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.

Transit visa (Airport Transit Visa (Type A))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1 days
Processing time: 15 calendar days
Fee: EUR 90
Validity: Maximum validity of 6 months; valid for the date(s) of transit only
Entry: Single entry

Required for nationals of the 12 countries on the common EU airport transit visa list (Annex IV of the Visa Community Code) when transiting through the international transit zone of Riga Airport without entering the Schengen area. The Type A visa allows a person to transit through the airport international zone without entering Schengen territory. Latvia follows the common EU airport transit visa list and does not impose additional national requirements. This visa only allows entry to the Latvian international airport transit zone; it does not permit entry to any other Schengen country's transit zone. Exempt if holding: a valid Schengen visa or national long-stay visa from any Schengen country, a valid residence permit from a Schengen member state, a valid visa from Canada, Japan, or the USA, a diplomatic passport, or having a family member who is a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

Eligibility

Nationality
Required only for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

Eligible countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Congo (Democratic Republic of the), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One recent passport-sized photograph meeting Schengen visa photo requirements.
Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

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

Form name: Transit visa application form; Form url: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/applying-visa
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photo, confirmed onward flight tickets, and any visa required for the destination country.
Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form for airport transit via the Electronic Visa Application service.
Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Latvian embassy or consulate.
Fee payment
Pay the visa fee of EUR 90.
Document submission
Submit all documents in person.
Biometrics
Provide biometric data if not recorded within the past 59 months.
Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days.
Visa collection
Collect passport with the transit visa sticker.

Transit visa (Schengen Transit Visa (Type C - Transit))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 5 days
Processing time: 15 calendar days
Fee: EUR 90
Validity: Up to 5 days for transit through the Schengen area
Entry: Single entry

Required for Annex I nationals who need to pass through Latvia and the Schengen area (land, sea, or air with passport control) to reach a non-Schengen destination. This is distinct from the Airport Transit Visa (Type A) which is only for staying in the international transit zone without entering Schengen territory. As of 1 September 2025, third-country nationals who do not hold a visa or residence permit issued by Latvia must submit an Electronic Travel Declaration at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before arrival, including for transit purposes. Latvia borders Lithuania and Estonia (both Schengen) and Russia and Belarus (non-Schengen), so land transit through Latvia may be relevant for certain travel routes. A foreign national applying for a transit visa should possess a visa for the country they are going to after leaving Schengen territory.

Eligibility

Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries who need to transit through the Schengen area with passport control.
Purpose of visit
Transit only. Must have valid visa or entry permission for the final destination country.
Includes
- Transit

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: One recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm).
Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

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

Form name: Schengen visa application form for transit; Form url: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/applying-visa
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["credit_card", "debit_card", "bank_transfer"]; Amount: EUR 90

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather passport, photo, transit flight/travel tickets, destination visa, and insurance.
Online application
Complete Schengen visa application form for transit purpose.
Appointment booking
Book appointment at Latvian embassy or consulate.
Fee payment
Pay visa fee of EUR 90 (or EUR 35 for facilitation agreement countries).
Document submission
Submit all documents in person.
Biometrics
Provide biometric data if not recorded within 59 months.
Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days.
Visa collection
Collect passport with transit visa sticker.

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.