EnuPlanning a trip to Latvia or other Schengen countries? This guide covers the Schengen visa Latvia Type C in full detail. You’ll learn requirements, steps, fees, and tips to boost your chances.
Always check the official Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site for the latest rules, as policies can change.
1. Schengen Visa Type C Overview
The Schengen visa Latvia Type C is a short-stay visa. It lets non-EU citizens stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the 29 Schengen states. Latvia issues it when Latvia is your main stop or first entry point.
You can use it for tourism, business trips, family visits, medical care, or short training. Common purposes include:
- Tourism: Explore Riga’s old town or Jurmala beaches.
- Business: Attend meetings or conferences in Riga.
- Family visit: See relatives with an invitation letter.
- Medical treatment: Short hospital stays with proof.
- Cultural events: Festivals like Song and Dance Celebration.
- Short study: Courses under 90 days.
- Transit: If needed alongside main travel.
- Sports events: Competitions or training camps.
This visa follows uniform Schengen rules. Get facts on documents required to apply for a Latvia visa.
2. Why Apply Through Latvia
Latvia joined Schengen in 2007. Apply here if you spend the most time in Latvia. Or if stays equal, it’s the first entry country.
Latvia handles its own visas via embassies and VFS Global centers. This keeps processing local and efficient. Other countries represent Latvia only in rare cases.
Choose Latvia for its straightforward process. Centers like VFS make submissions easy worldwide.
3. Who Needs a Type C Visa for Latvia
Most non-EU/EEA citizens need it. Check if your passport qualifies for visa-free entry up to 90 days. Use official tools for your nationality.
Exemptions include:
- EU/EEA/Swiss family members.
- Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states.
- Diplomats or official passport holders.
- Certain crew members on duty.
Third-country nationals with permits often still apply. Always verify your status.
4. Validity Periods and Entry Types
Type C comes as single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry. Single lets one trip up to 90 days. Double allows two. Multiple can last 6 months to 5 years, based on your travel history.
| Type | Validity | Max Stay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to 90 days from issue | 90 in 180 | One short trip |
| Double | Matches dates | 90 in 180 total | Two visits |
| Multiple | 6 months to 5 years | 90 in 180 per period | Frequent travelers |
Track days with the 90/180 rule calculator on official sites.
5. Uniform Schengen Visa Rules
The 90/180 rule counts from first entry. Stay 90 days, then wait 90 before more. Example: Enter July 1, stay to Sept 28 (90 days), next entry Dec 29.
Once inside via Latvia, move freely. No border checks between Schengen states.
Latvia enforces these strictly. Overstays lead to fines or bans.
6. Application Locations Worldwide
Submit at Latvian embassies, consulates, or VFS Global centers. VFS handles most submissions.
Steps to find your spot:
- Check Latvia visa types page for reps.
- Visit VFS Global site, select Latvia.
- Enter your country/city.
- Book slot online.
- Confirm jurisdiction rules.
Key spots: New Delhi embassy, US centers in DC, NY via VFS.
7. Visa Fees Breakdown
Adults pay €60 standard fee. Kids 6-12 pay €45. Under 6 free. Some nationalities like Russians pay €35 ordinary or €70 urgent.
VFS adds service fees, €20-40. Pay visa fee in cash or card at submission.
| Category | Fee (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 60 |
| Child 6-12 | 45 |
| Under 6 | 0 |
| Urgent (select) | Double |
No refunds on refusal. Family of EU citizens often free.
8. Processing Times Explained
Standard: 15 calendar days. Complex cases up to 30 days. Rare: 60 days.
Urgent options for eligible nationalities double the fee. Apply 15 days min before travel, up to 6 months early.
Track via VFS portal with reference number.
9. Required Documents Checklist
Submit originals plus copies. Miss one, risk refusal.
- Valid passport (10 years old max, 3 months valid post-trip, 2 blank pages).
- Signed application form.
- 1 recent photo (3.5×4.5cm).
- Travel insurance (€30k min).
- Fee proof.
- Accommodation proof.
- Itinerary and tickets.
- Funds proof.
- Purpose docs (invite, etc.).
VFS lists extras per category.
10. Passport Specific Rules
Passport must be undamaged. Include copies of prior Schengen visas. Issued less than 10 years ago.
Replace if pages full or expiring soon.
11. Visa Application Form Guide
Download from Latvian MFA or Schengen site. Fill online, print, sign.
Double-check:
- Personal details.
- Travel dates.
- Purpose code.
- Sponsor info.
- Funds amount.
- Accommodation.
- Employer data.
- Family members.
- Previous visas.
- Signature date.
Errors delay processing.
12. Passport Photo Standards
3.5×4.5cm, white background, face 80% size. Recent (6 months), neutral expression.
- No glasses unless medical.
- No head cover except religion.
- Front view, eyes open.
- Color, matte.
- Same as passport.
13. Travel Medical Insurance Details
€30,000 coverage for medical, repatriation. Valid all Schengen, full stay.
Get from reputable firms. Show original policy.
Formats: Printed policy, email confirmation.
14. Proof of Accommodation Options
Hotels: Confirmed bookings all nights. Private: Host invitation with address, passport copy.
Invitation must list:
- Host full name/address.
- Your relation.
- Stay dates.
- Costs covered.
- Host income proof.
- 10-year house registry.
- Signature.
15. Travel Itinerary Essentials
Round-trip flights booked. Include Latvia and other stops.
Sample timeline:
| Day | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Riga | Airport |
| 2-5 | Sightsee | Riga |
| 6-7 | Day trips | Jurmala |
| 8 | Depart | Riga |
16. Proof of Sufficient Funds
€14/day up to 30 days, or €780 min for longer. Bank statements last 3 months.
Acceptable proofs:
- Bank books.
- Salary slips.
- Sponsor letter + their docs.
- Credit card extract.
- Cash if declared.
- Property deeds.
- Pension statements.
Show home ties too.
17. Employment and Income Proofs
Employed: Employer letter (job, salary, leave), payslips.
Self-employed: Registration, tax returns, invoices.
Students: Enrollment, parent sponsor affidavit.
Unemployed: Sponsor docs fully.
18. Rules for Minors and Families
Minors need birth cert, both parents’ consent (notarized). Single parent: Court docs.
- Parental travel consent form.
- Parents’ passports copies.
- Custody proof if split.
- School letter.
- Funds from parents.
Family apps: Marriage/birth certs link them.
19. Invitation Letter Must-Haves
From Latvian host or company. Include relationship, dates, support details.
Checklist (12 items):
- Host contact info.
- Your passport copy.
- Trip purpose.
- Exact dates.
- Address of stay.
- Costs who pays.
- Host finances.
- Ties to Latvia.
- Return reasons.
- Signature.
- Date.
- Contact phone.
20. Business and Tourist Specifics
Business: Company invite, event program, trade fair ticket.
Tourist: Detailed itinerary, attractions like Rundale Palace, Gauja National Park. Note seasons: summer hikes, winter ice fishing.
21. Full Application Steps
- Check eligibility online.
- Gather docs 3 months early.
- Fill form.
- Book VFS/embassy slot.
- Pay fees.
- Submit in person (biometrics 12+).
- Interview if needed.
- Track status.
- Collect passport.
- Check visa sticker.
Before submit: Checklist – docs complete? Insurance valid? Funds enough?
22. Biometrics and Interview Prep
10 fingerprints, photo. Exempt if done in last 59 months.
Interview questions:
- Trip purpose?
- Funds source?
- Stay details?
- Home job/family?
- Past Schengen?
- Invite contact?
- Return plans?
- Other countries?
- Emergency contacts?
- Insurance details.
Answer consistently.
23. Multiple Entry Visa Tips
Show past clean visas, frequent travel need. Up to 5 years possible.
24. Visa Extension Cases
Rare: Illness, force majeure. Apply at Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs before expiry.
25. Top Refusal Reasons and Fixes
- Incomplete docs – Submit all.
- Weak funds – More statements.
- No home ties – Job/property proof.
- Fake invites – Genuine only.
- Overstay history – Explain.
- Inconsistent form – Review.
- No insurance – Get proper.
- Poor itinerary – Detailed plan.
- Purpose unclear – Strong proof.
- Security issues – Clean record.
- Wrong jurisdiction – Check rules.
- Late app – Plan ahead.
26. How to Avoid Refusals
- Prove strong home ties (job, kids, assets).
- Consistent story across docs.
- Extra proofs beat minimums.
- Professional photos/docs.
- Early application.
- VFS premium services.
- Cover letter explaining trip.
- Travel history helps.
27. Appealing or Reapplying
Appeal within 15 days to embassy. Fee applies. Fix errors, reapply new.
28. Border Entry and Overstay Risks
Match purpose at border. Fines, bans up to 5 years for overstays.
29. Tools for Visa Validity Check
Use Schengen calculators. See documents for Schengen visa to Latvia.
30. Special Notes for 2026
ETIAS starts late 2026 for visa-free, not Type C holders. No big Type C changes.
FAQs on Schengen Visa Latvia Type C
How long does processing take? 15 days standard.
Cost for kids? Free under 6.
Need biometrics every time? No, every 59 months.
Can I work on it? No, tourism/business only.
Refund if refused? No.
VFS or embassy? VFS for most.
Funds per day? €14 min.
Multiple countries? Yes, free movement.
Appeal refusal? Yes, quick.
Conclusion
The Schengen visa Latvia Type C opens short stays across Europe. Follow this guide for docs, steps, and tips to succeed.
Apply early, prepare thoroughly. Check official sites like VFS Global for your location. Safe travels to Latvia.
Enu
