Visa Types
Latvia Visa Requirements Explained
Find out what documents you need to travel, visit family And friends, do business, or transit through Latvia.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border. To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area.
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Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for Latvia Visitor Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Latvia?
To visit Latvia, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Latvia visa application is made online or offline?
You can complete the visa application form online, print it, and then submit it at the Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Denmark visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a visit visa?
On a visitor visa, you can stay for up to 90 days.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Latvia?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 11-06-2024)
|
DURATION |
VISA FEES IN EUROS |
|
Tourist Visit |
90 |
|
Children between 06 - 12 |
45 |
The visa fee must be paid either in cash or by debit/credit card.
Please Note:
- The visa fee in Indian Rupees is based on the current exchange rate and may change without notice.
- Visa fees and service charges are non-refundable if the visa is refused.
- Children under 6 years old at the time of submission at VFS are exempt from the visa fee, but the VFS service charge will still apply.
To obtain more information about visa fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- First, determine the suitable visa and check eligibility.
- Know required documents, processing time, and fees. Ensure your application complies with visa rules.
- Translate non-English documents if needed.
- When you're ready to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it along with the required documents to the Visa Application Center for submission.
- Complete the visa form, then schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- You'll receive a confirmation email and letter. For families/groups, everyone must book separate appointments.
- After applying, you'll pay the visa fee. If you print the form and take it to the Visa Application Centre, you can pay during your appointment.
- Visit the Visa Application Centre to submit your form. Walk-ins from 8 am to 11 am if no online appointment. Discover the process at the Centre.
- You'll receive an email when your decision returns to the Visa Application Centre. If you prefer SMS updates or have email issues, check with your Centre.
- You can also track your visa online with your Reference Number and last name.
To collect your visa decision:
- In-person: Bring receipt and ID. A representative can go with an authorization letter.
- Courier: Pay extra for delivery.
Check with the Visa Application Centre for options during opening hours.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a complete list of documents you'll need when applying for a Short Term Visa to visit Latvia for various purposes, such as holidays, visiting friends/family, attending a wedding, and more.
- Visa Application Form:
- Completed and signed Latvia Schengen visa application form. You can usually find this form on the official website of the Latvian Embassy or Consulate.
- Passport:
- A valid Indian passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond your intended departure from Latvia.
- Passport-Sized Photos:
- Recent passport-sized photos (usually 2-3) that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Visa Fee:
- Proof of payment of the visa application fee, as required by the Latvian Embassy or Consulate.
- Travel Itinerary:
- A detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations with dates and flight numbers, showing entry and exit from the Schengen area.
- Hotel Reservation:
- Confirmation of hotel reservations for your entire stay in Latvia or a letter of invitation from your host in Latvia.
- Travel Insurance:
- Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, valid for the entire duration of your trip and covering medical emergencies, repatriation, and personal liability.
- Proof of Financial Means:
- Bank statements for the last three to six months showing sufficient funds to cover your stay in Latvia.
- Letter of Employment/Study:
- A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and the dates you are granted leave (if employed) or a letter of enrollment from your educational institution (if a student).
- No Objection Certificate (NOC):
- If employed, a No Objection Certificate from your employer stating that they have no objections to your travel.
- Proof of Ties to India:
- Documents demonstrating your ties to India, such as property deeds, family records, or evidence of ongoing commitments in India, to show your intention to return.
- Travel Reservations Within the Schengen Area:
- If you plan to travel to other Schengen countries besides Latvia, provide reservations and a detailed itinerary for those as well.
- Cover Letter:
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip, your itinerary, and your intent to return to India.
- Additional Requirements (if any):
- Check for any specific requirements or additional documents requested by the Latvian Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply.
You can download the document checklist, Please click here
Purpose of Visit Documents:
- Completed Schengen visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Passport-sized photos meeting Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Travel itinerary, including flight reservations, accommodation bookings, and a detailed travel plan.
- Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay (bank statements, sponsorship letter, etc.).
- Visa application fee receipt.
- Letter of employment (if employed) or proof of business registration (if self-employed).
- Letter of no objection from the employer (if employed).
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- All documents listed for the Tourist Visa.
- Invitation letter from a Latvian company or business partner, including details of the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Proof of business-related activities in Latvia (e.g., conference registration, meeting agendas, trade fair invitations).
- A letter from the applicant's employer stating the reason for the trip and their intention to return to their home country.
- All documents listed for the Tourist Visa.
- Invitation letter from the host in Latvia, including their contact information, relationship to the applicant, and details of the visit.
- Proof of the host's residency or citizenship in Latvia (e.g., residence permit, ID card).
- Proof of the family relationship or friendship between the applicant and the host.
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- All documents listed for the Tourist Visa.
- Medical certificate from a recognized Latvian healthcare provider confirming the need for treatment.
- Detailed medical treatment plan and cost estimation.
- Proof of payment or financial means to cover medical expenses.
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- All documents listed for the Tourist Visa.
- Proof of participation in the event or an invitation letter from event organizers.
- Details of the event, including dates and locations.
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- All documents listed for the Tourist Visa.
- Acceptance letter from the Latvian educational institution.
- Proof of enrollment in a short-term course or educational exchange program.
- Financial proof of sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses.
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- Completed Schengen visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
- Visa for the final Schengen destination (if required).
- Travel itinerary showing entry and exit from Latvia.
- Visa application fee receipt.
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of onward travel (e.g., confirmed flight tickets to the final destination).
- Visa application fee receipt.
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- All required documents for the specific visa type (e.g., Tourist, Business, etc.).
- Justification for the need for a multiple-entry visa (e.g., frequent business trips, family visits).
- Additional documents as requested by the Latvian consulate or embassy.
- Documentation specific to the special category or exemption, which may vary depending on the individual's status (e.g., diplomatic passport, official invitation, residence permit).
Travel insurance is required when visiting Schengen countries. If you haven't obtained it yet, kindly click here.
Note: Please be aware that these checklists provide general guidelines, and specific requirements may differ. Always refer to the official website of the Latvian consulate or embassy for the most current and precise requirements related to your particular visa type and situation.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documentation.
Electronic Visa Application Form For Short Stay Visa
Important notes:
- Fill out the online questionnaire anytime, visit this link: Click Here, and use the form number and security code given after your initial submission.
- Complete all fields marked with a red asterisk (*).
- Use Latin letters only in the questionnaire, like "Vladimir" for "Владимир" in your passport.
- You need to print and sign the completed form before visiting the representative office.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Latvia visitor visa (Schengen Visa) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Choose Your Visa Type
- First, decide which visa category suits your needs.
- Check if you meet the requirements, and understand the necessary documents, processing times, and fees.
- Follow the specific rules for your chosen visa type, and translate non-English documents if needed.
- Start Your Application
- Once you've identified your visa type and gathered the required information, download the visa application form.
- Carefully complete the form, print it out, and collect the necessary documents.
- Take everything to the Visa Application Center to apply.
- Schedule an Appointment
- Booking an appointment is crucial.
- After filling out the form, schedule a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre.
- If you're applying with family or friends, each person should book their appointment separately.
- You'll receive a confirmation email with appointment details.
- Pay Visa Fees
- After completing the initial steps, you'll need to pay the visa fees.
- The payment process may vary depending on the visa procedure.
- If you brought a printed form to the Visa Application Centre, you can usually pay during your appointment.
- Ensure you have the necessary funds or payment methods ready.
- Visit the Visa Application Centre
- Submit your application and documents at the Visa Application Centre.
- Some Centres allow walk-ins during specific hours if you didn't book online.
- Familiarize yourself with the Centre's specific requirements for a smooth submission.
- Track Your Application
- Stay updated on your application status.
- You'll receive an email when your visa decision is back at the Visa Application Centre.
- If you prefer SMS updates or face email issues, inquire about alternative communication options.
- Most Centres offer online tracking using your Reference Number and last name.
- Collect Your Passport
- Once your visa decision is ready, collect your passport.
- You have two options:
- In-person: Show your receipt and ID to collect it yourself or send a representative with an authorization letter.
- Courier: Some Centres offer courier delivery for an extra fee. Check with the Visa Application Centre for details and hours.
Note:
- Apply 2 weeks before your trip, and remember it takes 10 workdays to process. If you apply at VFS offices outside New Delhi, add 2 more days for postal delivery.
- Submitting an incomplete application or providing false information may lead to visa refusal.