Kindly note: The Govt is very strict on the photograph requirement; please ensure that your photos are as per the specifications.
A Latvia Schengen visa is a special kind of visa which allows you to travel among all the Schengen countries including Latvia for a maximum period of upto 90 days. This is a traveller’s dream where with one visa you can travel to any of the other 25 Schengen countries along with Latvia.
A Schengen Visa (issued by a consulate or embassy of a Schengen State) is valid for all 26 States of the Schengen Area (including the European territory of Latvia), unless it is marked otherwise on the visa sticker. So you do not need another visa to enter or stay in the European territory of Latvia. However, you must be in possession of documentary evidence for the reasons of your stay and your means of support. Schengen Area comprises of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The Schengen Visa is a short stay visa and takes the form of a sticker affixed to your passport. The definition of “short stay” is a stay of "90 days in any 180 days period". This means that the total duration of stay is of maximum 90 days in any period of 180 days. The precise length of validity of your Schengen Visa is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading “Duration of visit”. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker under the heading "Number of entries" by "1". A two-entry or a multiple-entry visa allows for two or several entries during the validity of the Schengen Visa. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "02" or "MULT" under the heading "Number of entries".
No, not necessarily all Schengen Visas will be granted for 90 days. You may get the Schengen Visa only for the number of days that you present in your travel itinerary and your flight & hotel bookings
You may appeal against this decision. The decision to refuse a Schengen visa and the reasons for the refusal are notified using a standard form that is handed out by the Member State's consulate that refused the visa. The notification of the refusal must include the reasons, on which the refusal were based, and the procedures and deadlines for submitting an appeal. You are free to re-apply again if your application has been refused earlier. However, it is recommended that you take note of the reasons for the earlier refusal before submitting a new application and make amendments, where necessary.
The visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused. The visa fee covers the cost of the examination of the visa application.
The Schengen Visa cover letter is a letter which summarizes your intent to travel to a country that is part of the Schengen area. In your cover letter you should explain:
- the purpose of your trip
- when and where you intend to travel
- how your trip is going to be funded
- day-by-day itinerary for your trip
- duration of the trip
You cannot extend your short-stay visa while in Latvia except in special circumstances, and exceeding your permitted period of stay is considered an act of illegality or criminality. Instead, you must return to your home country within the permitted period of stay and apply for another Latvia Visa if necessary.
Schengen visas may allow for a single-entry or multiple entries. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "01". With a visa allowing for two or multiple entries you may enter twice or several times during the validity of the visa.
A short-stay Schengen Visa allows you to enter and stay in a Latvian territory for a maximum period of 90 days within a period of six months.
You may only submit your Schengen visa application 90 days before your date of departure. We recommend that you apply at least 20 working days before the date you wish to depart as certain types of travel purpose may take longer than usual to process. For instance, the processing time of your Schengen Visa Application will take between 10-12 working days from your appointment date.
Typically, a Latvia Visa (Schengen Visa) takes anywhere from 5 to 15 days to process in the Latvia Embassy/Consulate. The processing time for a Latvia Visa is dependent on several factors and can change without notice at the consulate's discretion.
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. is the preferred outsourced partner for the Embassy & Consulate General of Latvia in India. VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Latvia Application Centres function as collection and processing centres for Latvia Visas. VFS does not play any part in or influence the outcome of your visa application.
Applicants can check the status of Latvia visa application online using the Latvia VFS Reference number and Date of Birth. Kindly visit the Track Your Application section of the Latvia VFS website.
As an application centre, the Latvia Visa Application Centre (VFS) will not be able to guarantee you a visa. The issuance or refusal of a Latvia visa is the sole prerogative of The Embassy/Consulate. The Latvia Visa Application Centre cannot influence this decision in any way.
Yes, an appointment is mandatory for Latvia Visa in order to provide your biometrics and submit your visa documents.
No. A long stay visa or a residence permit issued by a Schengen State allows you to travel or stay in other Schengen States, while respecting the maximum duration of a “short stay” (a stay of "90 days in any 180 day period")
Every member of the family needs an individual appointment.
Schengen Visa must be applied from the Embassy / Consulate of the country where you will be staying for maximum number of days. If your stay has equal number of days in each country then you must apply to the Embassy / Consulate of the country which would serve as the first port of entry.
Schengen Visas may allow for a single-entry or multiple entries. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "01". With a visa allowing for two or multiple entries you may enter twice or several times during the validity of the Schengen Visa.
According to the EU, a single-entry Schengen Visa allows entry to the Schengen area only once, meaning you are not permitted to re-enter the Schengen Area after leaving, while a multiple-entry Schengen Visa allows multiple entries into the Schengen Area within the visa’s validity period (90 days total within 180-day period).
The short-stay visa does not automatically entitle you to enter the Schengen area. At the border (or during other controls) you may have to show the visa but also provide additional documentation, for example; sufficient evidence that you have sufficient means to cover the stay and the return trip. It is therefore recommended that you carry with you copies of the documents which you presented when applying for the Schengen visa (e.g. letters of invitation, travel confirmations, other documents stating the purpose of your stay).
Yes, applications by mail will not be accepted. The Schengen visa application should be presented in person because biometrical data must be recorded.
As from 2nd November 2015 following the introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS), all Schengen visa applicants in India have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography). The photograph can be digitally taken at the time of the application or scanned from an existing one. For subsequent applications within the 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. In case of reasonable doubt regarding the identity of the applicant, the consulate will again collect fingerprints within the 5 year period specified above. Furthermore, the applicant may request that they be collected if, at the time when the application is lodged, it cannot be immediately confirmed that the fingerprints were collected within this 5 years period.
Yes. Applicants should prove that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Schengen Member States. The insurance should be valid throughout the territory of the Member States and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage must be EUR 30000.
Your travel Insurance plan for a Schengen Visa must meet the following requirements:
Even though Travel Insurance is a mandatory requirement for processing Schengen Visa, you are strongly advised to purchase a health / travel insurance to secure yourself as medical treatment can be very expensive in the Schengen country. Your travel insurance offers protection against unexpected emergencies on international travel such as coverage of medical expenses, flight delay and cancellations, passport and baggage loss or personal accident. For financial safety and security on your international trip we highly recommend you to purchase travel insurance and avail our special offer.
The easiest way to apply for a Latvia Visa is to contact us. We are experts in the travel and tourism sector with over 40 years of experience. Through our expertise, in-depth knowledge and integrity, we commit to delivering an exceptional experience to our customers each and every time you use our service. In order to help us understand your unique visa needs, please drop in your query and our Expert will get in touch with you.
We have you covered across India with presence in all the major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow and many more.
Akbar Travels has been a part of more than one million travel dreams. We offer a superior, quick and hassle-free Visa Facilitation service. With a highly professional and dedicated team of Visa Experts, we are here to cater to all your Latvia visa application requirements. Read more
Throughout your visa process, you will have a dedicated Visa Expert handling your application.Here are the steps to apply for a Latvia Visa through Akbar Travels:
Step 1: Provide your travel details to our Visa Expert and get all your queries answered.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee and upload your documents online through our secured online document locker
Step 3: Our Visa Expert will verify the documents, complete your visa application and schedule your appointment.
Step 4: On the appointment day visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) to submit your Biometrics (fingerprinting & photograph) and documents.
Step 5: Receive your Visa.
Show lessEven though Latvia is one of Europe’s smallest states, “size doesn’t matter” when it comes to the extensive landscape, plethora of attractions, long fruitful history, and an economy that was once the envy of surrounding nations. Latvia is still the queen of the Baltics, but recent economic hardships slowed the booming growth since gaining independence in 1991. Read more
The capital city, Riga, is the largest city in the Baltic States, and by far the most prosperous. Its radiant history hasn’t always been pretty, but there are plenty of fascinating things to see because of this. The Riga Castle is a stand out attraction, as are the distinct, Soviet-style neighbourhoods that must be experienced. German Art Nouveau architecture dots the city like jewels on a royal crown and the entire Old Town district has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.The 400-mile long Baltic Sea is sprawling with white-sanded beaches and the forests that cover a majority of Latvia’s rural regions boasting an incredible array of nature preserves, perfect for the outdoor lover. Sigulda, which is often called the “Switzerland of Latvia,” sees valleys and forests blend into townships. Heading to the Russian-influenced area of Liepaja brings former Soviet military towns like Karosta and you can actually spend a night in an ex-prison.
The summer months host a range of festivals and events in Latvia, along with sky high tourist numbers. Five-star hotels are found in the large cities like Riga, but visitors will also find plenty of cheaper and equally comfortable spots to sleep in rural towns. Making reservations in advance is certainly recommended. Riga is the most cosmopolitan city in the Baltics, so it should come as no surprise regarding the large number of international cuisine influences. Nevertheless, good, hearty traditional meals can certainly be found in the capital.
Riga International Airport is the main gateway into the Baltics, and especially Latvia. Sea ports also make it possible to arrive via sea ferries. Once inside the country, traveling is easy, so daytrips to areas like Sigulda and Kuldiga are popular. Trains, buses, and cars make for quick and convenient transportation options, as cities and towns are never too far away from each other. Tourists can easily venture from Riga to the wooded forestland of Cise or Ligatne or the coastal town of Jurmala.
The largest and most exciting metropolis in the Baltics, Riga will inspire you. Architecture from Gothic cathedrals to world-class Art Nouveau, buzzing cafes and bars and delicious dining from haute cuisine to local market produce are all yours for a price tag that will add to the pleasure.
The Gauja National Park is the perfect place to destress. Wander miles of stunning hiking trails, explore fascinating medieval castles or thrill to bungee jumping, bobsleighing and other adventurous activities.
Just 20 minutes’ drive from Riga, Jurmala (Jūrmala) is a seaside resort like no other. If you’re looking for fun, there’s vibrant life on the beach and in the unique spas, offering a tempting menu of mud packs and massages. But Jurmala is also a great place to get back to nature, strolling the miles of pine-fringed shore or admiring beautiful timber summer cottages.
Drift back to a gentler age in Kuldiga (Kuldīga), an ideal destination for a romantic weekend or family vacation. This beautiful town offers a mixture of Baroque splendour and soulful timber houses, Europe’s widest waterfall and enchanting restaurants and guesthouses to ensure a magical stay.
Nicknamed the Baltic Versailles, Rundale Palace (Rundāles pils) will transport you to an age of splendor. Designed by Francesco Rastrelli, the architect who also created St. Petersburg’s Hermitage, Rundale is a superbly restored Baroque and Rococo masterpiece packed with art treasures and surrounded by a delightful rose garden.
Latvia is a land of ancient traditions, and the best place to experience them is the Turaida Museum Reserve near Sigulda. Explore the medieval castle and its intriguing museum, connect with Latvia’s musical heritage on Folk Song Hill and take in sweeping views of the lovely Gauja River Valley.
Cesis (Cēsis) is a town with an intriguing mixture of hipness and history. Savour the timeless ambience of the old town, get into medieval life at the ancient castle, enjoy cute cafes and soak up diverse artistic and musical events.
Known as the "city where the wind is born," Liepaja (Liepāja) is a port with uncommon attractions. Architecture from Art Nouveau pearls to historic churches, the Soviet brutalist Karosta military port district, a magnificent beach and rich musical traditions are yours to savour.
Latgale is an off-the-beaten-track gem that deeply rewards visitors.From a museum to legendary artist Mark Rothko to awe inspiring Aglona Basilica, Latvia’s eastern region is packed with surprises. Stunning lakes, fascinating traditions, timeless handicrafts and heartfelt hospitality will make this a place you will never forget.
The port of Ventspils is a town with the sea in its veins, as well as being a delightful destination for the whole family. Enjoy street sculpture, let the kids run wild in the city’s fun parks, discover the interactive medieval castle or relax on the Blue Flag beach.
Show less
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We currently only process Tourist and Business Visas. Kindly contact the Embassy for the following visa applications.
There are several different types of Schengen Latvia visa that can be applied for by non-Schengen country passport-holders for travelling to not only Latvia but also to other countries within the Schengen Area. Check out the different types of Schengen Latvia visa which you need to apply for, depending on the main purpose of your visit
Uniform visa has two types – A and C – depending on the purpose of the entry.
A type visa is intended for crossing international transit zone at the airport of a Schengen member state.
C type visa is issued if a foreigner wishes to visit or transit one or more Schengen member states.
This visa may be issued to stay in an international transit zone at the airport of a Schengen member state. It is an airport transit visa that is required for nationals of several countries who need to change an airplane at the airport of a Schengen member state or whose airplane lands in the airport of a Schengen member state on the way from one non-Schengen member to another non-Schengen member state.
In principle an airport transit visa allowing to stay in an international transit zone is required for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka or foreigners holding travel documents issued by the aforementioned countries. However, there are several exceptions when an airport transit visa for citizens of these countries is not needed. About specific cases, please, consult the consular officer of the relevant mission.
This visa is issued for a short-term visit in, or transit through Schengen member states. It is a short-stay visa which depending upon the purpose of the visit may be issued for one, two or multiple entries. The validity period of the visa may not exceed 5 years. An entry means crossing the border between a Schengen member state and a non-Schengen state. A foreigner holding a C visa may stay in Schengen member states no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. The validity period of visas for one or two entries includes also a 'period of grace' – additional 15 days that do not influence the period of stay indicated in the visa. This means that, when issuing a visa for one or two entries, 15 days are added to the period of validity indicated by the foreign national in his visa application. Thus a foreign national may enter or leave the territory of the Schengen states within the period of validity indicated on the visa, but may stay for as long as indicated in the "duration of stay" section on the visa sticker.
In case of transit, the length of the authorized stay is established corresponding to the time necessary for the purpose of transit. In order to receive a visa for transit, the travel document must bear a visa for the country of destination, if required.
Foreigner who needs to stay in Latvia more than 90 days in a half-year period depending on the circumstances should apply for a long-stay visa (or a residence permit). Under Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council that came into effect on 5 April 2010, a third-country national holding a valid long-stay visa issued by a Schengen state may travel and stay in the territory of other Schengen states no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
If a third-country national needs to enter a Schengen member state but there are circumstances forbidding him to have a uniform visa valid in all Schengen member states, he may be granted a visa with a limited territorial validity. It means that visa is not valid for entering all Schengen member states, but only those indicated on the visa. If it is said on a visa that visa is valid only for Latvia, a foreigner is barred from entering other Schengen member states. Visas with limited territorial validity may be issued for transit or a short-term visit in a Schengen member state no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.