Latvia is a small northern European country carrying the basic essence of the Baltic region. Being one of the greenest countries, Latvia is also home to 12,000 free-flowing rivers and 2000+ still lakes. In addition, just like other European countries, Latvia boasts several historical sites that UNESCO lists as World Heritage Sites. A Latvia Schengen visa is one of the key requirements for traveling to Latvia. Let us take you through the various milestones of the Latvia Schengen visa requirements.

Latvia visa entry requirements

Being a member of the Schengen member states, European Union nationals can move freely between the borders as per the Schengen agreement. All non-Schengen citizens must follow the process for applying for a Latvia visa before traveling to Latvia.

Visa application form

A completed Latvia visa application form duly signed by the applicant needs to be submitted to initiate the process of the Latvia Schengen visa. All fields should be filled up without any typos or missing errors.

Original passport

The Schengen visa regulations state that the passport should be issued in the last ten years, have sufficient pages for the visa entry and exit stamps, and be valid beyond three months from the departure date in Latvia.

Passport-size photographs

Two passport-size photographs meet the photo guidelines laid down by the Latvia immigration officials. The photos should have been captured in the last three months.

Any copies of the previous visas, if applicable

Proof of accommodation

Confirmation of accommodation is validated through a confirmed Latvia hotel voucher or any other place of accommodation in Latvia.

Proof of financial means

Validate your financial capability to cover your expenses while staying in the Latvia region, which could be through the last six months' bank statement.

Health Insurance

It was issued by an authentic travel insurance company providing a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros and is valid during the entire stay of the applicant in the Schengen region.

Confirmed flight tickets

Confirmed return flights for both entry and exit that details the passenger name, destination, travel dates, and flight details.

Covering letter

A cover letter should clearly state the applicant's name, the purpose, the duration of their visit, and the destinations they want to visit as part of their Latvia stay.

Proof of civil status

Validate your civil status through a valid birth certificate of your children, death certificate of your Spouse, or marriage certificate.

Additional Latvia visa requirement basis your purpose of travel

Every visa category has a predefined purpose associated with it. All candidates should carefully evaluate the various visa categories and opt for the one that suits the purpose and duration of their travel.

Schengen visa

it features among the most popular visa category applied for a short-term Latvia visa. All applicants visiting Latvia for tourism or leisure are applicable under this category.

Transit visa

This short-term visa is issued to candidates traveling to a third destination beyond the Schengen region and needing a stopover beyond the transit-free region of the Latvia airport.

• Candidates should have valid visas and confirmed flight tickets to the final destination country they are traveling en route through Latvia.

Business visa

This short-term visa is issued to candidates traveling to Latvia for business-related activities like business conferences, business meetings, negotiations, and contract closure. Applicants should present the following:

• An Invitation letter from a Latvian-based company indicating the applicant's name, travel date, event details, and purpose of travel.
• Letter from the current employer approving the travel requirements, the purpose of travel, and the travel dates.
• Proof of the financial means that will cover the daily expenses of the candidate.

Medical visa

This short-term visa is issued to applicants who intend to undergo medical treatment, therapy, or consultation in Latvia. The following documents would additionally be applicable.

• A local medical report from an authorized doctor states the applicant's medical condition. It confirms the need for treatment or therapy or consultation in Latvia.
• Correspondence between the local and Latvian doctors confirming the applicant's medical status and the acceptance of medical treatment.
• Proof of the financial means done to cover the medical expenses for the treatment or therapy, or consultation

Visa for sports/cultural/religious or film crew members

All applicants wishing to attend or participate in any sports, cultural, or religious event hosted in Latvia can apply for this visa category. This visa category is also applicable to film crew members.

Invitation letter detailing the event, travel dates, and event duration with finer program details and entry tickets.

Proof of any previous performances

All film crew members should submit a copy of the letter from the local firm that specifies the film's synopsis, shooting destinations, and the name of the applicants.

A complete list of all applicants of the crew who would be traveling

Film permits and confirmed arrangements done by the Latvian agency

Visa for the Spouse of a Latvian National

This long-term visa is issued to the Spouse of a Latvian national, who will be entitled to the same benefits as the Latvian national as per their visa. The applicant must submit the following documents for the visa application process.

• Proof of their Spouse's Latvian citizenship through a certified ID or passport copies
• Latvian family book
• Latvian marriage certificate

Visa for official delegation team members

This short-term visa is issued to candidates on the official delegation team.

• Invitation letter from the Latvian government or body indicating the purpose of the visit, applicant's name, and other travel details.
• Evidence of the milestones includes negotiations/meetings/events organized by the Latvian government or body.

Student visa

This long-term visa is issued to students enrolled in a Latvian university or institute for a course or research. Student applicants should present the following:

• No objection certificate from the current school or university, if applicable
• An internship agreement signed by both the Latvian company and the applicant
• Enrolment or admission letter from a Latvian university or institute for attending an academic or conducting research.

Additional visa requirements basis your occupancy status

All applicants may be requested to submit additional documents based on their employment status.

Employed professionals

• Valid employment contract signed by both the applicant and the employer
• Bank statements for the last six months.
• Approved leave from the current employer
• Income tax filed documents

Self-employed professionals

• Your original and valid business license
• Company bank statement for the last six months.
• Income tax filed documents

Retired professionals

• Proof of regular income in the last six months, including your pension

Students

• Admission or enrolment letter from a Latvian university or school
• No objection certificate (NOC) from the current university or institute, if applicable
• Valid internship contract with a local company based in Latvia that is signed by both the applicant and the company-authorized signatory

Minors

All young kids who are traveling alone or with another adult need to present the following documents as part of their visa application process

• Certified ID or passport copies of both parents
• Family court order if any one of the parents has full custody of the minor
• Birth certificate of the minor applicant
• If the minor is not traveling with the parents, they need to submit the certified ID or passport, visa copies of the accompanying adult traveling with the minor, and a notarized authorization signed by both parents

Short-term visa application process milestones

• Determine the type of visa you want to opt for. Each visa category has a specific purpose.
• Find the closest Latvia embassy or consulate where you can file your visa application
• Complete and sign the visa application form
• Collate all the supporting documents
• Submit the visa fees
• Schedule the visa interview
• Attend the visa interview
• Wait for the visa to be processed

Visa processing timeline

The processing timeline for a Latvia Schengen visa is usually up to 10 calendar days, depending on the nationality and travel purpose of the applicant, along with the backlog of the embassy or consulate.

Latvian visa fees

Adults need to pay 80 Euros per application. Young kids aged between six and twelve years pay 40 Euros per application. There are no visa fees charged for kids below six years. The applicant's nationality can lead to a variation in the visa fees.

Extension of the Latvia Schengen visa

Extension of your Latvia Schengen visa will be provided in genuine cases only, such as force majeure or humanitarian. The discretion of the immigration authorities will play a huge role in your extension to be approved. All applicants should look to apply for an extension before their visa expiry.

Revoking of Latvia Schengen visa

Your Latvia visa can be revoked if the immigration officials conclude that you no longer meet the criteria applicable for issuing you the visa. In this case, you will be asked to vacate the country in the next couple of days. Failure to do so can lead to blacklisting in the Schengen region and even deportation to your home country.

Conclusion

Latvia features a gorgeous coastline of secluded white sandy beaches decorated with beautiful pine forests, bringing a sense of calmness and serenity for a relaxing holiday. Get complete clarity on the key milestones in the Latvia visa process to help you have a hassle-free visa journey. Understand the key milestones in the Latvia visa that will help you uncover the best of what Latvia offers.