Guide for Latvia Visa Requirements
If you plan to visit Latvia, you will most likely need to apply for a Schengen visa and travel insurance. This short-term visa allows you to explore Latvia and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The documents you need may vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. Whether you're arriving by land, sea, or air, you must present certain documents to the border police.
Latvia Schengen visa for Thai citizens
As of September 2026, Latvia is represented by Hungary in Thailand; applications are submitted via VFS Global in Bangkok.
- Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
- One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
- Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
- Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
- Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
- For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody, (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
- Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
- Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
- Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
-
Travel insurance: (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The LUMA Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
- Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
- For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Latvia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
- For persons under 20 years old; Parents' consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
- For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
- Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
- Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
- Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
- Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office in Bangkok.
- Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person and is available within the online application system.
- Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.
Latvia Schengen Visa for Indonesia Citizens
As of September 2026, Latvia is represented by Germany in Indonesia; applications are submitted via VFS Global in Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya.
- Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
- One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
- Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
- Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
- Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
- For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody, (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
- Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
- Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
- Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
-
Travel insurance: (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The LUMA Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
- Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
- For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Latvia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
- For persons under 20 years old; Parents' consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
- For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
- Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
- Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
- Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
- Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office in Jakarta.
- Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person and is available within the online application system.
Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.
Latvia Schengen Visa for Philippine Citizens
As of September 2026, Latvia is represented by the Netherlands in the Philippines; applications are submitted via VFS Global in Manila.
- Visa application form: This must be completed in full and signed.
- One recent photo (taken within the last 3 months) should be submitted and attached to the application.
- Passport with validity of at least 3 months after the planned journey ends (and one copy), plus previous passports if any.
- Identity Card, Work Permit, Residence Permit and one copy of each.
- Letter of employment (original) or evidence of business ownership, such as Business Registration Certificate (and a copy) and Income Tax Payment Certificate or Receipt (true copy).
- For minors (person under 18 travelling alone or with only one parent): birth certificate, proof of custody, (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce certificate, registration of residence); – An authorisation to travel (alone or with one parent) indicating the purpose of the trip and signed by both parents/legal guardians or from the parent/guardian who does not travel, with copy of their passports or national identification cards. The signature(s) should be verified by a legal entity (e.g. municipal registration office or court).
- Six months of bank statements or bank account booklets copied and certified by the Bank or original document from the bank (in English) indicating the balance (exact amount); or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the intended entire journey and the duration of stay.
- Round-trip flight booking (and a copy)
- Confirmed hotel reservation (and a copy)
-
Travel insurance: (plus one copy). The insurance must cover:
- Cost of repatriation for medical reasons or death.
- Urgent healthcare and emergency hospital treatment for the entire stay and throughout the Schengen area.
- Any expenses that might arise with Covid-19 or repatriation for medical reasons.
- Coverage must be of at least €30,000 or its equivalent in local currency.
- If the application is for a multiple-entry visa, the medical insurance must be valid for the first planned entry. The LUMA Schengen Travel Pass is highly recommended as it meets all these requirements.
- Tourist visa holders must be able to prove possession of the equivalent of 70 euros for each day of their stay within the Schengen area.
- For business meetings/partners and persons staying at the residence of Latvia citizens: Invitation issued by the host (with verified signature) which should be sent to the Embassy by fax or e-mail before the day of application. The original may be sent by post.
- For persons under 20 years old; Parents' consent permitting visa issue and for the specific travel (original).
- For students: Letter from school/university (original) in English.
- Any other documents supporting the purpose and circumstances of the trip. An itinerary of the planned trip if several countries are visited.
- Copy of Real Estate Property (title-deed), marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, if relevant.
- Visa fee: The fee starts from EUR80.00 per person but may vary depending on the visa type and stay duration.
- Application: This should be made in person at the VFS Office for the Netherlands. The Visa Application Centre for the Netherlands in the Philippines also accepts short-stay Schengen visa applications for Latvia.
- Document checklist: This should be referred to before making your visa application in person and is available within the online application system.
- Fingerprinting will be required during the visa application process.
Latvia Schengen Visa for Singapore Citizens
Singapore citizens don't need a visa to enter Schengen Agreement countries, including Latvia, as tourists or business travelers, provided their stay doesn't exceed 90 days within a 6-month period. According to current regulations, verifying requirements with the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore, which represents Latvia, before you travel is recommended.
As of September 2026, Latvia is represented by Hungary in Singapore; applications are submitted directly at the embassy, with no outsourced visa centre.
Latvia Schengen Visa for Malaysian Citizens
Malaysian citizens don't need a visa to enter Schengen Agreement countries, including Latvia, provided their stay doesn't exceed 90 days within a 6-month period. There's no Latvian embassy in Malaysia. As of September 2026, Latvia is represented by Austria in Malaysia, with applications submitted via VFS Global in Kuala Lumpur, rather than through Singapore or another neighboring representation.
What is the Cost of a Schengen Visa for Latvia
The cost of obtaining a Schengen visa, which forms part of the Latvia visa requirements, can vary based on the applicant’s age, visa type, and nationality. As of the last update on 11 June 2024, the general visa fee structure for the Schengen visa is as follows:
- Adults: EUR 90
- Children (6-12 years old): EUR 45
- Children under 6 years old: Free of charge
However, there are exceptions and reductions:
- Students: Reduced fees or waivers may apply for students or postgraduates and accompanying teachers on educational trips.
- Researchers: Individuals travelling for scientific research may benefit from reduced fees.
- Diplomatic passport holders: can obtain a visa for free.
- Certain categories of applicants from countries with Visa Facilitation Agreements with the Schengen states may be subject to a reduced visa fee of EUR 35.
- Long-term visas: National visas or Type D visas, intended for longer stays or any other Schengen country, might have a different fee structure.
Fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. Additionally, visa processing agencies or centres might charge an additional service fee.
How Long Does Latvia Visa Processing Take
As per the Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 amending the Visa Code, Art. 23, a decision on a complete Schengen visa application is issued within 15 calendar days, extendable to a maximum of 45 calendar days if the consulate asks for more documents or calls you in for an interview. Peak season pushes it further.
Apply at least a month ahead so a follow-up request doesn't cost you the trip.
Can I switch my visa type or my residence status while in Latvia?
It depends on the visa you hold now. If you entered on a tourist Schengen visa and later want to study or work, you generally leave the Schengen Area and apply for a new visa or residence permit that matches the new purpose.
Already on a temporary residence permit? Moving from a student to a work permit, or from a work permit to family reunification, means running the full application for that new status. Expect to submit fresh documentation, meet the eligibility criteria, and in some cases apply from your home country or another Schengen country.
Can I extend my short stay Schengen Visa in Latvia?
Schengen visas are generally not extendable. You need a valid reason such as a medical emergency or force majeure, and you should contact Latvian immigration authorities or the embassy well before the visa expires rather than after.
What Happens If My Latvia Visa Is Denied
Visa refusals are always given in writing, with the specific reason explained. You can appeal to the relevant Consular Office within the deadline stated in the refusal notification itself. Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Reapplying is fine, though fixing the stated reason first- often a funds gap or an insurance policy below the €30,000 threshold- makes for a more serious second attempt.
Choosing LUMA Travel Insurance for Your Latvia Trip
Here are some reasons to consider LUMA for your Schengen travel insurance needs:
- Extensive coverage, starting at €30,000, offering comprehensive protection throughout your trip.
- Flexible options, whether you're planning an individual trip or multiple trips within a year.
- Wide range of eligibility, accommodating travelers of various age groups.
- Easy application process, done entirely online, with your insurance certificate delivered by email.
- Trustworthy and reliable, with a proven track record.
- Globally recognized, widely accepted by embassies, and intended to make your visa application process smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Latvia's representation in the Philippines runs through the Netherlands' Visa Application Centre, which accepts short-stay Schengen visa applications for Latvia on its behalf.
No. Latvia is represented by Austria in Malaysia, with applications submitted via VFS Global in Kuala Lumpur.
The fee varies by nationality and visa type. You pay at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an authorized visa service provider, by cash or card depending on what that application centre accepts.
Not strictly, but you do need proof of your itinerary and accommodation. Flight reservations and hotel bookings are the simplest way to show it.
A written explanation is provided, and you can appeal to the relevant Consular Office within the deadline stated in that notification.
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