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Latvia, a beautiful Baltic country known for its medieval cities, forests, and coastline, attracts many tourists each year. If you are a non-EU or non-Schengen national, you may need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa to visit Latvia for tourism.
A Latvian tourist visa, or Schengen Type C visa, allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips.
To increase your chances of a successful application, it is essential to provide complete and accurate documentation. Below is an overview of the documents generally required.
Key Documents for a Latvian Tourist Visa
1. Completed Visa Application Form
You must fill out and sign the Schengen visa application form. Make sure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
2. Valid Passport
Your passport must:
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Be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
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Have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
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Be issued within the last 10 years.
3. Recent Passport Photos
Usually, two identical passport-sized photos are required. They must meet Schengen photo requirements (light background, clear face, no headgear except for religious purposes).
4. Proof of Travel Arrangements
You should submit:
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A round-trip flight reservation showing your entry and exit from Latvia (or the Schengen Zone).
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Details of your travel itinerary, including any internal travel within Latvia or other Schengen countries.
5. Proof of Accommodation
Provide documents showing where you will stay, such as:
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Hotel bookings
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Hostel reservations
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An invitation letter from a host if staying with family or friends, sometimes with proof of their legal residence in Latvia.
6. Travel Insurance
You must have valid travel medical insurance that:
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Covers at least €30,000.
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Is valid for the entire Schengen Area.
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Covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and repatriation.
7. Proof of Financial Means
You need to prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay. This can be shown through:
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Recent bank statements (usually for the last 3-6 months)
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Payslips
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Sponsorship letter (if someone else is paying for your trip)
Latvia generally requires visitors to show they have at least €14 per day for the duration of their stay.
8. Cover Letter
A short letter explaining:
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The purpose of your trip
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Your travel plans
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How you will fund your stay
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Your commitment to return home before your visa expires
9. Proof of Civil Status (if applicable)
Examples include a marriage certificate, birth certificate for children, or other relevant documents.
10. Visa Fee Payment
You must pay the visa application fee and keep the receipt. As of now, the standard fee for adults is €80, and for children aged 6-12, it is €40.
Additional Notes
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Documents not in Latvian or English may need to be officially translated.
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Some applicants may be called for an interview or asked for additional documents.
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Always apply at the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or through an authorised visa application centre.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Latvian tourist visa requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Submit complete and genuine documents, make sure your application form is accurate, and apply well in advance of your planned travel date to avoid last-minute issues.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and fees can change at any time. Always check the latest requirements on the official website of the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in your country or consult with a qualified immigration advisor before making any travel or visa arrangements.
July 21, 2025
