Visa applications shall be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the start of the intended visit (except seafarers in the performance of their duties – they can submit an application no earlier than 9 months before a trip) and no later than 15 calendar days before an intended trip.
All visa applicants must submit the following documents:
- a valid travel document which has been issued within the previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa;
- a completed and signed ONLINE APPLICATION FORM. The computer completed application form has to be printed out, signed (at the end of the application form) and submitted to the Embassy. In case several persons (minors or a spouse) are covered by the same travel document, individual application forms must be filled in and signed by the persons concerned; in case of minors must be signed by the parental authority or the legal guardian. A minor at least 15 years old may file and sign the visa application themselves;
- 1 passport-size recent (not older than 6 months) color photo (35mm x 45mm) with a light background, including the entire face, without head-dress. Requirements for the quality of the passport photo can be found here;
- an insurance policy valid in Schengen countries with a coverage of at least 50.000 USD for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. Please note that the insurance policy should cover medical, hospital and repatriation costs. Further information regarding insurance policy can be found here;
- payment – the application fee is 90 EUR (for children between 6 and 12 years of age - 45 EUR). For the citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and Ukraine the fee is 35 EUR. Information on visa fee waiver policy can be found here.
- if applying at the VFS Center – the fee is payable at the VFS Center;
- if applying by mail – after receiving the documents at the Embassy, the payment link will be sent to your indicated e-mail.
- if applying at the Embassy – the fee is payable at the Embassy by a bank card.
Supporting documents:
- proof of legal residence in the USA. Original of valid US alien registration card (permanent residence permit, green card) or valid US resident visa. The US residence permit or visa should be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from the territory of the Schengen Member States. Holders of B1/B2 visa must apply for a Schengen visa in their country of origin or permanent residence.
- proof of purpose of entry:
o Family/friends/private visit - Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see link;
o Business/Conference - Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see link;
o Tourism
--> Complete travel itinerary (round trip tickets from the USA – flight reservation on with booking reference number with applicant’s name and clear details of travel dates and flight numbers and also other transportation details (bus tickets, rental car details) when travelling from one country to another within the Schengen area.
--> Confirmed hotel reservation with address and telephone matching with flight dates. If you are planning several visits or visit other Schengen countries hotel bookings must be produced for all visits.
--> If the trip is arranged by a tour operator, booking of the trip and itinerary with specifying hotels, dates and contact details.
Please note that Latvia must be the main destination of your trip (the country where you will be spending the most number of days).
- if travelling on business of a private visit – proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or an invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs if staying with the inviting party);
- if travelling on business or a private visit – means of transportation (round trip ticket or ticket reservation with applicant’s name and clear details of travel dates and flight numbers);
- sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay (records of bank account transactions in the past 3 months; credit card together with turnover printouts; letter from employer regarding salary);
- for students F-1 visa holders – a copy of proof of enrollment F1 (form I-20).
- for the citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus completed questionnaire must be attached.
Provision of biometric data (fingerprints) when applying for a visa
When applying for a Schengen visa, the applicants are required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints). If the applicant’s biometric data have already been collected by a diplomatic/consular mission of a Schengen state during the past five years, there is no need to provide them again.