Visa requirements

Latvia

General visa requirements for travelling to Latvia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Journalist visa (Long-Stay Visa (D-type) / TRP - Journalist/Foreign Correspondent)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: D visa: 15-30 calendar days; TRP: 30-60 days
Fee: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
Validity: D visa up to 12 months; TRP for employment up to 1 year initially, renewable
Entry: Multiple entry

Long-stay D visa or temporary residence permit for foreign correspondents and journalists on long-term media assignments in Latvia exceeding 90 days. Permanent accreditation from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required for foreign journalists permanently residing and working in Latvia or regularly visiting to create news content. The accreditation is valid from January 1 to December 31 of the year. Accredited journalists receive an Accreditation Card which authorizes multiple-entry official visas for the duration of stay. Accreditation documents must be submitted to the MFA Communications Group. Journalists may apply under the TRP for employment if they have a contract with a Latvian media outlet.

Eligibility

Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) employed as journalists or media correspondents.
Employment
Must be employed by or contracted to a recognized media organization for a long-term assignment in Latvia. Must obtain permanent accreditation from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Required status: Long-term media employment

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 3; Specifications: Three recent passport-sized colour photographs (35x45mm).
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Proof of long-term accommodation in Latvia; Must cover full stay: No
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: D visa or TRP application form, plus media representative accreditation application form; Form url: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/foreign-media-accreditation
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90 (D visa) + EUR 45 (residence permit card)
Private health insurance
Minimum coverage: Must cover medical expenses in Latvia
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather press credentials, letter from head of media outlet, media representative accreditation application form, passport, photos, insurance, and accommodation proof.
Online application
Submit accreditation documents to MFA Communications Group. Apply for D visa at Latvian embassy or TRP at OCMA.
Appointment booking
Book appointment at Latvian embassy or consulate. Documents may be delivered in person, mailed, or presented at a Latvian embassy abroad.
Fee payment
Pay D visa fee of EUR 90 and residence permit card fee of EUR 45.
Document submission
Submit all documents in person.
Biometrics
Provide biometric data.
Processing wait
D visa: 15-30 calendar days. TRP: 30-60 days. MFA accreditation processing may take up to one month.
Visa collection
Collect passport with D visa sticker or receive TRP decision. Receive Accreditation Card from MFA.

Journalist visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Journalist/Media)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 calendar days
Fee: EUR 90 (adults)
Validity: 90 days within any 180-day period
Entry: Single entry

Schengen Type C visa for journalists and media representatives on short-term assignments in Latvia. Latvia does not have a separate journalist visa category for short stays; media professionals apply for a standard Schengen C visa with journalist-specific supporting documents. Journalists from visa-free Annex II countries can travel to Latvia for press assignments within their 90-day visa-free allowance without a specific visa. For journalists permanently residing and working in Latvia, or regularly (several times a month) arriving in Latvia to create news items, permanent accreditation is required from the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The accreditation period runs from January 1 to December 31 of the year. Accredited journalists receive an Accreditation Card which authorizes obtaining multiple-entry official visas.

Eligibility

Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806.
Purpose of visit
Must be traveling for legitimate media or journalism purposes. Must have valid press credentials.
Includes
- Media/journalism assignment
Employment
Must be employed by or contracted to a recognized media organization.

Required status: Employed by media organization

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One recent colour photograph (35x45mm).
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel reservation or accommodation for media assignment; Must cover full stay: No
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Schengen visa application form; Form url: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/applying-visa
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90
Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather press credentials, media organization letter from head of the media outlet, passport, photo, insurance, and assignment details.
Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form indicating journalism/press as purpose.
Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Latvian embassy or consulate. Allow at least one month for processing, as advised by the MFA.
Fee payment
Pay the visa fee of EUR 90 (or EUR 35 for facilitation agreement countries).
Document submission
Submit all documents in person during your appointment. Documents may also be delivered to the Communications Group at Krisjana Valdemara iela 3, Riga, or mailed to the same address, or presented at a Latvian embassy/consulate abroad.
Biometrics
Provide biometric data if not recorded within 59 months.
Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days. The MFA advises that processing may take one month for accreditation.
Visa collection
Collect passport with the visa sticker. Accredited journalists receive an Accreditation Card.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.