By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly who needs a visa, how to apply, which documents to gather, what fees and processing times to expect—and you’ll get insider tips most guides leave out.

Do You Need a Visa for Latvia?

If you hold a passport from one of the 61 visa-exempt countries, you can visit Latvia for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa, according to the European Commission’s visa policy of the Schengen Area. Otherwise, you must apply for a Schengen C Tourist Visa before arrival.

Visa-Exempt Countries

• United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand
• EU member states, Switzerland, Norway
• Select Latin American and Asian nations

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Follow these steps to avoid delays:

1. Determine that the Schengen C Tourist Visa is right for your trip.
2. Identify which Latvian embassy, consulate or VFS Global centre handles your application.
3. Book an appointment online (where available).
4. Fill out the official Schengen visa application form on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia’s website.
5. Gather all supporting documents (see next section).
6. Attend your appointment—submit documents and give biometrics.
7. Track your application and collect your passport.

European Union states aim to process Schengen visa applications within 15 calendar days, though complex cases may take up to 30 days, per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.

Essential Documents Checklist

At your appointment you’ll hand over:

• Visa application form, duly signed
• Passport valid for ≥ 3 months beyond planned exit
• Two recent photos (35 × 45 mm; white background)
• Travel medical insurance covering ≥ €30 000 across the Schengen Area
• Bank statements for the last six months, stamped and signed by your bank (cash is not accepted) according to VFS Global’s guidelines for Latvia tourist visas
• Flight reservations or return ticket proof
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter)
• Proof of ties to home: employment letter, property deeds, ongoing studies

Biometrics and Photo Requirements

You’ll provide fingerprints and a digital photo unless you’ve done so for any Schengen application in the past 59 months, as outlined by the Latvian consular authorities.

Fees, Timing, and Refusal Rates

• Standard fee: € 80 for adults, € 40 for children (6–12), free for under-6s.
• Processing: usually 15 calendar days; in exceptional cases up to 30 days.
• Extension: possible only under force majeure, such as medical emergencies.

In 2023, Latvia’s overall Schengen visa refusal rate reached 11.68%, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com’s statistics for Latvia. Common causes include incomplete financial proof and lack of return-flight reservations.

Decoding the Visa Sticker

The sticker affixed to your passport page shows:

• Validity dates: when your visa starts and ends
• Duration of stay: maximum days you can remain
• Number of entries: single, double, or multiple

Treat it as your travel mandate—overstaying even by one day can lead to fines or future bans.

Unique Requirements and Exceptions

• Some nationalities (e.g., Afghanistan, Egypt, Nigeria) must complete an extra questionnaire when applying at specific centres.
• No cash: only official bank statements count as proof of funds.
• Proof of exit intent: return flight or evidence of work/study commitments at home.
• Visa-free transit: if your final destination doesn’t require a visa, you may skip that country’s visa within your Schengen application, according to the U.S. Department of State transit visa requirements for Europe.

Toward a Digital Future

Latvia is set to join the EU Visa Application Platform (EU VAP), which will let you submit applications and documents entirely online. Until that launches, you must visit the embassy or VFS centre in person.

Your Passport’s Next Stamp

You’ve got the roadmap. Now it’s your turn: gather the documents, secure your appointment, and prepare well. Latvia’s medieval cities, sandy beaches and vibrant culture await—see you under those Baltic skies!