Your Essential Guide to Latvia Visas

Planning a trip to Latvia? Whether you’re drawn to the stunning architecture of Riga, the serene landscapes of the 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 do I 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 decision-making.

Can I apply for a Latvia visa online?

No. Unfortunately, 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 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…

What is the rejection rate for Latvia visas?

In 2023, the Latvia visa rejection rate was 11.68% globally. Keep in mind that rejection rates vary based on nationality, visa type, and more. While the majority of Latvia visas are approved (globally), it’s never a guarantee.

What is the processing time for a Latvia visa?

Processing times can vary, but it typically takes about 10-15 calendar days, but can take more depending on factors such as the type of visa you’re applying for.

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 Latvia 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 and Cooperation and Development). This applies whether you are the employee of a business or you are 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 Latvia 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 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.

How much does a Latvia visa cost?

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 Latvia 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 2025 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.

Is Latvia part of the Schengen zone?

Yes, Latvia is a member of the Schengen zone, allowing for seamless travel across many European countries without the need to cross border control or secure additional visas.

Does my Latvia visa allow me to travel through the Schengen zone?

Usually, yes! A valid Latvia visa typically enables you to travel freely within the Schengen area for the duration of your visa. Explore nearby countries like Lithuania and Estonia, or travel westward to destinations like Italy, Spain, or France!

It is worth noting that in some cases, your Schengen visa may have travel limitations.

Can I go anywhere in Europe with a Latvia visa?

Not inherently. Your Latvia visa allows you to travel freely through Schengen area countries only.

Latvia Visas: Key Takeaways

• There are a variety of types of visas for Latvia.
• Each visa type has specific document requirements.
• Latvia is part of the Schengen zone.
• To apply, you must have Schengen-compliant travel insurance, and proof of it at the time of your appointment (in most cases).
• Some visas allow you to work on Latvian soil, others do not.
• Latvia offers a digital nomad visa (remote worker visa) for nationals from some countries.
• Processing times vary for Latvia Schengen visas but are typically around 15 business days.
• Latvia Schengen visas cost 90 euros per adult, 45 euros per child (ages 6-12), and are free for children under the age of 6. Long-stay visas vary in cost.
• To apply, in most cases, you must have proof of sufficient funds, a flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
• You must apply for a Latvia visa in person at a visa center or consulate in your country of residence.
• In the coming years, you will be able to apply for a Latvia visa online with the EU VAP.
• From 2025 onward, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Latvia, if they do not hold a valid Latvian visa.