Schengen Visa for Latvia: How to Apply

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 10/09/2024

With a population of just under 2 million people, Latvia manages to attract nearly the same amount of international visitors every single year. And it’s no wonder. Once known as the “land of Amber” (along with a few of its Baltic neighbors, to be fair), Latvia today boasts a unique blend of historical charm, rich cultural heritage, and modern European vibrancy. And it is thus becoming an increasingly top destination the world over.

From enchanting medieval old towns to the intriguing folklore that surrounds them. From hundreds of castles near and far to a breathtaking coastline dotted with pristine beaches and dramatic dunes. And from stunning natural beauty to modern metropolises like its capital Riga — Latvia definitely has something to offer every type of traveler. However, if you want to explore this Baltic gem firsthand, you might need a Schengen visa. In which case, AXA can help.

• Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?
• How do I apply for a visa to go to Latvia?
• How much does a Schengen visa for Latvia cost?
• What about ETIAS and EES?
• How can AXA help?
• How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries

Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?

Whether or not you’ll need a visa for this portion of the land of Amber will depend on where exactly you’re coming from. Because — along with being home to the world’s oldest flag, largest song and dance festival, and first written record of the Christmas tree — Latvia, as of 2004, also happens to be one of the countries currently in the Schengen Zone. And that means that to be among its millions of annual international visitors, you might need to have a Schengen Visa.

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Latvia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You don’t need a Schengen Visa for Latvia if you are:

- A national of the Schengen area or one (or more) of the European Union member countries.

- Already have a visa issued by one of the member countries of the Schengen area (Latvia or other) — and so long as your stay in the Schengen area does not exceed 90 days per period of 180 days.

3- Are a citizen* of non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU — i.e., Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Mexico, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., and roughly 50 more.

*If you’re a national of one or any of the countries above, you can travel to the Schengen Zone visa-free for short stays. You’re only required to present a biometric passport (issued no more than 10 years prior to and valid for at least 90 days after the planned date of departure from the Schengen zone).

Which travelers are required to apply for a visa to Latvia?

However, if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU, you will need a Latvian Schengen visa indeed. This generally applies to citizens of all African countries, most Asian and Middle Eastern ones, China, India, Russia, and nearly a hundred more.

For reference, you can see full lists of countries that are exempt from and those that do need a visa courtesy of the European Commission.

Meanwhile, AXA can also help you figure out whether or not you need a Schengen visa (for Latvia or anywhere else) in no time.

And in case the Schengen visa feels like too much hassle, AXA can also tell you which European countries you don’t need a Schengen visa for (heads-up though — Latvia is not among them, being in the Schengen and all).

What type of visa do I need to visit Latvia?

If you do indeed need a Schengen visa for Latvia and are ready to apply, there are four basic types to choose from business, work, student, and short-stay.

The most common one is the latter — that is, the short-stay, aka Type C, aka “tourist” visa. With one of these, you can travel to Latvia — as well as to/between all 27 Schengen countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

To stay in Latvia longer, you’ll need a national (aka Type D) visa.

A Type A (aka “airport transit”) visa, meanwhile, allows citizens of non-Schengen States to wait for a connecting flight and/or transit through Schengen airports (or those of any other Schengen state).

And if you’re planning more than one trip, you’ll want to opt for a multiple-entry visa.

Fortunately, AXA can help you understand which visa best suits your travel needs in no time too.

How do I apply for a visa to go to Latvia?

After deciding on which Latvian visa you want, you’ll need the proper paperwork, and to attend an interview (or two). Obviously, your actual visa application process will depend on several different factors.

*HOPEFUL NOTE: While to apply for your visa you will need to be physically present at some point (for biometric collection), the EU does plan to bring the whole Schengen Visa application process online eventually. However, the exact date the change will take place has yet to be announced. Our fingers remain crossed.

In the meantime, here’s a general breakdown of what to expect when applying for Latvia.

What documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa for Latvia?

To apply, you should have (at the very least):

• Your passport (issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area)
• A Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed).
• Two recent passport photos (we can tell you more about the specific Schengen visa photo requirements too, if you like)
• Your itinerary
• Travel insurance for Latvia (NOTE: Travel insurance is not only mandatory but must meet several criteria in order to be accepted with your visa application; AXA’s does — more on that below)
• Proof of sufficient funds* (if applicable)
• Proof of the purpose of the trip — such as a letter of invitation (if applicable)
• Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)
• Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
• Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable)
• For minors — certified parental or guardian authorization

If you’re traveling to Latvia for business, you might also need:

• a schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation from a Latvian company (if applicable)
• documentation linked to your business operations (if applicable)

PRO-TIP: AXA always strives to bring you the latest info regarding Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia also provides detailed and up-to-date info, as does the European Commission’s official visa website. And it’s always best to double- and triple-check with all the official sources — that is, not just us — to make sure you don’t miss anything.

How much money do I need for my trip to Latvia?

According to the MFA (i.e., Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as referenced above), you’ll need:

-no less than 14€ for each day of stay if the duration of the intended stay in Latvia does not exceed 30 days;

-not less than 700€ (the minimum monthly wage in Latvia) if the duration of the intended stay in Latvia exceeds 30 days.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember, AXA strives to provide you with the latest info, but visa requirements can change. So double-check with the Latvian authorities, the official sources above, and/or your nearest Latvian embassy/consulate for the most up-to-date details.

When and where should I apply for my Latvian Schengen visa?

Aim to submit your application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 2-3 weeks before your trip to Latvia. And remember — while you can begin the process online, you'll eventually need to visit a Latvian embassy, consulate, or visa application center in person — for biometrics and document submission.

Here's how you can generally apply for a Latvian Schengen visa:

-Traditional Method:
Apply directly through your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate. Fortunately, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a list of embassies and consulates worldwide. And they can also guide you through the application process, help you schedule an appointment, and so on.

-Via an Authorized Application Center:
Latvia — like many of its Schengen neighbors — also outsources visa applications to dozens of countries around the world through the company VFS Global. And you can find your nearest VFS Global center via their website.

And remember — no matter which method you choose, give yourself plenty of time to book that appointment and ensure you have all the required documents.

How much does a Schengen visa for Latvia cost?

The costs of the Schengen Visa are universal, and the standard fee for one adult is currently €90*.

If you’re between the ages of six and twelve, it’s €45.

And children under the age of six can get a Schengen visa for free.

*Since June 2024
We can tell you more about a few other key changes Europe has in store for 2024 too.

What about ETIAS and EES?

One of those key changes, for example, is the “European Information and Authorization System” — aka ETIAS . That’s the EU’s new (but long-awaited), mostly digital system of requirements for entering Europe.

ETIAS won’t necessarily replace the Schengen visa, but it was initially designed — sometime in the last decade (hence, long-awaited) — to make travel safer, faster, and easier for everyone involved.

According to the EU’s official website, ETIAS is set to go into effect in “mid-2025.” But for that to happen, the EU first needs to implement its “Entry/Exit System” — aka EES. EES, in turn —initially designed in the previous decade too — is intended to replace traditional passport stamping. As of early 2024, the EU’s website states that EES will be implemented “starting in the second half of 2024.”

For now, neither ETIAS nor EES have yet to affect travel to the Schengen — Latvia or elsewhere — in any way. Nevertheless, AXA recommends you check back with the official source above (i.e., the EU) for the latest developments. And, like us, hope for the best.

How can AXA help?

Meanwhile, if you’re ready for Latvia now, AXA is equally ready to help your trip be that much smoother. Not with a Schengen visa itself, necessarily, but by providing you and your loved ones with affordable, top-quality, instant Schengen Travel insurance.

Why is travel insurance for Latvia so important, you ask? Well, first off, it is a mandatory requirement to be granted a Schengen visa — to Latvia or any of its Schengen neighbors. Not only that, but your Schengen travel insurance plan must also meet the following criteria:

• Guarantee minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• Cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons
• Cover you in all member states of the Schengen Area
• Cover you during the entire duration of your trip and stay in the Schengen Zone.

And guess what? All three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the requirements above.

Moreover, if your Schengen visa for Latvia is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation — that is an official explanation as to why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

Don’t need a Latvian visa? Well, travel insurance while visiting this Baltic gem is still in no way a bad call. Because — aside from both being the birthplace of jeans and having over 12,000 rivers — Latvia, like any travel destination, can be full of surprises. Usually good ones, of course. But that’s never a guarantee. In other words, with the right AXA plan, you have one less big thing to worry about during your travels.

Aside from fulfilled Schengen visa requirements, the 24/7 assistance and medical coverage we provide, and countless other benefits, here are just a few reasons to choose AXA for Latvia:

• Our plans have no age restrictions.
• Getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick and easy — one can be purchased online in just a few minutes.
  travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and VFS Global centers worldwide — can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly.
• And our plans cover you in all Schengen territories (and beyond) — not just in Latvia. 

We can keep going, but you can also learn more about (and compare) our 3 comprehensive plans to get the full picture for your particular situation.

In short, suffice is to say that the right AXA plan is guaranteed to make your trip to the land of amber, rivers, Christmas trees, jeans — and plenty, plenty more — that much safer and worry-free.

How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries

And, finally, if you’d like to apply for a visa for any of Latvia’s Schengen neighbors, AXA has gone ahead and compiled comprehensive step-by-step guides for each one — in alphabetical order —below:

• Austria visa
• Belgium visa
• Czech Republic visa
• Croatia visa
• Denmark visa
• Estonia visa
• Finland visa
• France visa
• Germany visa
• Greece visa
• Hungary visa
• Iceland visa
• Italy Visa
• Liechtenstein visa
• Lithuania visa
• Luxembourg visa
• Malta visa
• Netherlands visa
• Norway visa
• Poland visa
• Portugal visa
• Slovakia visa
• Slovenia visa
• Spain Visa
• Sweden visa
• Switzerland visa

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How to fill out a Schengen visa application form
• How to track your Schengen visa application
• How long is a Schengen visa valid for?
• How to extend a Schengen visa
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance
• How safe is Europe to visit?
• Easiest countries to obtain a Schengen visa from

FAQ

How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?

In general, the wait time is at least 15 days. However, in some cases, embassies can take between a month or two to process a visa. It will depend on your particular situation.

Can I travel to Latvia if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country?

Yes. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to and throughout all Schengen countries — no matter which country you got it from. However, you must apply with the country in which you plan to spend the most time.

Can I work or study in Latvia with a tourist visa?

No. While the tourist (or Type C) allows visitors to enter the Schengen for a short business trip, a holiday, and/or to visit family members, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit. AXA can tell you more.

Can my Latvia Schengen visa be extended?

Yes, but only in exceptional cases. AXA can tell you more about that too.

What happens if I overstay my Schengen visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from the country. And AXA is happy to help you avoid all of them too.

What should I do if my visa is refused?

You can either apply again or appeal. The EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement can tell you more — but the outcome of your appeal will ultimately depend on the Latvian authorities.

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering Latvia?

No. All travel restrictions implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in both the EU and the Schengen as of 2022.