EnuLatvia Schengen visa requirements form the key to entering this Baltic gem, part of the 29-country Schengen zone. You get short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. This list breaks down every detail from eligibility to common pitfalls, drawn from official sources like the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Always check the latest documents list from Latvian MFA for updates, as rules can shift. Plan ahead to avoid delays, especially with ETIAS coming for exempt travelers in late 2026. These tips help you prepare a strong application.
1. Who Needs a Schengen Visa for Latvia
Citizens from over 100 countries require a Schengen visa to visit Latvia. Latvia joined the Schengen Area in 2007, so its rules match the uniform standards. If your nationality falls outside the 59 exempt list, you must apply. Check your status first to confirm.
This applies even for transit or short trips. Non-exempt travelers face border checks without it. Families and business groups often overlook this basic step.
2. Who Is Visa-Exempt for Latvia
Travelers from 59 countries skip the visa for stays up to 90 days, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Japan. You still need a passport valid three months beyond your stay. From late 2026, get ETIAS online authorization instead.
Exemptions cover short tourism or business only. Overstays trigger bans. Holders of EU residence permits or certain diplomatic passports also qualify.
3. Types of Schengen Visas Applicable to Latvia
Latvia issues Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) as Type A, B, or C. Type C suits most visitors for short stays. All follow the Schengen Visa Code for consistency across borders.
Choose based on your purpose. Misselecting leads to rejection. Latvia processes these through VFS Global centers worldwide.
4. Type A Airport Transit Visa
You need this if transiting Latvia’s airports without entering the country. It applies to nationals from specific lists like Afghanistan or Bangladesh. Exempt if holding a US visa or certain residence permits.
Check the full transit list on official sites. Apply if your layover exceeds 24 hours. Airlines verify this before boarding.
5. Type C Short-Stay Visa
This covers tourism, business, or visits up to 90 days in 180. Latvia issues single, double, or multiple entry versions. State Latvia as main destination if spending most time there.
Proof your itinerary matches. Extensions rare, only for force majeure. Track your 90/180 days with Schengen calculators.
6. Multiple-Entry Type C Visa
Valid from six months to five years for frequent travelers. Eligibility needs prior visas used correctly and strong ties home. Latvia grants if you prove regular business or family links.
Requirements include clean visa history. Validity ties to passport expiry. Apply after two single-entry visas.
7. Limited Territorial Validity Visa for Latvia
This restricts travel to Latvia only, not full Schengen. Use for specific needs like medical care. Issued when full visa denied but Latvia approves.
Rare but useful. Host in Latvia must justify. No free movement to neighbors.
8. Visa with Limited Territorial Validity Explanation
Common for treatment or events in Latvia. Covers emergencies where Schengen consensus lacks. Validity matches purpose duration.
Include medical reports or invites. Appeals possible if broader visa refused. Latvian consulates decide case-by-case.
9. National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) for Latvia
For stays over 90 days, like work or study. Leads to residence permit application inside Latvia. Separate from Schengen short-stay.
Submit to Latvian embassy. Leads to biometric residence card. VFS Global often handles intake.
10. Passport Requirements
Passport issued within last 10 years. Valid three months past planned departure from Schengen. At least two blank pages for stamps.
Copy all pages with info or visas. Damaged passports rejected outright. Renew if close to expiry.
11. Passport Pages Needed
Two blank pages minimum for visa sticker and entry stamps. More helps for multiple entries. Consulates check physically.
12. Copies of Previous Visas
Submit photocopies of all Schengen visas from past five years. Include used and unused. Proves compliance history.
Color copies preferred. List dates and types. Missing ones flag poor record.
13. Visa Application Form
Download from Latvian embassy or VFS site. Fill online, print, sign. One per applicant, even minors.
Use black ink. No erasures. Family groups use separate forms.
14. Filling Personal Details in Form
Enter exact name, DOB, nationality as passport. Wrong info causes rejection. Double-check addresses.
Include contact details. Sponsors note their section clearly.
15. Travel Details in Form
Specify purpose, first entry date, duration, main destination. List all Schengen countries visited. Attach itinerary.
Be precise on stays. Changes post-approval hard.
16. Recent Passport Photos
Two identical 3.5×4.5 cm photos. Taken within six months. Light background, face 70-80% height.
Neutral expression, no glasses unless medical. Head uncovered except religion.
17. Photo Background and Expression
Plain light background. Mouth closed, eyes open forward. No smiles or head tilts.
Common fails: shadows, dark backgrounds. Use professional studios.
18. Photo Head Size Specs
Head from chin to crown fills 70-80% photo height. Shoulders visible. Specs prevent automated rejections.
Measure before submitting. Rejections waste time.
19. Travel Medical Insurance
Minimum 30,000 EUR coverage for medical, repatriation. Valid all Schengen states, full stay. Name must match passport.
Buy from providers like AXA. Original policy plus copy. No gaps allowed.
20. Insurance Coverage Details
Covers emergencies, accidents, death evacuation. Check Schengen-wide validity. Family policies ok if listed.
Quote full dates. Digital proof sometimes accepted.
21. Proof of Accommodation
Hotel bookings, Airbnb confirmations, or host invitation. Cover entire stay. Include addresses, phones.
Cancelable bookings fine initially. Multiple docs if multi-city.
22. Accommodation for Entire Stay
Details for Latvia and other Schengen stops. Day-by-day if varying. Invitation notarized for private stays.
Host covers utilities proof. Tour packages simplify this.
23. Round-Trip Flight Reservation
Booking confirmation, not paid ticket. Show entry Latvia, exit Schengen. Dates match application.
Use agencies for hold bookings. Include PNR numbers.
24. Flight Itinerary Details
First entry Latvia if main destination. Multi-leg ok. Prove on-time departure intent.
E-tickets suffice. Changes post-visa your risk.
25. Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements three to six months. Minimum 50 EUR/day or 450 EUR total, varies. Sponsor docs if needed.
Originals plus copies. Forex slips if cash.
26. Minimum Funds per Day
About 14-50 EUR/day based on stay. Hotel bills offset. Calculations per official scale.
Groups prorate. Embassy verifies.
27. Employment Proof
Employer letter on letterhead. State salary, leave approval, position. Last three payslips.
Recent date. Self-employed: registration, taxes.
28. Self-Employed Documents
Business license, tax returns, profit/loss. Client contracts optional. Prove ongoing viability.
Accountant certified if complex.
29. Student Documents
Enrollment certificate, leave from school. No-objection letter. Scholarships count as funds.
Under 18 needs parent sponsor.
30. Retired Persons Proof
Pension statements, bank books. Fixed income clear. No work intent.
Spouse joins with marriage cert.
31. Unemployed Applicants
Sponsor affidavit, their finances. Relation proof. Your ties home.
Minors always sponsored.
32. Travel Itinerary
Day-by-day plan: sights, moves. Ties to purpose. Map routes.
Typed or printed. Realistic pace.
33. Invitation Letter for Latvia
From Latvian resident/citizen. Include their ID copy, address, stay details, costs covered. Notarized.
Relationship explained. Phone contact.
34. Sponsorship Documents
Sponsor’s passport, income proof, bank. Affidavit of support. Covers all costs.
EU sponsors simpler.
35. For Minors
Birth certificate, parents passports. Consent form both parents. School leave if applicable.
Solo travel needs custody docs.
36. Parental Consent Form Details
Notarized if one parent travels. Both signatures if separate. Embassy format.
Translation if non-Latvian.
37. Visa Fee Amount
80 EUR adults, 40 children 6-12, free under 6 or over 70. Non-refundable. Pay at center.
Cash or card. Receipts kept.
38. Fee Exemptions List
EU spouses, kids, researchers, some diplomats. Proof required. No service fees waived.
Check full list.
39. Service Fees at VFS
Extra 20-40 EUR handling. Varies by country. Optional premium lounge.
Pay upfront. Speedier service.
40. Where to Apply for Latvia Visa
Latvian embassy/consulate or VFS Global in your jurisdiction. London, Manchester for UK. Book online.
Personal submission, biometrics.
41. Jurisdiction by Residence
Apply where you live, not Latvia. VFS lists centers. Wrong one delays.
42. Online Appointment Booking
VFS or embassy portal. Slots fill fast, book early. Walk-ins rare.
Confirm docs list.
43. Required Documents Checklist
Folder: form, passport, photos, insurance, finances, itinerary. Two copies most. Index helps.
Printable from VFS.
44. Biometrics Collection
Fingerprints, photo at appointment. Valid five years. Kids under 12 exempt.
Clean hands, no cuts.
45. Processing Time Standard
15 calendar days average. Apply 15-60 days early. Peak seasons longer.
Passport held during.
46. Extended Processing Cases
Up to 30 days if checks needed, 60 max. Alerts sent. Urgent humanitarian faster.
47. Tracking Application Status
Online with reference number. SMS optional. VFS app too.
48. Visa Decision Notification
Sticker in passport. Pickup or courier. Refusal letter explains.
49. Common Rejection Reasons
Incomplete docs, weak funds, purpose unclear. Top issues: no ties home, poor itinerary.
Fix before reapply.
50. Appeal Process for Refusal
15 days to embassy. Written reasons, new fee. Success low without new proof.
51. Tips for First-Time Applicants
Apply early, strong docs, interview prep. Show return intent.
52. Documents in Original and Copies
One original, two copies most. Translations certified.
53. Translation Requirements
Non-English to English/Latvian. Sworn translators.
54. COVID-19 or Health Rules Note
Check Latvian entry updates. Vaccination may apply. See UK Latvia entry advice.
55. Official Resources List
Latvian MFA, VFS Global, Schengen Visa Info. Verify at Latvia short-stay visa docs for UK.
Conclusion
Mastering Latvia Schengen visa requirements opens doors to Riga’s charm and Baltic adventures. Follow this checklist for high approval odds. Confirm details on official sites before applying. Safe travels.
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