Latvia ETIAS Travel Authorization: Join the waitlist

Latvia ETIAS Travel Authorization: Join the waitlist

Planning to enter Latvia in northern Europe? Whether you want to stroll through Riga's streets, enjoy the beauty of Gauja National Park, or experience Latvia's culture, your dream trip is within reach. And now, with the new Latvia ETIAS Travel Authorization, it's easier than ever.

In this guide, we'll explain all you need to know about Latvia ETIAS, part of the visa waiver program. From how to apply to who's eligible, we've got all the basics covered.

No more visa hassles. It's time to make your Latvian travel plans a reality.

What is Latvia ETIAS?

The Latvia ETIAS is a digital travel document required for non-European travelers from specific countries participating in the Latvia ETIAS visa waiver program.

This document grants access to 30 European countries and four microstates within the Schengen Agreement, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) under the Schengen Agreement, Future Schengen Member Countries, and the European Microstates With Open Borders.

The ETIAS is designed to improve border control and monitor international visitors.

Schengen countries that you can visit with an ETIAS Latvia

With the Latvia ETIAS, the entire Schengen and EU area opens up for exploration. You can freely visit the Schengen member states within the European Union without the hassle of obtaining individual visas.

Here's a list of the countries you can explore with this authorization:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City

What can I do in Latvia with an ETIAS Travel Authorization?

With the Latvia ETIAS, you can visit the country for various purposes, including:

• Leisurely tourism

• Business

• Medical treatment

• Simple transit through Latvia

• Participating in short courses or training sessions lasting up to 90 days.

What can you not do with an ETIAS in Latvia?

Please remember the restrictions imposed by ETIAS in Latvia, which encompass the following limitations:

1. Employment is not permitted.

2. Educational pursuits are prohibited if they extend beyond the 90-day course allowance.

3. Working in an internship or student employment is prohibited in Latvia with ETIAS.

4. Temporary or permanent residency in Latvia is not permitted.

Who can apply for ETIAS Latvia?

The ETIAS is designed for travelers from countries currently enjoying Latvia's visa waiver program, allowing them entry to the Schengen and EU Area without needing a visa.

To qualify for the ETIAS for Latvia, you should meet one of the following conditions:

1. Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country exempt from Schengen Area visas.

2. Current Status: You should not already possess a Schengen visa for your intended travel duration.

3. Duration of Stay: Your visit to the Schengen Area, including Latvia, should be at most 90 days.

4. Purpose of Travel: Your intended journey should be for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Which countries are eligible for the Latvia ETIAS?

From 2024, citizens from a range of eligible countries will be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) including:

Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.

This requirement is part of enhanced border control measures for travel within the Schengen zone.

Who doesn't need to apply for an ETIAS Latvia?

Citizens of Schengen Area and the EU are not required to obtain an ETIAS for Latvia. If you don´t belong to this category, we encourage you to use our iVisa checker tool to help determine your eligibility.

Can minors apply for a Latvia ETIAS?

Yes, regardless of age, every passport holder must secure an ETIAS to visit Latvia and other participating EU countries. Parents or legal guardians can complete the ETIAS application form on behalf of their children.

ETIAS Latvia validity: How long is the ETIAS Latvia valid for?

The ETIAS has a validity period of three years allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. If your passport expires before your ETIAS, you must reapply for travel authorization with your updated passport.

Can I extend my ETIAS Latvia?

Unfortunately, ETIAS cannot be extended. Once it expires, you must submit a new application to obtain a fresh one.

Latvia ETIAS required documents

To complete your ETIAS application; you'll need:

• A valid passport (with at least six months of validity from your intended arrival date).

• A concise medical history, including health insurance details.

• Details regarding your education and work experience.

• If you have family members who are EU citizens, provide evidence of your relationship, residence card, and relevant background information.

• An active and valid email address (for receiving your ETIAS).

• A payment method, with options like credit or debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, or Amazon Pay.

How to apply online for the ETIAS Latvia?

Getting your Latvia ETIAS online is straightforward:

Step 1: Provide your essential information and travel details on our user-friendly website or through the convenient iVisa App. Choose your preferred processing time and complete the payment.

Step 2: Fill out the rest of the online ETIAS application form and upload all necessary documents.

Step 3: Submit the form and await confirmation. Once approved, print a physical copy and keep a digital version on your phone for a seamless journey through airports and border controls in any Schengen country.

Get ready to enjoy your travel to Latvia!

Latvia ETIAS processing time

While the Latvia ETIAS is not yet available, we've prepared three processing options to suit your needs, all set to launch in 2024:

• Standard processing time: Ideal for those with ample time before their trip.

• Rush processing time: A quicker solution, though slightly higher in cost.

• Super rush processing time: The fastest choice, perfect for individuals needing expedited service.

Latvia ETIAS fees and cost

The official fee for the Latvia ETIAS is just USD 8, with exemptions for individuals under 18 or over 70. For a smoother application process and increased chances of approval, you can apply through us by paying an additional service fee.

You can try using our exchange rate calculator to discover how much it will cost in your local currency:

Do I need the ETIAS to transit through Latvia and the European Union?

No, you don't need an ETIAS travel authorization if you stay within the airport's international transit area. However, you need a valid travel authorization to leave this area and enter the territory of any European countries that require ETIAS.

Latvia entry requirements and restrictions with the ETIAS

Latvia has removed its COVID-19 travel restrictions. There is no longer a requirement for proof of vaccination, prior recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, you must possess the following documents:

1. A valid passport.

2. A valid ETIAS or Schengen visa.

Differences between Latvia ETIAS and Schengen Visa

The critical difference is that ETIAS is not a visabut a faster pre-travel security check for visa-exempt individuals on short visits, usually up to 90 days, for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

In contrast, a Schengen Visa is attached to a traveler's passport, allowing entry, stay, or exit from a country for specific purposes like tourism, work, or study, often involving a more extensive application and approval process.

These two travel documents may appear similar, but they have distinctions:

1. Application process: Getting the ETIAS is easy with an online process, while obtaining a Latvia Schengen visa involves in-person interviews and extensive visa requirements.

2. Eligibility: The ETIAS is for travelers from visa-exempt countries, while those needing a visa must navigate the intricate Schengen visa application process.

3. Validity: The Latvia valid ETIAS offers three years of travel access. In comparison, a Schengen visa typically spans five years.

More information

For further details about the European Travel Information and Authorization System, don't hesitate to contact our customer service team via online chat or email us at [email protected]. We're here to assist you in obtaining an ETIAS travel authorization for Latvia!