Applying for a visa
NOTE! Applications are accepted only on prearranged appointments and by the applicant personally. Please apply at least 2 weeks in advance and note that visa processing can take up to 10 working days.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY RESULT IN VISA REFUSAL. The consular officer has a right to ask for additional documents if submitted documents do not justify the purpose of visit.
Any fee paid for processing a visa is non-refundable. Any documents submitted are not a matter of return after application is made.
When you travel to Latvia Schengen visa should be in your valid passport. If it is in your old passport, you have to apply for a Schengen visa to be issued in your new passport.
Holders of Schengen visa are still subject to immigration controls and are not guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries.
Documents required when applying for a short-stay visa to enter Latvia
- Passport with a period of validity extending at least three month after the intended date of departure from Latvia or other Member State, containing at least two blank pages, and issued within the previous ten years.
Visa application form completed and signed by the applicant.
https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/?
- 2 colour photo (35mmx45mm).
- Travel medical insurance policy valid for the whole Schengen area and covering the entire period of the intended visit in the Schengen area and including also "the period of grace" of 15 days.
If the applicant will travel to Latvia for more than two times, he must present a valid travel medical insurance policy covering the period of his first intended visit. The minimum amount of the insurance is 30 000 EUR see section "Travel medical insurance".
- Documents indicating the purpose of the journey: Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see link http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/.
- Hotel reservation if it is not approved by inviting party and proof of sufficient financial means to pay for accommodation.
- Proof of available financial means in a form of traveller's cheques or bank statements for the last 3 month proving that you have enough finances (not less than 30 EUR per day) both for the duration of the intended stay and for return to your country of origin or residence, if there is no indication in your invitation that your inviting party will cover your expenses.
- Document that proves ties to the state of residence – a letter from the employer or education institution
OR for TOURISTS
– round trip tickets,
- Hotel booking and proof of sufficient means to pay for accommodation,
- Proof of available finances in a form of traveller's cheques or bank statements for the last 3 month proving that you have enough finances (not less than 30 EUR per day) both for the duration of the intended stay and for return to your country of origin or residence
- Document that proves ties to the state of residence – a letter from the employer or education institution
- Please provide the copies of the documents which you require back when submitting your visa application.
More information on Entry into Latvia is available on the webpage of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, see website.