Latvia

Latvia Visa Application Guide (2026 Current Information)

Located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Latvia is a Schengen country known for its rich historical fabric, modern capital Riga, and pristine nature. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey holding Ordinary (Maroon) passports are required to obtain a valid Schengen visa to travel to Latvia. Holders of Special (Green), Service (Grey), and Diplomatic (Black) passports are exempt from the visa requirement for stays not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. This guide details the Latvia visa application process and key points to consider.

Latvia Visa Types

The type of visa you need to apply for depends on your purpose of travel and duration of stay in Latvia. The main visa types are:

Schengen Visa (C-Type)

This is the visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. With this visa, you can also travel to other Schengen countries after entering Latvia.

National Visa (D-Type)

This visa is required for applicants planning to stay in Latvia for more than 90 days for reasons such as education, work, or family reunification. A long-stay D visa Latvia application is often the first step in the residence permit procedure and is subject to different documentation requirements than a C-type visa.

How to Get a Latvia Visa? Step-by-Step Application Process

The Latvia visa application process requires following specific steps. It is important to follow the steps below carefully to ensure a smooth process.

1. Determine the Visa Type: Clarify the appropriate visa type based on your purpose (tourism, business, study, etc.) and duration of travel.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Prepare the Latvia Schengen visa documents required for your chosen visa type completely and accurately. The document list is detailed below.
3. Fill Out the Online Application Form: Complete the Latvia Electronic Visa Application Form online, ensuring it is error-free and complete. Do not forget to print and sign the form.
4. Schedule an Appointment: Create your appointment using the VFS Global Latvia appointment system on the official website of the authorized intermediary, VFS Global. Plan early, as appointment slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
5. Submit the Application: On your appointment day, go to the VFS Global application center to submit your prepared documents and provide your fingerprints (biometric data).
6. Track the Process: You can track the status of your passport online using the tracking number provided by VFS Global.

Required Documents for Latvia Schengen Visa

It is crucial that the documents forming the basis of the application are complete and correct. The generally required documents are as follows:

• Passport: A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned return date, with at least two blank pages, and issued within the last 10 years.
• Visa Application Form: A fully completed and signed form from the online portal.
• Biometric Photo: 2 recent biometric photos, 35x45 mm in size, with a white background.
• Travel Health Insurance: An insurance policy valid throughout the Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Transportation and Accommodation Documents: Round-trip flight reservations and hotel reservations or documents detailing the travel itinerary.
• Proof of Financial Status: Stamped and signed bank account statements from the last 3 months showing regular income and sufficient funds, along with salary slips.
• Professional Status Documents: For employees, a letter of leave from the employer and social security documents; for business owners, documents such as a tax certificate and signature circular; for students, a student certificate.

Latvia Visa Rejection Reasons and Points to Consider

Negative outcomes in applications are often due to specific mistakes. The most common Latvia visa rejection reasons include:

• Insufficient Financial Proof: Failure to document sufficient funds or a regular income to cover travel expenses.
• Unclear Purpose of Travel: Inconsistent hotel/flight reservations or failure to clearly prove the purpose of the trip.
• Incomplete or Incorrect Documents: Submission of documents that are missing, outdated, or contain incorrect information.
• Past Schengen Violations: Previous violations such as overstaying a visa during past travels.

Latvia Visa Process with Hermes Vize

The Latvia visa application process requires detailed document preparation and careful adherence to procedures. Hermes Vize offers professional guidance through this complex process, helping ensure your application is completed correctly and thoroughly. To manage your application steps confidently and get information on current requirements, you can contact our experienced team.