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Your Essential Guide to Latvia Visas

Planning a trip to Latvia? Whether you’re drawn to the impressive architecture of Riga, the peaceful Latvian countryside, or have business to attend to, knowing about the visa requirements is key to your trip abroad.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a Latvia visa, including exciting options like the Latvia digital nomad visa!

Do I need a visa to go to Latvia?

If you’re considering a visit to Latvia, the first question you might have is whether or not you need a visa. Latvia is part of the Schengen area, so visa requirements depend on your nationality, length, and purpose of your visit.

If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (India or China, for example), you will need a visa to travel to Latvia.

Do US citizens need a visa for Latvia?

It depends. If you plan to visit Latvia for tourism or business for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period), you don’t need a visa.

If you’re a US citizen planning to spend more than 90 days in Latvia, or you are going to work there or study, you will need to apply for a Latvia (Schengen) visa.

Who doesn’t need a visa to go to Latvia?

Citizens from EU/EEA and Schengen countries, as well as several other nations, can enter Latvia without a visa for short stays.

Always check the latest guidelines to confirm your eligibility. Citizens from Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, and other countries with a visa-waiver agreement do not need visas for short stays in Latvia.

How to apply for a Latvia visa

If you need a Latvia visa, applying is fairly straightforward and involves a few steps.

Understand which type of Latvia visa you need.
Gather the required documents for your specific visa application.
Schedule and attend your in-person visa appointment at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence.
Submit your visa application for processing and decision-making.

Can I apply for a Latvia visa online?

Currently, no, the Latvia visa application can’t be completed entirely online. However, you can find the application form and schedule an appointment at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate.

In the coming years, there will be an online option available for Latvian visa applications! An official platform called EU VAP is currently in the works, but it isn’t ready just quite yet.

Is a Latvia visa difficult to get?

The process is generally straightforward. When it comes to whether or not you’ll be approved, there are a lot of factors at play. Approval is based on:

The completion of your application (whether or not all of the required documents have been submitted)
If you meet the minimum requirements (having compliant travel insurance, your ability to provide proof of funds, etc.)
Your country of nationality
Which visa you’re applying for
More…

Latvia visa rejection rates

In 2024, the Latvia visa rejection rate was 10.9% globally. Keep in mind that rejection rates vary based on nationality, visa type, and more.

Looking at rejection rates isn't a reliable indicator as to whether or not your visa application will be approved.

What is the processing time for a Latvia visa?

Processing times can vary, but it typically takes about 10-15 calendar days for a decision to be made about your Schengen visa for Latvia.

If you're applying for a long-stay visa, processing times vary.

Latvia visa application requirements

When preparing your application, it’s essential to know what will be required of you so you can meet the minimum requirements. With Latvian visas, there are a variety of different types to choose from, depending on the purpose of your trip. There are specialty visas for professionals, students, and more.

Each visa type will have essential documents required. Then, on top of the basic documents, they may require more specific ones that directly pertain to the type of visa you’re applying for. Let’s see what some of those are.

Which documents are required when applying for a Latvia visa?

The essential documents that are typically required for any Latvia visa application are:

A completed Schengen visa application form
A valid passport
Recent passport-sized photographs that meet Schengen requirements
Travel insurance covering your entire stay
Proof of accommodation in Latvia
Evidence of sufficient funds to support you during your stay in Latvia

Specific requirements based on common Latvia visa types:

Latvia short-stay visas (Type C)

For short stays, visitors typically need proof of purpose, accommodation, and funds. These stays are intended for leisure, business, or visiting. If you’re planning to apply for a short-stay work or study visa, you’ll likely be required to show additional proof, such as work contracts or proof of enrollment into a Latvian educational institution.

Latvia long-stay visas (Type D)

Latvia long-stay visas, sometimes called national visas, often require supplementary documentation (in addition to the list above). When applying for your long-stay visa for Latvia, your visa processing center or consulate will provide you with a list of the required documents.

Does Latvia have a digital nomad visa?

Yes! If you’re a remote worker, you may qualify to work remotely for your company in Latvia. A Latvian digital nomad visa, referred to as a long-stay visa for remote work, has all of the standard document requirements, as well as a few specific ones to ensure you will be able to work remotely and sustain yourself during your time abroad.

In addition to the standard documents, you’ll need:

Proof that your business is registered in an OECD country (these are countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). This applies whether you are the employee of a business, the owner, or a freelancer.
An employment contract that is at least 6 months old (from an OECD country)
Proof that you’re eligible for fully remote work, anywhere
Proof of income that is at least 2.5 times the current Latvian minimum wage.

The Latvian digital nomad visa is valid for one year.

Is there an interview when applying for a Latvia visa?

Yes, this is your visa application appointment. In order to obtain a Latvia visa, you must submit your application in person at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence.

This interview will be directly related to the purpose of your trip and the documents you’ve collected for your visa application.

At the appointment, providing you have all of the necessary documents, your biometrics will be taken (fingerprints) and your visa application will be submitted to the consulate or embassy for processing.

Latvian Schengen visa costs

Latvia Schengen visas are 90 euros per adult, 45 euros per child between the ages of 6 and 12, and free for children under 6. Long-stay (or national) Latvia visas can vary in pricing, so always check with your visa processing center or consulate.

Do I need to apply for ETIAS if I have a Latvian visa?

If you hold a valid Latvia or Schengen visa or are a citizen of a Schengen member country, you do not need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for entry.

Who needs ETIAS to visit Latvia?

ETIAS, from 2026 on, is required for travelers from visa-exempt countries planning to stay in the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days). These countries include the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, and others.

Learn more about ETIAS for Latvia in our Latvia ETIAS Guide!