Do I need ETIAS if I have a Latvia visa?

No, you don’t need ETIAS if you hold a valid Latvia visa (Schengen visa). Travelers need either a Schengen visa OR ETIAS.

What happens if my ETIAS for Latvia is denied?

If your Latvia ETIAS is refused for any reason, you will receive an email letting you know. In the email, you will also receive instructions on how to appeal the decision. Once ETIAS is in full effect, you won't be able to travel to Latvia without approval.

How long is ETIAS for Latvia valid for?

ETIAS is valid for three years, or until your passport expires. This means, the next time you want to travel, you won't need to get approved again whilst its still valid. Do note though, if you need to renew your passport or get a new one, you will need to reapply, even if the three year period hasn't expired.

Can you travel to other European countries with ETIAS for Latvia?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry.

Do I need ETIAS for Latvia?

Yes, once launched, ETIAS approval will be required in order to travel to Latvia. EU citizens, Schengen country citizens, and valid Schengen visa holders are exempt.

When do I need ETIAS for Latvia?

ETIAS is expected to launch at the end of 2026, in which case it will be mandatory for traveling to Latvia from then on.

Heading to Latvia? You Might Need ETIAS in 2026

Millions of people travel to Latvia every year.

It's famous for many things: sandy beaches, art nouveau architecture, and a perfected beer brewing process. It's really easy to see why Latvia, especially Riga, is such a hidden gem.

If you’re planning a trip to Latvia, it’s really important to understand what the travel requirements are for your upcoming visit.

Global travel seems to continue to change and evolve, which can make it feel confusing to know what is needed and what isn’t. We’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming travels to Riga, Daugavpils, or wherever it is you’re headed to in Latvia.

Do I need ETIAS to visit Latvia?

Yes, from 2026 on, you will need ETIAS to visit Latvia if you are from a visa-exempt country (this includes US citizens).

ETIAS isn't the same thing as a visa. Many travelers need a visa to go to Latvia, but some don't. Whether or not you do is based mostly on your nationality.

If you're a US or UK citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to Latvia.

However, with the introduction of ETIAS, these travelers (the ones who don't need a visa) will need to apply for travel authorization before visiting.

Chart of who will need ETIAS to travel to Europe in 2026.

It’s important not to confuse ETIAS approval with a visa. ETIAS is a travel authorization that essentially permits you to enter the Schengen area.

ETIAS doesn't allow you to work, study, or stay in Latvia for longer than 90 days. If this is the case for you, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. Learn more about what you might need in our Latvia visa guide.

If you are a citizen of a Schengen member country or hold a valid Schengen visa, you do not need to apply for ETIAS to visit Latvia. Additionally, if you’re a citizen of a country that does not have a visa-waiver agreement (this includes India, China, Russia, and others), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Instead, you need to apply for a visa.

a bird’s eye view of a town in Latvia – a bridge is over the water and it’s a hazy, orange sunrise.

How to apply for ETIAS for Latvia

The application process is very straightforward and it was designed to just take a few minutes, solely online. You'll need:

Your travel details/info
Your passport number
A debit/credit card

Step one. Fill out the form on ETIAS with your travel details, name, nationality, and passport number.
Step two. Answer questions related to your personal background, such as your highest level of education and your occupation. You can learn more here.
Step four. Pay the ETIAS application fee (expect to pay 20 euros with your debit or credit card per person).
Step five. Submit your form and wait for approval. In most cases, approval takes only a couple of minutes. In some cases, approval can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
Step six. Your approved ETIAS will be automatically, digitally linked to your passport. When you pass through border control, authorities will be able to see that you have been permitted to enter the Schengen area when your passport is scanned. With that being said, it never hurts to have a paper copy, just in case.

Sources & references

Internal Expertise & Review: For more than 15 years, our team of dedicated experts has been helping travelers feel more confident on their journeys abroad. We're committed to producing and sharing high-quality information that is up-to-date and easy to understand.

ETIAS:

What is ETIAS? : The European Travel Information and Authorisation System from the European Union
About ETIAS : ETIAS as a way to mitigate migration risks and enhance security of the zone

Written by:: Sarah Pardi - Staff Travel Advisor

Fact-check and reviewed by:: Clément Goubon

Last updated:: 19 March 2026

Learn more about our editorial standards and review process in our Editorial Policy.