Latvia tourist visa: requirements, fee and processing time
This page covers the Latvia tourist (schengen c) visa — used for short holiday or sightseeing trips of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Latvia consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.
Where to apply for a Latvia tourist visa
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.
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
Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.
Fees, reductions and exemptions
- Adult (standard)€90
- Child 6–11€45
- Child under 6Free
- 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.
- School pupils, students and accompanying teachers (study trip)Free
- Researchers travelling for scientific researchFree
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.
Booking an appointment
Book the appointment through the VFS Global Latvia portal for the UK; biometrics are captured at the centre.
Practical 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.
What is unusual about the Latvia process
British citizens travel visa-free for 90 days in any 180 — this route is for non-British nationals resident in the UK.
Official sources
If you are applying from the United Kingdom
- London — Embassy of the Republic of Latvia45 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5LYAll Latvian visa categories; appointment required.
Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.
Updated today against official Latvia consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Latvia tourist visa cost?
- For a Latvia tourist visa, the consular fee is €90. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Adult (standard) — €90; Child 6–11 — €45; Child under 6 — free; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; School pupils, students and accompanying teachers (study trip) — free; Researchers travelling for scientific research — free. 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. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
- How long does a Latvia tourist visa take to process?
- A decision on a Latvia tourist visa typically takes around 15 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
- Where do I apply for a Latvia tourist visa?
- 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. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
- What documents are required for a Latvia tourist visa?
- The Latvia consular network lists: 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. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
- How do appointments work for a Latvia tourist visa?
- Appointment model: Online booking. Book the appointment through the VFS Global Latvia portal for the UK; biometrics are captured at the centre.
- Can I apply for a Latvia tourist visa from the United Kingdom?
- Yes. We list 1 submission point in the UK for Latvia, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.
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