Important Travel Document Information – Please Read
If you are planning to visit Latvia and you are a citizen of a country outside of the EU, you can start the process by clicking ‘Start Application’ and completing our form. It is advisable to take your time to complete correctly as misinformation can lead to problems later in the process.
We strongly advise to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you are approved for a Latvia Schengen visa in time for your trip. You will not be allowed on your flight without a valid visa document.
Latvia Schengen Visa Options
Schengen Applications
A Shengen Visa is an official travel document. It allows a person to travel to any country in the Schengen Area. For stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries. Each have officially abolished all passports at their mutual borders. The area mostly acts as a single jurisdiction for international travel with a common visa policy.
Nationals of other countries, which have not yet reached a liberalization agreement will need to obtain this travel authorization before arrival in Europe.
Documents Required For Latvian Schengen Visas
All essential documents for your Latvian Schengen visa must be filled out in capital letters and translated into Latvian, Russian, or English. The following information will be included in all applications for Schengen visas to Latvia. Basic Documents Required:
Passport must be valid.
Photos the size of a passport
Application form
Biometric fingerprints
Medical insurance for travellers
Proof of accomodation / flights
Proof of financial support
When Should You Apply?
Submit your application at least 15 days before your intended departure date and no sooner than 6 months before your departure date.
Where to Submit an Application
Schengen visa applications for Latvia should be filed to a Latvian Consulate or a visa application facility having a Latvian link.
You should submit your application in the nation where you lawfully reside or have a residence permit.
You must have a solid cause for applying through a consulate/center in a nation where you are currently lawfully present but do not reside. Valid reasons include being lawfully present in another country (on a valid visa/permit) and the embassy in that country accepting your reasons for applying via them and deciding to complete your application.
In areas where Latvian consular representation is not available, applications may be submitted through the consulate of a Schengen state that represents Latvian consular interests.
Latvia Schengen Visa Processing Time
The processing period for a Latvian Schengen visa is usually 15 days, however it might take up to 45 days in some situations.
If your visa to Latvia been granted, you must:
- Collect your visa and double-check that the information on it is accurate and full.
If you were denied a visa to Latvia, you must:
- If you (or your legal representative) obtain a Schengen visa rejection for Latvia, you (or your legal representative) have 30 days to appeal the decision.
- Within 30 days of receiving your appeal, the Consular Department of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs should rule on it; you will receive a written copy of their decision in Latvian with an English summary.
If the aforementioned entity rejects your appeal, your only option is to appeal to the Administrative Court of the Republic of Latvia. Whatever decision they make, it is final and cannot be overturned.
What is a Schengen Visa?
A Latvia Schengen Visa is a short-term European visa. This type of Visa enables the holder to travel freely throughout Latvia and the rest of the Schengen Area. The visa, itself is issued by the Latvia Embassy (or whichever country you are visiting for the longest). That is to say, you can visit any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day period.
The Schengen Visa is the most common visa in Europe. In order words, it entitles the holder to enter, travel freely within, and exit the Schengen area from any Schengen member country. There are no border controls within the Schengen Zone.
For detailed information on specific parts of the visa process, you can refer to the links to the right to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
Other Schengen Visas
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Latvia
Step 1: Define your reason for visiting Latvia, as this will determine the type of visa you need.
Step 2: Calculate how many Latvian/Schengen entry visas youll need.
Step 3: Gather the Documents Youll Need.
Step 4: Make an appointment for a Latvian Schengen visa (if applicable).
Regardless of the Latvian Consulate or Visa Center you apply via, you will almost probably need to make an appointment to submit your application. You may also be able to drop off your application without making an appointment, as long as you do so during normal business hours.
Alternatively, you can call your consulate/visa centre directly to see if an appointment is required to submit your application.
Step 5: Complete the application.
While different Latvian Consulates/Visa Processing Centers may provide different methods for applying for visas, you will almost likely have to apply online through Latvias E-Visa system.
Step 6: Submit your Schengen visa application for Latvia (at least 15 days prior to travelling, not before 6 months).
The methods for submitting applications vary amongst Latvian Consulates/Processing Centers. Almost all applications must be submitted in person to the consulate or facility through which you are submitting. You will very certainly be required to submit biometric data when you submit your application (fingerprints). Children under the age of 12 are almost certainly exempt from having their fingerprints taken. If youve already supplied fingerprints (within the last 59 months), you probably wont have to do so again.
Please be aware that after completing your application, you may be contacted for a personal interview to give additional information or materials relating to your travel.
People Also Asked...
This depends on a number of things such as whether or not you have had a Schengen visa in the past or how many countries you intend to visit. Generally you first Schengen visa will be issued for the duration of your stay. Future applications may be granted for multiple entry for a number of years.
There are 26 Schengen members states in Europe. You can see the full list of countries in the Schengen zone in our resources section.
You can expect an update on your application within 3 days of submission. You can choose express processing at checkout for a response within 24 hours.
Once you attend your appointment, your visa can take up to 15 working days to be processed by the Embassy.