Latvia Visa Policy

The visa policy of Latvia dictates the terms and conditions under which a traveler can access the country and whether they will need a visa or not. The entry rules for visitors are not the same, as they differ from country to country. Whether you need a visa or not will depend on the purpose of your trip, its duration, and your nationality.

Latvia Schengen Visa

Latvia is a member of the Schengen Union, having signed the agreement many years back. This agreement has seen the country adopt the same visa policy as other member states.

Citizens of Schengen countries are allowed to visit and stay in any member state for an indefinite period.

They are free to enter and exit Schengen countries with their valid ID cards if they don't have passports.

However, persons not from visa-exempt countries must obtain a Schengen visa before visiting Latvia. A Schengen visa is a widely recognized and accepted visa issued by European countries that are members of the Schengen zone. These countries can issue this visa which can be used to visit any of the 27 member states.

The visa is a short-term visa that is valid for 180 days. Holders can stay in Latvia or visit any other member state for 90 days, and it is a multiple-entry visa. Schengen visas are issued for several purposes depending on the visitor's intentions, but they cannot be used to work.

Latvia ETIAS

By 2024, Latvia and other Schengen countries will begin to request ETIAS approval from visitors from visa-exempt countries before they can enter their territories. Schengen countries have the same visa waiver list of countries whose citizens can visit without visas. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you can visit Latvia without having a visa, but you must apply for ETIAS.

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a pre-screening system designed to check the data of persons coming to Europe. Individuals convicted of serious crimes or likely to threaten the continent will be denied entry into the continent.

The multi-layered screening program screens for criminal and health risks using multiple databases within and outside Europe. Only those who meet the conditions will be granted ETIAS approval.

ETIAS is a multiple-entry travel document valid for 3 years from the issue date. The holder is free to visit Latvia at any time of the year, and they can stay in one or more Schengen countries for 90 days in 6 months. ETIAS can be used for tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment visits.

The application is done online, so there is no need to visit the Latvian consulate or embassy to submit a physical application. Furthermore, the approval is done minutes after the security scan is completed. This means you can apply for it and get the Permit on the same day you wish to travel.

Key Information About Latvia ETIAS And Other Travel Information

Here are some vital tips to bear in mind when applying for ETIAS.

Apply Outside Latvia: 

This travel authorization may be online but can only be applied outside Latvia and the Schengen zone, not while you are within the jurisdiction. Although it takes only a few minutes to process, submitting your application at least a day before your planned trip is advisable.

Eligibility: ETIAS is not for all foreign nationals but only those from visa-exempt countries. The Schengen visa waiver list is always dynamic but changes from time to time, so make sure you check to see if your country is there before applying.

Furthermore, only persons coming for short visits will use it. If you are from a visa-exempt country, but plan to stay longer duration allowed, apply for a long-term visa instead, as ETIAS will not suffice.

90/180 Rule: The 90/180 rule must always be followed when transversing the Schengen zone. This is especially true if you intend to visit Latvia and other countries anytime you come to Europe. Visits must be at most 90 days within 180 days. If you want to spend more time, you must leave the Schengen zone on or before the 90th day and wait until the 180th day before they can return.

Not Extendable: This ETIAS is not extendable. This means that you cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days, nor can you extend the authorization beyond the 3 years validity.

Valid For Multiple Countries: This document lets you visit multiple countries in Schengen, Europe. Non-Schengen countries open to ETIAS holders include Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria but the UK and the Irish Republic are closed to visitors without national visas of these countries.

Passport: Using the right passport for your trip to Latvia is very important. Your passport must have at least six months of validity from your entry date. Also, the passport must be the same one registered to the ETIAS application because they are linked. If you travel with a different passport, you will not be allowed into the country.

Application Fee: The application fee must be paid with a credit or debit card before submitting the application. Applicants outside the age bracket of 18-70 are exempted from the fee.

Latvia e-Visa Online – Get your Latvia e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you planning to visit Latvia in Eastern Europe any time soon? You may not need a visa if you are from a visa-exempt country, but you definitely need to apply for online travel authorization. The European Commission has announced that visa-exempt visitors will have to apply for this entry permit starting in 2024.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ

If you want to apply for this online travel authorization for Latvia, you can do it with VisaHQ from the comfort of your home. Here are the steps to take.

Complete an online form: You will find an online application form on the VisaHQ website, which must be completed with accurate information. There are different sections in the form for personal, travel, and passport details. There are also security questions that should be answered accurately.

Upload documents: Copies of your scanned documents must be uploaded.

Pay the fee: Pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card. Submit the form after executing the payment.

Get your ETIAS: Your ETIAS application will be processed within a few minutes after submitting the form, and if your details meet all the requirements, your application will be approved.

Why Use VisaHQ?

You should make VisaHQ your trusted platform for your online applications for the following reasons

• We offer round-the-clock technical support
• You can apply for multiple visas at once
• Track your application status after submission
• Protect your sensitive data using our online data protection software
• Get updated news and information about online visas and policies

You get more value when you use VisaHQ for your application. Visit the main page now to register for ETIAS, or send us a message if you have any.