Latvia Tourist Visa
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Last Updated 16 October 2026

Latvia Tourist Visa from India: Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

  • Riga's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its extraordinary Art Nouveau architecture.
  • Home to the Ventas Rumba, Europe's widest waterfall, spanning over 249 metres across the Venta River.
  • Over 50% of Latvia's territory is covered by forests, meadows, and wetlands.
  • Home to over 2,000 lakes and 12,000 rivers, offering unspoiled natural landscapes in the Baltic region.
  • Rundale Palace is one of the most magnificent Baroque and Rococo masterpieces in Northern Europe.

Visit Latvia

Latvia Visa for Indians

Indian passport holders must apply for a Schengen visa to enter Latvia for tourism, leisure, or short stays. The Latvia visit visa, officially known as the Type C Short-Stay Schengen Visa, allows Indians to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period and grants access to all 29 Schengen member states with a single visa. With proper preparation and assistance from Y-Axis, applying for a Latvia visa can be a smooth process.

Types of Latvia Visit Visa

Type A Visa — Airport Transit Visa

The Type A Airport Transit Visa is for travellers passing through a Latvian airport en route to a non-Schengen country. Holders of this visa are permitted to remain only in the international transit area of the airport and cannot enter Latvian territory.

Type C Visa — Short-Stay Schengen Visa

The Type C Short-Stay Schengen Visa is the standard Latvia visit visa issued for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It covers a wide range of purposes, including tourism, visiting family or friends, and short-term business visits. The Latvia visit visa can be issued as a Single-entry, Double-entry, or Multiple-entry visa, with a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years. As Latvia is part of the Schengen area, this visa also grants access to all 29 Schengen member states.

Latvia tourist visa types

Benefits of a Latvia Visit Visa

  • Grants access to all 29 Schengen member states on a single visa, making it ideal for multi-country travel across Europe.
  • Available in Single-entry, Double-entry, and Multiple-entry options, offering flexibility to suit different travel needs and frequencies.
  • Allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen area.
  • A Multiple-entry Latvia visit visa is valid for up to 5 years, eliminating the need to reapply for every trip.
  • Covers a wide range of travel purposes, including tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term business visits, and cultural events.

*Want to apply for a Schengen visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps. 

Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Latvia

Latvia is a destination that offers a compelling mix of medieval history, Art Nouveau architecture, pristine natural landscapes, and a rich Baltic cultural heritage. From the vibrant streets of its capital city to the tranquil shores of the Baltic Sea, Latvia has something distinctive to offer every kind of traveller.

Here are the top 5 places to visit in Latvia:
  • Riga: The capital of Latvia and the largest city in the Baltic states, Riga is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its extraordinary Art Nouveau architecture and well-preserved medieval Old Town. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the House of the Blackheads, the towering St Peter's Church, and the Freedom Monument, which stands as a symbol of Latvian independence. Riga's Central Market, housed in five enormous former zeppelin hangars, is one of the largest markets in Europe. The city is also known for its thriving café culture, world-class restaurants, and a dynamic arts and music scene.
  • Jurmala: Located just 25 kilometres from Riga along the Gulf of Riga, Jurmala is the largest seaside resort in the Baltic states and one of the most popular destinations in Latvia. The resort is known for its long stretches of white sand beaches, pine forests, and distinctive wooden Art Nouveau architecture that lines its charming pedestrian streets. Jurmala has historically been a favourite retreat for artists and writers, and its elegant spa culture continues to attract visitors seeking relaxation. The resort is easily accessible from Riga by train, making it an ideal day trip destination.
  • Gauja National Park: Latvia's oldest and largest national park, it spans 920 square kilometres of forested hills, sandstone cliffs, and the meandering Gauja River valley. The park is home to a wealth of medieval castles, including the ruins of the 13th-century Livonian Order Castle in Sigulda and the well-preserved Turaida Castle, which offers panoramic views across the surrounding valley. Gutman's Cave, the largest cave in the Baltic states, is one of the park's most visited natural landmarks. The park also offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and canoeing.
  • Sigulda: Often called the Switzerland of Latvia, Sigulda is a scenic town in the heart of the Gauja River Valley, surrounded by forested hills, medieval castles, and sandstone cliffs. The town is home to the Sigulda Castle Complex, which includes the ruins of the 13th-century Livonian Order Castle and the 19th-century Sigulda New Castle. Sigulda is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, cycling, and winter sports year-round. Its proximity to Riga, just 50 kilometres away, makes it one of the most popular day trip destinations in Latvia.
  • Rundale Palace: Often referred to as the Versailles of Latvia, Rundale Palace is one of the most magnificent Baroque and Rococo architectural masterpieces in Northern Europe, designed by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who also created the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. The palace comprises 138 rooms, of which approximately 40 are open to visitors, showcasing a rich collection of period furniture, paintings, and decorative arts. The formal gardens surrounding the palace are particularly popular during the summer months. Rundale Palace, located approximately 80 kilometres from Riga, is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Places to visit in Latvia

Eligibility for Latvia Visit Visa

  • Must hold a valid passport with a minimum validity of 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.
  • Sufficient funds to cover all expenses for your entire stay. Latvia's published minimum is €14 per day for stays of up to 30 days (verify the current amount with VFS Global Latvia India before applying). Bank statements should show a consistent balance, not recent large deposits.
  • A clean criminal record with no history of visa violations or overstays in the Schengen area.
  • Strong ties to the home country, such as employment, family, or property, demonstrate a clear intent to return after the visit.
  • Latvia must be the main destination of the trip.
  • A genuine and clearly stated purpose of visit, whether for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term business.

*Want to apply for a visit visa? Let Y-Axis guide you with the steps. 

Requirements for Latvia Visit Visa

  • Duly completed Latvia Schengen visa application form, printed and signed.
  • Two recent passport-sized colour photographs, as per Schengen specifications.
  • Valid passport issued within the last 10 years, with at least two blank pages and valid for at least 3 months after your departure from Latvia, plus copies of the identification pages.
  • Copies of previously issued visas, if any.
  • Confirmed round-trip flight tickets with proof of payment.
  • Confirmed and prepaid hotel booking with payment details, issued directly by the hotel (bookings from social booking platforms may not be accepted), or other valid proof of accommodation.
  • Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across the entire Schengen area for your full stay plus 15 days, including emergency treatment and repatriation.
  • Bank statements for the last 6 months as proof of sufficient financial means.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer, or proof of enrolment from the educational institution if applicable.
  • Electronic Travel Declaration (ETD) — a separate mandatory pre-arrival registration (not a visa), required in addition to the Schengen visa for most non-EU/NATO/OECD nationals including Indian travellers. Submit online at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before entry into Latvia. In effect since September 1, 2025.

Latvia Visit Visa Requirements

Steps to Apply for a Latvia Visit Visa from India

The steps to apply for a Latvia Visit Visa from India are given below:

Step 1: Determine the type of Latvia visit visa you need based on your travel purpose.

Step 2: Fill in the Latvia Schengen visa application form accurately and completely.

Step 3: Gather all the necessary documents as per the official Latvia visit visa checklist.

Step 4: Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global Visa Application Centre in India.

Step 5: Attend the visa appointment and submit your documents, including your biometric data.

Step 6: Pay the visa application fee and service fee at the time of visa submission.

Step 7: You will be issued a Latvia visit visa if all the eligibility criteria are met.

*Need assistance with Schengen visa appointments? Get in touch with experts at Y-Axis to help you with the process. 

Latvia Electronic Travel Declaration (ETD): Who Needs It?

The Electronic Travel Declaration (ETD) is a mandatory online declaration for certain foreign nationals entering Latvia. It is not a visa, and it is not part of your visa application. If you need to submit it, you must do so online at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before you arrive in Latvia, including when you only pass through Latvia in transit.

You hold a Schengen visa issued by Latvia: You do not need to submit the ETD. Holders of visas and residence permits issued by Latvia are exempt. You hold a Schengen visa issued by another country (for example, Estonia, Lithuania or Germany) and plan to enter Latvia: You must submit the ETD at least 48 hours before arrival. Your travel plans change after submitting: Submit the form again. The 48-hour rule does not apply to the updated form.

After you submit the declaration, you receive an automatic email confirmation. You do not need to wait for a separate permit. Each traveller must submit their own declaration; parents or guardians submit it for minor children. Failing to submit the declaration, or giving false information, can lead to a fine.

How Long Does a Latvia Tourist Visa Take?

The standard processing time for a Latvia tourist visa is up to 10 working days from the date the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi receives your application from VFS Global. Applications submitted at VFS centres outside Delhi need extra days for transit to the Embassy. If the visa officer requests more documents or an interview, processing can take up to 30 days, and in exceptional cases up to 45 days. You can apply up to 6 months before travel. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Latvia Visit Visa Fees

Type Cost
Adult €90
Children (6–12 Years) €45
Children (Under 6 Years) Free

How Y-Axis Can Help You?

Y-Axis is one of the world’s leading visa and immigration consultancies. Our experience and expertise in the Schengen visa process makes us your partner of choice for your visa application.

Our teams will help you with:
  • Immigration documents checklist
  • Complete application processing
  • Forms, documentation & application filing
  • Assistance with booking appointments for Interviews 
  • Preparing the client to face the Interview at the Consulate
  • Updates & Follow-up

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Latvia?
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Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen Type C Short-Stay Visa to visit Latvia for tourism, family visits or short business trips. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Applications are submitted through VFS Global centres in India and are decided by the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi. Latvia must be your main destination.
What is the Latvia Electronic Travel Declaration (ETD), and do I need it?
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The ETD is a mandatory online declaration for certain foreign nationals entering Latvia. If you hold a Schengen visa issued by Latvia, you do not need to submit it. If you enter Latvia on a Schengen visa issued by another country, you must submit it at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before arrival. It is not a visa and is not part of your visa application.
I am visiting Estonia and Lithuania too. Do I need Latvia's ETD?
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It depends on which country issued your Schengen visa. If Latvia issued your visa, you are exempt. If Estonia, Lithuania or another Schengen country issued your visa and you plan to enter Latvia, you must submit the ETD at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before entering Latvia, even if you are only passing through in transit.
How many photographs do I need for a Latvia visa?
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The VFS Global Latvia India tourist checklist asks for two recent colour photographs, sized 35 mm × 45 mm, with a white background and taken within the last six months. One photograph is stuck on the application form. Make sure your face is clearly visible and centred. Check the latest VFS checklist before your appointment, as requirements can change.

What documents do I need for a Latvia tourist visa?
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You need a signed application form, two photographs and a passport issued within 10 years with two blank pages. The passport must be valid 3 months after you leave Latvia. You also need confirmed return tickets with proof of payment, prepaid hotel bookings, and travel insurance of at least €30,000. Add six months of bank statements and an employer NOC or student enrolment proof.
How long does a Latvia visa take to process?
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Processing usually takes up to 10 working days from the date the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi receives your application from VFS Global. Applications from VFS centres outside Delhi need extra days for transit. If more documents or an interview are needed, processing can take up to 30 days. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel.
What is the Latvia tourist visa fee for Indians?
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The Latvia Schengen visa fee is €90 for adults aged 12 and above and €45 for children aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 do not pay a visa fee. A VFS Global service charge of ₹2,999, including GST, also applies per applicant. The fees can be paid in cash or by debit or credit card and are non-refundable.
Where do I submit my Latvia visa application in India?
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You submit your application at a VFS Global Latvia Visa Application Centre in India. VFS collects your documents and biometrics and sends them to the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi for a decision. Book your appointment on the VFS Global Latvia India website. For general queries, contact the Embassy's consular section through its official website.
How early should I apply for a Latvia visa?
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You can apply up to 6 months before your travel date. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel to allow time for processing, document transit from VFS centres outside Delhi, and any extra document requests. During peak summer and holiday seasons, apply earlier. Avoid booking non-refundable plans until your visa is approved, where possible.
How much money do I need to show for a Latvia visa?
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You must show enough funds to cover your full stay. Latvia's published minimum is €14 per day for stays of up to 30 days, but you should verify the current amount with VFS Global before applying. Submit bank statements for the last six months. Consistent balances and regular income matter more than large deposits made just before applying.
What travel insurance do I need for a Latvia visa?
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You need travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries. It must cover your full stay plus an additional 15-day grace period. The policy should include emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation. Make sure the dates match your itinerary, as incorrect insurance is a common reason for refusal.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Latvia visa?
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Yes. A Latvia Schengen visa allows you to travel across all 29 Schengen countries, including Estonia and Lithuania, within the 90-days-in-180 limit. However, Latvia must be your main destination by length or purpose of stay. If another country is your main destination, apply through that country instead.
Can I get a multiple-entry Latvia visa?
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Yes. Latvia can issue single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visas. Multiple-entry visas can be valid for up to five years, depending on your travel history and the Embassy's assessment. Applicants who have lawfully used previous Schengen visas are more likely to receive longer validity. Each stay must still follow the 90-days-in-180 rule.
Do Indians need an airport transit visa for Latvia?
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Indian passport holders generally do not need an Airport Transit Visa (Type A) for transit through Latvian airports, including Riga International Airport (RIX). However, travellers transiting Latvia without a Latvia-issued visa must submit the Electronic Travel Declaration at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before arrival. Check your airline's transit rules before booking.
What is the EU Entry/Exit System (EES)?
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The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is a digital border system that records non-EU travellers' entries and exits. It now operates at Riga International Airport and all Schengen borders. At your first entry, you give fingerprints and a facial image. The system tracks your 90-day limit automatically. The EES is separate from Latvia's Electronic Travel Declaration.
Does ETIAS apply to Indian travellers visiting Latvia?
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No. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is an upcoming pre-travel authorisation for nationalities that can enter the Schengen Area without a visa. Indian passport holders need a full Schengen visa, so they are not affected by ETIAS. Your Latvia visa remains your entry authorisation.
What is the difference between a Type C and a Type D visa for Latvia?
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A Type C visa is a short-stay Schengen visa for up to 90 days within 180 days, valid across all 29 Schengen countries. A Type D visa is a national long-stay visa for stays over 90 days, such as for work, study or family reunification, and applies to Latvia. Long-stay applicants usually also need approval from Latvia's immigration authorities.
Is the Latvia visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
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No. The €90 visa fee and the ₹2,999 VFS Global service charge are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. If you reapply, you must pay the fees again. Following the latest VFS checklist carefully, including the photo, ticket and hotel rules, is the best way to avoid a refusal and a second payment.
What are common reasons for Latvia visa rejection?
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Common reasons include insufficient or inconsistent proof of funds, weak ties to India, and missing documents. Other reasons include travel insurance below €30,000, unpaid or unconfirmed tickets and hotel bookings, and an unclear itinerary. Latvia not being your main destination, or a previous Schengen overstay, can also lead to rejection.
Can I work in Latvia on a tourist visa?
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No. A Latvia tourist visa is for tourism, family visits and short business trips only. You cannot take up paid work or stay longer than 90 days within 180 days. Business visitors may attend meetings and conferences but cannot carry out productive work. To work in Latvia, you need a work authorisation and a long-stay Type D visa.