How to Apply for Latvia Tourist Visa: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Planning a trip to Latvia means dealing with its stunning capital Riga, medieval old towns, and Baltic beaches. If you need a visa, the process follows Schengen rules since Latvia joined in 2007. This Type C short-stay tourist visa lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the 27 Schengen countries. Follow these steps on how to apply for Latvia tourist visa to make your application smooth and boost approval chances. This guide draws from official sources and covers everything from basics to common pitfalls. Note: This is general info. Check official sites for your situation, as rules can change.

1. Grasp the Visa Basics

Latvia issues a Schengen tourist visa, known as Type C. It covers tourism, family visits, or short business, but caps at 90 days within 180 days total in Schengen. Track your days with online calculators to avoid overstays.

Citizens from visa-exempt countries like the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many EU nations skip the visa but get ETIAS approval online starting late 2026. Others from places like India, China, or Russia must apply. Refer to the EU visa requirements list for your nationality. Apply early, up to six months ahead, through Latvian embassies or partners like VFS Global.

2. Confirm Your Eligibility

First, verify if you qualify. Your passport must be valid at least three months beyond your planned Schengen exit, issued within the last 10 years, and have two blank pages. No recent Schengen bans or overstays allowed.

Purpose must be pure tourism: sightseeing, events, or relaxation, no work or study. Check no criminal record issues. For minors or special cases, extra rules apply. Use the Latvian Ministry site to confirm: see their consular info on short-stay visas.

• Strong home ties like job, family, or property help prove return intent.
• Sufficient funds: at least €14 daily or €780 minimum for longer stays.
• Full medical insurance covering €30,000 minimum.

3. Pick the Correct Visa Type

Stick to Type C for tourism. Avoid confusing it with Type D long-stay for over 90 days. Choose single-entry for one trip, double for two, or multiple if traveling often.

Fill the form with “TOURISM” as purpose. Multiple-entry needs justification like frequent business. Single-entry suits most first-timers and cuts scrutiny.

4. Collect Passport Requirements

Start with your passport. Submit the original plus copies of all pages with stamps or visas.

Checklist:

1. Valid for 3+ months post-Schengen exit.
2. Issued less than 10 years ago.
3. At least two blank pages.
4. No damage or alterations.

Include copies of prior Schengen visas to show good history. Photocopy everything twice.

5. Complete the Visa Application Form

Download the form from VFS Global or Latvia MFA sites. Fill in English, Latvian, or Russian. Print single-sided, sign in Section 37 for adults, Section 38 for minors.

Key sections:

• Personal details: exact passport match.
• Travel info: first entry point (Latvia if main stop), dates, itinerary.
• Finances: source like salary or sponsor.
• Employment: full details.
• Past Schengen trips: list all.

Review for errors; false info leads to bans. Parents sign for kids under 18.

6. Prepare Recent Photographs

Submit two color photos, 3.5×4.5 cm. Face fills 70-80% of height, white background, neutral face.

Do’s:

• Recent (last 6 months).
• No glasses unless medical.
• No hats except religious.

Don’ts:

• Smiling or shadows.
• Scanned or staples.

Use professional studios for compliance.

7. Prove Your Travel Purpose

Show round-trip flight bookings (reservations OK, not paid tickets yet). Include reference numbers and dates.

Create a detailed itinerary:

Book hotels for all nights or get host invitations.

8. Demonstrate Financial Means

Prove you cover costs without working. Bank statements for 3-6 months show stability, minimum €50 daily or €500 total.

Alternatives: cash, credit cards, traveler’s cheques. If sponsored, include their bank statements, job letter, and invitation.

Sponsor requirements:

• Proof of income.
• Relationship to you.
• Cover letter stating support.

9. Secure Travel Medical Insurance

Get coverage for the full Schengen stay, €30,000 minimum for emergencies, repatriation, and medical evacuation. Include pandemics if required.

Verify policy starts on entry day, ends post-exit. List must-haves:

• All Schengen countries.
• No deductibles over €150.
• Provider contact in Europe.

Buy from reputable firms; submit policy copy.

10. Handle Additional Documents for Specific Cases

Minors need birth certificates, parental passports, and notarized consent if alone or with one parent.

Employed: employer letter on leave, salary slips last 3 months.

• Self-employed: business registration, tax returns.
• Students: enrollment letter, NOC from school.
• Retirees: pension statements.

11. Find Where to Apply

Latvia outsources to VFS Global in most countries. Locate your center via their site by residence.

Major hubs: India (multiple cities), US (NY, DC), etc. Embassies handle some. Use VFS Global Latvia visa page for your area. Book under jurisdiction.

12. Fill the Form in Full Detail

Section 1: Name, DOB, nationality exact. Section 2: Passport details. Section 3: Entry/exit dates, purpose TOURISM. Section 4: Funds source. Section 5: Family in Schengen. Section 6: Job/study info. Section 7: Prior visas. Section 8: Sign declaration.

Checklist before submit:

• All fields filled.
• Dates consistent.
• No whites-outs.

13. Book Your Appointment Slot

Register on VFS or embassy portal. Select Latvia Schengen tourist visa. Pick date 15-60 days ahead; slots fill fast.

Opt for SMS alerts. Arrive early with docs organized.

14. Get Ready for Submission Day

Organize folder: form top, then passport, photos, proofs. Bring originals + 2 copies.

Dress neat, be polite. Expect 30-60 min wait.

15. Understand Visa Fees Breakdown

Pay non-refundable fees:

Pay cash/card; get receipt.

16. Submit Your Application

Hand docs to officer. Answer on plans, funds, ties. Biometrics follow: 10 fingerprints, photo (10-15 mins). Exempt if done in last 59 months.

Get tracking ID.

17. Track Your Status Online

Use VFS tracker with reference number. Expect 15 days processing; up to 30-60 if checks needed. Alerts via email/SMS.

18. Handle Application Decisions

Approval: Passport with sticker, validity to 1 year. Rejection: Letter with reasons (e.g., funds short); appeal in 15 days.

Common rejections:

• Weak funds proof.
• No home ties.
• Inconsistent itinerary.

19. Pick Up Your Passport

SMS notifies readiness. Check sticker details: dates, entries. Verify before travel.

20. Take Post-Approval Steps

Buy tickets, print insurance. Pack proofs for border: return ticket, funds, itinerary. Follow 90/180 rule.

21. Dodge Common Mistakes

1. Incomplete forms: Double-check all.
2. Wrong photos: Use specs.
3. Weak funds: Show 3 months statements.
4. No itinerary: Detail plans.
5. Early apply miss: Start 1-3 months ahead.
6. Paid tickets pre-approval: Use reservations.
7. No insurance copy: Get full policy.
8. Sponsor lacks docs: Full proofs.
9. Overstay history: Disclose.
10. Translation missing: Certify non-English.

22. Note Special Cases for Nationalities

Indians may need police clearance. Check VFS extras per country.

23. Review Health Rules

Confirm tests/vaccines on MFA site. Insurance covers COVID-like issues.

24. Know Processing Details

15 days standard; summer peaks delay. Rare express for urgencies.

25. Appeal Rejections

Submit written appeal to embassy in 15 days, pay fee, add more docs.

26. Pro Tips for First-Timers

• Apply 1-3 months early.
• Pro photos.
• Mock interview practice.
• Save all receipts.
• Track Schengen calculator.

27. Document Translation Needs

Translate non-English/Latvian to certified versions. Apostille if required.

28. Invitation Letter for Hosts

Host provides ID, address, support details, notarized.

29. Show Home Country Ties

Deeds, family certs, job contract prove return.

30. VFS Extras

Courier for remote submit/pickup; premium lounge fees.

Master checklist:

• Passport
• Form
• Photos
• Insurance
• Funds
• Itinerary
• Fees paid

Conclusion

Mastering how to apply for Latvia tourist visa takes prep but opens doors to Riga’s charm and beyond. Gather docs, book early, and track closely for success. Always verify with VFS Global Latvia centers or MFA. Safe travels to Latvia.