How to apply for a Latvia Schengen visa

How to apply for a Latvia Schengen Visa

Last updated: April 2024

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.

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:

• Visit Latvia and other Schengen countries for tourism and visiting family and friends.

• 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:

• Get a job in Latvia.

• 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 before 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:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Australia

• New Zealand

• 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 180 days 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 (it does not have to be continuous).

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

To apply for a Schengen Visa you will need:

• The Schengen Visa application form

• Two recent photographs

• 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.

• Travel itinerary: This involves a copy of your return ticket and any confirmed tours.

• Proof of accommodation: You'll need a hotel confirmation or a letter from relatives in Latvia to confirm your place of stay.

• Financial statements: Bank statements or salary slips should demonstrate your ability to cover the entire trip within the Schengen Zone.

• Biometrics: If you haven't registered your fingerprints in the past 59 months, you must provide your biometric data during your appointment.

• Medical/travel insurance: Ensure it has a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical treatment and repatriation within the entire Schengen Zone.

• Additional documentation for children: When applying for 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

The general steps to apply are:

1. Choose the Schengen visa type based on your travel purpose.
2. Fill out the Schengen Visa application form accurately.
3. Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means.
4. Book a visa interview appointment at the embassy/consulate or visa application center.
5. Present your application and documents at the appointment.
6. Pay the visa application fee as per the current rates.
7. Monitor the status of your visa application online or through the embassy/consulate.

You can find more detailed information about the application process on the Latvia Government Website.

We currently don't offer this visa, but you can join our waitlist to be notified when we do:

Latvia Schengen Visa application costs and processing time

The government fee is about USD $0.00 and half-price for children between the ages of 6 and 12.

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.

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.

Where can I learn more about the Latvia Schengen Visa?

We're here to guide you through the Latvia Schengen Visa application process. Reach our dedicated online team of customer service agents online or on Whatsapp.