Navigating Latvia Visa Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines

Whether you are dreaming of Riga’s art‑nouveau streets, planning a business trip to the Baltic hub, or heading to Latvia for work or studies — getting your visa right is the first and most important step. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, which means the rules are clear, but the details matter. This guide walks you through every type of Latvia visa, the exact fees for 2026, eligibility, the application process, and the latest travel laws you need to know before you go.

Types of Latvia Visas

Latvia issues two main categories of visas: Schengen short‑stay visas (Type C) and national long‑stay visas (Type D). The right one depends entirely on how long you plan to stay and what you will be doing.

🔹 Schengen Short‑Stay Visa (Type C)

This visa allows you to stay in Latvia — and travel within the entire Schengen Area — for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period. It is ideal for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short‑term medical treatment. Latvia is one of 29 European countries that share this common visa.

🔹 National Long‑Stay Visa (Type D)

If you need to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days and up to 365 days, you will need a Type D national visa. This visa is issued for a maximum of one year and is typically used for:

• Work – with a confirmed job offer and employer sponsorship.
• Studies – enrolled in a Latvian university or educational institution.
• Family reunification – in specific cases (usually requiring a positive OCMA decision).
• Research – for third‑country researchers.

🔹 Airport Transit Visa

Citizens of certain countries (including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka) need an airport transit visa to change flights in a Latvian airport without leaving the international transit zone.

📋 Eligibility & Required Documents

Regardless of which visa you apply for, you must meet a few core requirements. Here is what you will need to prepare.

✔️ Passport requirements:

• Issued within the last 10 years.
• Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date.
• At least two blank pages for visa stamps.

✔️ Standard supporting documents (for all visa types):

• Completed and signed visa application form.
• Two recent colour photos (35×45 mm, light background, not older than 6 months).
• Bank account statement for the last 3 months (proof of sufficient funds).
• Travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen Area, with minimum coverage of €42,600.
• Letter from employer or university (depending on purpose).
• Proof of accommodation and flight reservation.

For students, you will also need a formal admission letter from the university, a study contract (copy), and proof of sufficient subsistence, at least €8,880 in your bank account for the academic year.

For work visas, your employer must first obtain an opinion from the State Employment Agency and arrange an invitation through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA)^{[reference:22]}.

💰 Fee Structure for 2026

Visa fees are standardised across the Schengen Area. For 2026, the consular fee for both Type C and Type D visas is €90 for adults. Here is the complete breakdown:

Short‑stay visa (Type C) – adult€90

Short‑stay visa (Type C) – children 6–12€45

Long‑stay visa (Type D) – adult€90

Airport transit visa€90

Children under 6Free

VFS Global service fee (varies by country)~€24–€26

💡 Fee waivers: The visa fee is waived for children under 6, schoolchildren and students travelling for educational purposes, third‑country researchers, and young representatives (under 25) of non‑profit organisations attending seminars, conferences, or cultural/sports events.

If you apply through a visa application centre like VFS Global, you will pay an additional service fee (approximately €24–€26, depending on the country) plus possible logistics fees for document transmission. All fees are non‑refundable if your visa is refused.

📝 How to Apply — Step‑by‑Step

The application process is straightforward if you follow these steps. Plan ahead appointments can be scarce, and processing takes time.

1. Determine your visa type. Check whether you need a short‑stay (Type C) or long‑stay (Type D) visa based on your purpose and length of stay.
2. Complete the online application form. Fill out the official form on the OCMA website. Print it, sign it, and keep it with your documents.
3. Gather your supporting documents. Passport, photos, bank statements, travel insurance, employment or university letter, accommodation proof, and flight itinerary. Double‑check that everything meets the specifications.
4. Book an appointment. Submit your application at a Latvian embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre. Appointments must be made at least 15 days before travel and no earlier than 6 months in advance.
5. Pay the visa fee. The €90 consular fee plus any service centre charges. Payment is usually in local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
6. Attend your appointment. Submit your documents in person. You may be asked for biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) this is mandatory for most applicants.
7. Wait for processing. Standard processing takes up to 10 working days. Applications submitted to centres outside the main city may take an additional 2 days due to postal delivery.
8. Collect your passport. Once a decision is made, you will be notified. If approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport.

🛠️ Digital visa e‑tool: The OCMA has launched a convenient, that walks you through all requirements step by step. It is available in English and Latvian, and it covers document submission, fees, and visa issuance. Highly recommended for first‑time applicants.

⚖️ Travel Laws & Entry Requirements You Must Know

Latvia has introduced several important changes in 2025–2026 that affect how you enter the country. Here is what you need to be aware of.

🆕 Entry/Exit System (EES) — fully operational from 10 April 2026

The EES is a digital system that replaces passport stamping for non‑EU nationals. It registers your biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) and automatically tracks your entry and exit dates. This ensures you do not accidentally overstay the 90‑day limit. The EES applies to short‑stay travellers; it does not apply to EU citizens or long‑term visa holders.

📧 Electronic Travel Declaration (mandatory for many travellers)

Since 1 September 2025, third‑country nationals who do not have a Latvian visa or residence permit must submit an Electronic Travel Declaration at least 48 hours before arrival. This applies even if you are just transiting through Latvia. The declaration is submitted online at eta.gov.lv and includes details about your purpose of travel, accommodation, route, and contact information.

Exemptions include citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and several other countries, as well as holders of a valid Latvian visa or residence permit.

🚗 Land border queue registration

If you are crossing into Latvia by road from Russia or Belarus, you must register your vehicle in the Electronic Queue Reservation System (ERRS) beforehand.

⏳ Processing Times & Important Deadlines

• Standard processing: 10 working days.
• Apply at least: 2 weeks before your planned travel date.
• Earliest application: 6 months before your trip.
• Long‑stay visa (Type D) processing: approximately 30 days for study‑related applications.
• Expedited processing: available for an additional fee (e.g., €200 for 10 working days, €400 for 5 working days for residence permit related applications).

Quick Tips for a Smooth Application

• Start early. Visa appointments can be limited, check availability well in advance.
• Be meticulous with your documents. Missing or incorrect photos (e.g., glasses with reflections, dark backgrounds) can delay your application.
• Keep copies. Make photocopies of everything you submit.
• Check the official sources. The OCMA website and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are your most reliable references.
• If you are refused, you will receive a written explanation. You have the right to appeal the decision.