departure.
Do children and minors need a Schengen Visa to visit Latvia?
Yes, children from eligible countries must also apply for a Schengen Visa to visit Latvia and the rest of the Schengen Area.
Who does not need a Schengen Visa for Latvia?
Residents of the European Union and Schengen countries enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. Additionally, the following nationals can visit Latvia without a visa:
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United States
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United Kingdom
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Australia
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New Zealand
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Canada
Please note that nationals from the above countries may soon need an ETIAS to visit Latvia. This simple registration is similar to the U.S. ESTA form.
How long is the Latvia Schengen Visa valid?
You've got 90 days Per Entry to explore the Schengen Zone within a 180-day period with this visa. During this time, you can travel through any Schengen country you like, as long as your total stay doesn't exceed 90 days (does not have to be continuous).
Please note: Although iVisa can assist you in applying for a multiple-entry Latvia visa, the final call on whether you score a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa lies with the Latvian authorities. The validity of the Multiple Entry visa can range from 1 to 5 years!
If you want to work or live in the country, the Latvian government website is your go-to source for further details.
Can I extend my Latvia Schengen Visa?
Extending a Latvia Schengen Visa can be challenging, as they are typically only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies or force majeure situations.
Additionally, you must provide extensive documentation to support your extension request. Request an extension at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs of the Ministry of the Interior.
Latvia Schengen Visa requirements and documents
When you start the Latvian Visa application process with us, all you need initially is a copy of your passport. You will receive a comprehensive email listing the remaining documents required for the application.
These typically include:
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The Schengen Visa application form: We'll handle the form for you, generated from the information you've provided during the online process. All you need to do is verify and sign it, and bring it to your interview appointment.
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Two recent photographs: If you don't have any, take advantage of our convenient [digital photo service] (/photos/order) from the comfort of your home.
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Valid passport: Ensure it has a minimum of 6 months validity upon arrival in Latvia and at least two blank pages for visa stickers and entry stamps.
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Travel itinerary: This involves a copy of your return ticket and any confirmed tours.
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Proof of accommodation: You'll need a hotel confirmation or a letter from relatives in Latvia to confirm your place of stay.
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Financial statements: Bank statements or salary slips should demonstrate your ability to cover the entire trip within the Schengen Zone.
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Biometrics: If you haven't registered your fingerprints in the past 59 months, you must provide your biometric data during your appointment.
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Medical/travel insurance: Ensure it has a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical treatment and repatriation within the entire Schengen Zone.
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Additional documentation for children: When applying on behalf of a child or a minor, you must also provide their birth certificates and parental consent.
How to apply for the Latvia Schengen visa online with us
Getting your Latvia Schengen Visa application started is a breeze. Just follow these three straightforward steps:
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Step 1: Fill out your travel and personal details on our user-friendly online platform or app. Be sure to double-check all your information to avoid any errors.
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Step 2: Make the secure online payment for the visa fees using a debit or credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.
After the payment, you'll receive a comprehensive document checklist, step-by-step instructions, and valuable tips for your interview, by email.
- Step 3: Gather the necessary documents, attend the mandatory visa interview, and await the approval!
The visa will be placed in your passport once approved. This may require visiting the visa application center to pick it up, or a courier service.
Latvia Schengen Visa application costs and processing time
iVisa currently offers one processing option for Latvian Schengen Visas:
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Standard processing: Our review and processing takes up to 30 days and costs USD $224.99, excluding government visa fees.
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The government fee of about USD $0.00 can be paid conveniently online together with our processing fee (half-price for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for kids under 6 years old). Some exemptions apply.
Do I need the Latvia Schengen Visa if I’m transiting through the country?
If you are transiting at the airport in Latvia on your way to a non-Schengen country, you may need an Airport Transit Visa instead.
To check if you qualify for this particular transit visa, contact your nearest Latvia Embassy.
Benefits of getting your Latvia Schengen Visa with iVisa
Latvia entry requirements and restrictions
COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine is not required to enter Latvia or the rest of the Schengen Zone at the moment.
Where can I learn more about the Latvia Schengen Visa?
We're here to guide you through the Latvia Schengen Visa application process.
Our dedicated online team of customer service agents is available to answer any question you may have via online chat or by email at [email protected].
Required Documents to Apply
- Passport scan.
Important Instructions
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The Latvia Schengen visa is a short-stay visa (visa type C) allowing you to either visit or transit through the Schengen countries.
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Depending on the purpose of visit it may be issued for one, two or multiple entries. The embassy or consulate makes this decision.
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This visa is valid for 5 years, with a maximum stay of 90 days within a 6-month period. We recommend applying 15 days to 6 months before your trip.
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Allowed activities include; Tourism, business, and visiting friends and family.
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Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your arrival date and have 2 blank pages.
Latvia Schengen Visa fees include:
- Short-term visa fee: €80 / $86.
- Citizens from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Cape Verde, Russia, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine: €35 / $38.
- Citizens of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine asking for an urgent Schengen Visa: €70 / $76.
- Visa fee for 6 to 12 year olds: €40 / $43.
- Appointment fee: €15.90 - €30 / $17 - $32, depending on the Visa Application Centre you selected.
Fee exemptions: Children under 6, students, scholars, teachers, researchers, non-profit event participants under 25 years old, and family members of EU citizens or citizens of an EFTA member state.
- Your visa government fee will be paid in person at the embassy or consulate you select.
Apply online for the Latvia Schengen Visa with iVisa! for a 100% government-compliant application.
Questions?
What are iVisa's accreditations and recognitions?
When should I apply for the Latvia Schengen Visa?
How long does it take to apply for the Latvia Schengen Visa form?
What documents do I need to bring to the Latvia Schengen Visa appointment?
- Your online application form. Completed, printed, and signed.
- Your receipt confirming the fee payment. This is emailed to you by one of our agents.
- Two color photos not older than 6 months. Follow the Schengen standards to make sure they are 100% government-compliant.
- Fingerprints. Consider your Schengen Visa applications in the past 11 years. (except for children under 12).
- Passport valid for 3 months after visa expiry with 2 blank pages.
- Proof of your financial capability. Stamped/signed bank statements from the past 3 months that prove you have at least EUR14 for each day you plan to stay in Latvia if your stay is less than 30 days. This doesn't apply to kids traveling with grown-up family members.
- Accommodation confirmation and contact information.
- Proof of return to your country, such as return or round-trip tickets.
- If a minor, you'll need parental consent.
- If visiting friends or family, a confirmed invitation letter with their ID or residence permit copy.
- If a student, a recent, signed, and dated, letter from the institution specifying your enrollment.
- If traveling for business, a confirmed invitation letter from the Latvian institution explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Detailed travel itinerary. Download our free template
- For medical travel, a certificate from the institution confirming treatment availability and financial capability.
- Health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 in the Schengen area.
Can I travel to all the Schengen countries with the Latvia Schengen Visa?
Can I get the Latvian Schengen Visa for free?
How long is the Latvia Schengen Visa valid for?
Are there any COVID-19 requirements to enter Latvia?
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Where can I read more?
- Latvia ETIAS for Citizens of New Zealand
- Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Malaysia
- Which COVID-19 vaccines are approved for travel for Latvia (July 2023)
- Latvia Vaccination Passport
- Latvia COVID Restrictions: Check Requirements
- Can I Travel to Latvia COVID 19?
- Latvia Vaccination Requirements
- Kā saņemt Latvijas digitālo Covid-19 sertifikātu
- Latvia digital COVID certificate
- Latvia ETIAS for Citizens of Solomon Islands
- See All
- iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en