Latvia
Northern Europe · Schengen area
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Fees & exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11Reduced€45
- Child under 6FreeFree
- Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree
Directive 2004/38/EC — consular fee waived with proof of the relationship and of the EU citizen exercising free-movement rights.
Free - School pupils, students and accompanying teachers (study trip)FreeFree
- Researchers travelling for scientific researchFreeFree
Standard Schengen short-stay fee. Children under 6 are free, ages 6–11 pay a reduced fee, and family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens exercising free-movement rights are exempt. Application-centre service fees are charged in addition to the consular fee.
Where to apply
VFS Global is the Latvian Embassy's official partner in the UK and handles short-stay Schengen, family/friends visit, business and EU/EEA family-member applications.
Appointment system
Book the appointment through the VFS Global Latvia portal for the UK; biometrics are captured at the centre.
Required documents
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages)
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- 1–2 recent biometric photos (35x45mm, ICAO standard)
- Travel medical insurance covering €30,000, valid across the Schengen area for the whole trip
- Round-trip flight reservation / detailed itinerary
- Proof of accommodation for every night (hotel bookings or invitation)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, usually last 3–6 months)
- Proof of employment / studies (employer letter, payslips, student letter)
- Proof of UK immigration status (BRP, eVisa share code, or residence permit)
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) taken at the appointment
Editor tips
From 1 September 2025 third-country nationals entering Latvia without a Latvian visa or residence permit must also file an Electronic Travel Declaration at eta.gov.lv before travelling.
Country-specific quirks
British citizens travel visa-free for 90 days in any 180 — this route is for non-British nationals resident in the UK.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Latvia are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence — you cannot normally apply in a country you are only visiting.
- If you are not a citizen of the country you apply from, bring your residence permit or long-stay visa — it usually has to stay valid for at least 3 months after your return.
- Visiting several Schengen countries? Apply to your main destination, or — if you split time evenly — to the country you enter first.
- Some passports are visa-exempt for short stays and only need ETIAS travel authorisation instead of a visa; long-stay and work permits are still required for everyone.
- Fees, document lists and appointment systems are set per consulate, so the local Latvia mission for your region always overrides anything on this page.
Where to submit if you apply from the UK
Addresses where applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Latvia visa documents and give biometrics. Applying from elsewhere? Use the official links below to find the Latvia mission covering your country of residence.
- LondonEmbassyEmbassy of the Republic of Latvia
45 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5LY
All Latvian visa categories; appointment required.
Always cross-check requirements on the official page for your jurisdiction — details can vary by country of residence.
Where to apply
VFS Global is the Latvian Embassy's official partner in the UK and handles short-stay Schengen, family/friends visit, business and EU/EEA family-member applications.
Appointment system
Book the appointment through the VFS Global Latvia portal for the UK; biometrics are captured at the centre.
Who can apply where
Your nationality decides whether you need a visa; where you legally live decides where you apply. Applications for Latvia are handled by its embassy, consulate or visa centre covering your country of residence.
Applicants of any nationality living in the United Kingdom hand in Latvia visa documents and give biometrics at these addresses.
- LondonEmbassyEmbassy of the Republic of Latvia
45 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5LY
All Latvian visa categories; appointment required.
Book your travel to use for supporting documents for Latvia
Most consulates ask for a flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation. Search Riga and attach the confirmations to your application.
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