Guide for Latvia Visa Requirements

Author: Zeke

Published: December 27, 2023

If you plan to visit Latvia, you will most likely need to apply for the Schengen Visa for Latvia. This short-term visa allows you to explore Latvia and stay for up to 90 days within 180 days. The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Whether you’re arriving by land, sea, or air, you must present certain documents to the border police.

Latvia Schengen visa for Thai citizens

Documents required for Thai Citizens

Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody, (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
Travel insurance: (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:

Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The LUMA Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.

Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Latvia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
For persons under 20 years old; Parents’ consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office in Bangkok.
Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person and is available within the online application system.
Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.

Latvia Schengen Visa for Indonesia Citizens

Documents required for Indonesian Citizens

Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody, (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
Travel insurance: (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
1. If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The LUMA Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Latvia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
For persons under 20 years old; Parents’ consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office in Jakarta.
Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person and is available within the online application system.

Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.

Latvia Schengen visa for Philippine citizens

Documents required for Philippine Citizens

Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody, (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
Travel insurance: (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
1. If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The LUMA Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Latvia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
For persons under 20 years old; Parents’ consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office for the Netherlands. The Visa Application Centre for the Netherlands in the Philippines also accepts short-stay Schengen visa applications for Latvia.
Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person and is available within the online application system.
Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.

Latvia Schengen Visa for Singapore Citizens

Visa Exemption: According to the current regulations, citizens do not need a visa to enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement, including Latvia, as tourists or business travellers if their stay is no longer than 90 days within 6 months. Verifying with the Embassy in Singapore before travel for any updated Latvia visa requirements is recommended. It is also recommended to check again the prevailing Schengen Visa for Latvia requirements before planning to travel.

Latvia Schengen Visa for Malaysia Citizens

Visa Exemption: According to the current guidance, Malaysian citizens do not need a visa to enter the countries of the Schengen Agreement, including Latvia. As there is no Latvian embassy in Malaysia at present, it is recommended to check the Latvia visa requirements with the Latvian Embassy in Singapore or another neighboring country for further verification before planning your travel.

What is the cost of a Schengen visa for Latvia

The cost of obtaining a Schengen Visa which forms part of the Latvia visa requirements can vary based on the applicant’s age, visa type, and nationality. As of the last update, the general visa fee structure for the Schengen visa is as follows:

Adults: EUR80
Children (6-12 years old): EUR40
Children under 6 years: Free of charge

However, there are exceptions and reductions:

Students: Reduced fees or waivers may apply for students or postgraduates and accompanying teachers on educational trips.
Researchers: Individuals travelling for scientific research may benefit from reduced fees.
Diplomatic passport holders: can obtain a visa for free.
Certain categories of applicants from countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements with the Schengen states may be subject to a reduced visa fee of EUR35.
Long-term visas: National visas or Type D visas, intended for longer stays or any other Schengen country, might have a different fee structure.

Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Additionally, visa processing agencies or centres might charge an additional service fee.

Can I switch my visa type or my residence status while in Latvia?

In some cases, it may be possible to switch your visa type while in Latvia, but this typically depends on the type of visa you currently hold and the specific circumstances. For example, if you initially entered Latvia on a tourist visa (Schengen visa) and later wish to study or work in Latvia, you would generally need to leave the Schengen Area and apply for a new visa or residence permit that matches your new purpose.

If you are in Latvia on a temporary residence permit and wish to change your residence status, such as from a student to a work permit holder or from a work permit holder to a family reunification residence permit, you would typically need to follow the specific application process for the new residence status. This often involves submitting the required documentation, meeting eligibility criteria, and sometimes leaving Latvia to apply for a new permit from your home country or another Schengen country.

Can I extend my short stay Schengen Visa in Latvia?

Schengen visas are generally not extendable. If you require an extension, you must have a valid reason, such as a medical emergency or force majeure, and you should contact the Latvian immigration authorities or the embassy well before your visa’s expiration date.

FAQ for when applying for a Latvia Schengen Visa

What is the Schengen visa application fee, and how can I pay it?

The Schengen visa application fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. You can typically pay this fee at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an authorized visa service provider. Payment methods can include cash, credit/debit cards, or other methods as specified by the visa application centre.

Is booking my flights and accommodation mandatory before applying for a Schengen visa for Latvia?

While you are not required to purchase flights or make accommodation bookings before applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide proof of your travel itinerary and accommodation arrangements as part of your application. It is recommended to have a tentative travel plan in place, including flight reservations and accommodation details, to support your visa application.

LUMA Schengen Pass for Latvia Travel Insurance

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Wide range of eligibility: LUMA is designed to accommodate travellers of various age groups, from 1 year old to 85 years old.
Perfect for South East Asian travellers: If you’re departing from South East Asia, LUMA Schengen Pass Travel Insurance is tailored to meet your needs.

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Globally recognized: LUMA insurance is widely accepted by embassies around the world, making your visa application process smoother and hassle-free.

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