Latvia Schengen Visa Guide 2026
Latvia — Riga's Art Nouveau architecture, Jūrmala beach resort, and Gauja National Park — is a Baltic Schengen state with one of the most accessible financial thresholds in the zone. Applications go through Latvian embassies or VFS Global. This guide covers the complete document requirements and Latvia-specific application tips.
Visa requirements can change. Check the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page and your local Latvian embassy before applying.
In this guide
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €90 adults · €45 children (6–11) · Free under 6 |
| processing time | 15 calendar days (up to 45 in complex cases) |
| Financial Requirement | ~€40 per day of stay |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Application Channel | Latvian embassy or VFS Global (country-dependent) |
| Official Source | mfa.gov.lv |
Financial Requirements for a Latvia Visa
Latvia requires approximately €40 per day — among the lowest daily requirements in Schengen. Latvia is genuinely affordable, so actual trip costs are comfortably within this range for most travellers.
| Trip Length | Minimum Required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days | €200 | €400+ |
| 7 days | €280 | €550+ |
| 10 days | €400 | €750+ |
| 14 days | €560 | €1,000+ |
Bank statements must cover the last 3 months, be bank-stamped, and show regular income. See our bank balance requirements guide for presentation tips.
Document Checklist for Latvia Schengen Visa
Core Documents (All Applicants)
- Completed visa application form — from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, signed and dated.
- Valid passport — valid for 3+ months after your return date, at least 2 blank pages.
- Previous passports — all expired passports showing prior travel history.
- 2 passport photos — 35×45 mm, white background, taken within 6 months.
- travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical coverage valid for the Schengen Area. See our travel insurance guide.
- Flight reservation — round-trip itinerary (refundable or on-hold, not a paid ticket).
- Accommodation proof — hotel bookings with free cancellation for every night of your stay.
- Bank statements — last 3 months, bank-stamped, showing sufficient daily funds.
- Cover letter — explaining your travel purpose, itinerary, and ties to home country.
Employment / Income Proof
- employment letter confirming position, salary, and approved leave
- Last 3 months' payslips
- For self-employed: business registration, tax returns, company bank statements
- For students: enrolment letter, No Objection Certificate, sponsor's financials
How to Apply for a Latvia Schengen Visa
Find your application centre via the Latvian MFA visa page. Latvia uses VFS Global in some countries and handles applications directly at its embassies in others.
- Confirm whether your country uses VFS Global or direct embassy submission via the Latvian MFA website.
- Book an appointment — at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date.
- Attend in person with originals and one copy of all documents.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.
- Pay the €90 visa fee — non-refundable.
- Track your application with the reference number provided.
Latvia-Specific Tips
- Riga Old Town: UNESCO-listed — one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the Baltics. Riga Central Market (in repurposed Zeppelin hangars) is one of Europe's largest and most interesting food markets.
- Art Nouveau District: Riga has the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe. Alberta Street is the heart of this architectural heritage.
- Jūrmala: Latvia's beach resort town 30 minutes from Riga by train — pine forest, wooden beach houses, and Baltic Sea beaches. Excellent day trip.
- Baltic circuit (Estonia–Latvia–Lithuania): All three Baltic states are Schengen members. The Tallinn–Riga–Vilnius route is easily covered in 10–14 days by bus, train, or rental car on one Schengen visa.
- Sigulda and Gauja National Park: 1 hour from Riga — castle ruins, forest hiking, and the Turaida Museum Reserve. The Aerodium skydiving wind tunnel in Sigulda is a unique activity.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need for a Latvia Schengen visa?
Latvia requires approximately €40 per day. For a 7-day trip, show at least €280 — ideally €550+ as a comfortable buffer. Bank statements covering the last 3 months are required.
Does Latvia use VFS Global for visa applications?
Latvia uses VFS Global in some countries and accepts applications directly at its embassies in others. Check the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to confirm the correct centre for your country.
Can I visit Lithuania or Estonia with a Latvia Schengen visa?
Yes. A Latvia Schengen visa is valid across all 27 Schengen countries. Latvia must be your main destination or first Schengen entry point.
What is the Latvia Schengen visa processing time?
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from biometrics submission. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your travel date.