Visa Information

Overview

If you plan to go to The Republic of Latvia and stay for a period not exceeding 90 days in any 180 day period, and your nationality is not on the visa free list, you need a Schengen travel visa (Visa C).

Please note that in order to apply for a visa at Visa Application Centre or the Consular Section of the Embassy of The Republic of Latvia, your only destination or your main destination (longest duration of stay) must be Latvia. If an equal amount of nights will be spent in different Schengen states during a single trip to the Schengen area, then the Schengen visa must be obtained from the Schengen state, which will be entered first. For more detailed information please follow the link to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia.

Passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in The Republic of Latvia; issued not more than 10 years ago and needs to contain at least two empty pages available for visa and stamps. The earliest that visa applications can be accepted is 6 months before the planned journey.

Visa Application Centre staff will inform if there are missing supporting documents to the visa application, but will not be able to assist with completion of the application. In case of additional questions regarding the visa application, the Embassy of The Republic of Latvia in Georgia may require an interview with the applicant or may request additional supporting documents.

Visa Application Centre accepts applications from nationals of Armenia (exclusively to Latvia) as well as permanent residents of Armenia. For detailed information on visa application please visit the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Latvia

The acceptance of a Schengen visa application and supporting documents by VFS does not guarantee the issuance of a Schengen visa.

Clients are solely responsible for the applications they submit. Any false documents or other misrepresentation of information in support of their application will have a direct bearing on the judgment of their application by the Embassy.

Holders of valid Schengen visas are still subject to immigration control upon arrival in the Schengen Area and are not necessarily guaranteed entry into any of the Schengen countries, even though they may hold a valid Schengen visa for these countries.

A foreign national whose short-stay visa has been refused, annulled or revoked by the Embassy, has the right to appeal that decision before the Director of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Visa Fees

Important Note:

The visa application fee is fixed in Euros but payable only in Dram (AMD). Payment is accepted at cash counter at the Visa Center in cash and by card only in AMD currency. Also we kindly ask you to pay the exact sum of charges. The visa and service fee, which is only collectible in AMD, may change as a result of currency fluctuation.

1. Please call at helpdesk or visit visa application center for more information.
2. Visa fees once paid is not refundable under any circumstances including visa rejection.

VFS SERVICE FEE

Apart from the visa fee, VFS service charge of the equivalent of 39 Euros - 11 460 AMD (Service fee) and 120 Euro (Logistic fee) - 10 910 AMD inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for clients applying at the visa application center. This is applicable for all categories of visa applications.

Documents Required

1. BASIC DOCUMENTS

Passport

• Passport with a period of validity extending at least three month after the intended date of departure from Latvia or other Member State, containing at least two blank pages, and issued within the previous ten years.
• Original and copies of international passport.

Visa application form

• Visa application form completed online, printed and signed by the applicant.

One colour photo

• A photo (size 35mm x 45 mm) must be taken in last 6 month and it should be on white background. Kindly check additional requirements on the Photo specifications page

Travel medical insurance policy.

The policy must cover the following costs:

• the costs of urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment in the case of an illness;
• costs of repatriation in the event of death.

And meet the requirements:

• a foreign national presents a travel medical insurance policy valid in all Schengen Member States
• the policy should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.

If a foreign national will enter Latvia one or two times, they shall present a travel medical insurance policy covering the whole intended period of the stay. Where a foreign national applies for a multiple-entry visa, they shall present a policy covering the first period of their stay.

 

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Invitation

• For Latvia – Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (must be active), or Invitation approved by the Embassy of Latvia or Invitation approved by the notary in Latvia or Invitation letter from the inviting company or organization

(The invitation should be dated not later than 6 months prior to the application date.)

Round trip ticket reservation.

Proof of accommodation.

Proof of sufficient financial means.

• Original private bank account statement showing the transactions during the last three (3) months;

In addition:

If the applicant is employed

• Employment contract with salary slips

If the applicant is a company owner or self-employed

• Certificate or registration of the company.

If the applicant is sponsored

• Proof of sponsorship and proof of sponsor’s income.

Proof of ties with Armenia

• Proof of property;
• Marriage and child birth certificate, if applicable.

 

3. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

Documents to be submitted depending on the travel purpose

Journeys of members of official delegations

• Official invitation from the organizing party;
• Verbal note issued by the authority concerned.

Business

• Invitation from the inviting company or organization;
• Cover letter from the applicant’s employer.

Both letters must as a minimum confirm:

• The applicant’s identity
• The purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training or business related events).

International carrier/driver

• Driving license;
• Transport company’s registration certificate;
• Companies’ agreement on ensuring carrier services;
• Certificate of Professional Competence;
• License certificate for international transporter.

Study or training, events or other activities (Participants in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, sports or religious events; study and training)

• Invitation to participate, entry tickets, enrolments or programmes stating the name of the host organization and the length of stay or any other appropriate document indicating the purpose of the journey;
• Certificates of the current enrolled establishment.

Journeys undertaken for the purpose of tourism

• Certificate of the travel agency confirming the booking of an organized trip or any other appropriate document indicating the envisaged travel plans.

If the applicant is a minor

• If the minor travels with one parent only, written consent certified by public notary(not older 2 month) of the other parent or guardian, except in cases of a parent having the care or custody;
• If the minor travels without parents, written consent certified by public notary (not older 2 month) of both parents or guardians having the care and custody of the applicant;
• Copies of the passport of the parents. If not applicable, birth certificate of the applicant.

Airport transit

Airport transit visa may be issued to stay in an international transit zone at the airport of Latvia for nationals of several countries who need to change an airplane at the airport of Latvia. In principle an airport transit visa allowing to stay in an international transit zone is required for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka or foreigners holding travel documents issued by the aforementioned countries.

• Visa or other entry permit for the third country of destination.
• Documents in relation to the onward journey to the final destination after the intended airport transit.

NB! If necessary, the consular officer may request additional documents.

Photo Specifications

 

Please provide one recent colour photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)
• Photograph attached (paper clipped) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements, then the visa application will be considered incomplete and applicant will be asked to take new photographs.

Processing Time

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 15 calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Embassy to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

For certain nationalities (see list here) the visa application needs consultation from the other Schengen countries and therefore the minimum processing time takes 15 working days. For more detailed information please follow the link to the websites of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Latvia.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Embassy’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Download Form

For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.

EEA/EU and Swiss national family member

Entry into and residence in Latvia for citizens of the European Union (hereinafter – EU citizens), and their family members, are regulated by the Cabinet Regulation of August 30, 2011, No. 675 „Procedures for the Entry and Residence in the Republic of Latvia of Citizens of the Union and their Family Members”.

Information on the entry and residence in Latvia for citizens of the European Union Member State and their family members is available on the website of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

Overview

If you plan to stay in Latvia for a longer period (more than 90 days and up to 12 months) on a work visa, you need to apply for a national visa to Latvia at the Latvian Visa Application Center. For all other purposes, to obtain a long-term visa to Latvia, you must contact the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia in Georgia.

National visas are issued for the duration of no more than one (1) year.

A foreign national whose visa has been refused, annulled or revoked by the Embassy, has the right to appeal that decision before the Director of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Visa Fees

Important Note:

The visa application fee is fixed in Euros but payable only in Dram (AMD). Payment is accepted at cash counter at the Visa Center in cash and by card only in AMD currency. Also we kindly ask you to pay the exact sum of charges. The visa and service fee, which is only collectible in AMD, may change as a result of currency fluctuation.

1. Please call at helpdesk or visit visa application center for more information.
2. Visa fees once paid is not refundable under any circumstances including visa rejection.

VFS SERVICE FEE

Apart from the visa fee, VFS service charge of the equivalent of 39 Euros - 11 460 AMD (Service fee) and 120 Euro (Logistic fee) - 10 910 AMD inclusive of VAT per application will be levied for clients applying at the visa application center. This is applicable for all categories of visa applications.

Documents Required

List of required documents to apply for a long term (D) visa

If intended to stay in Latvia is planned for a longer period (more than 90 days and up to 12 months), an Applicant should apply for a national visa or long stay visa. National visas are issued for the duration of no more than one year.

Study visa (full time, master degree)

1. Passport (time period between the date of its issue and date of visa application must not exceed 10 years and passport must be valid for at least 3 months as of the end date of the planned trip);
2. Invitation letter issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) (www.pmlp.gov.lv)
3. E-Visa application form for Latvian National Visa (D) filled in, printed out and personally signed in relevant boxes of the application form marked by a “signature” note. Visa application form is available by this link (https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/);
4. One photo on the white background, 70% should be covered by the face; photo should be attached to the application form by the Applicant;
5. Travel medical insurance valid in the Republic of Latvia and other Schengen Member States for a period of 90 days from the date of arrival to Latvia, insurance coverage amount should be not less than 42 600 EUR;
6. Proof of travel ticket booking;
7. A written confirmation from a University or other officially accredited educational institution regarding the matriculation of the student;
8. A document confirming the envisaged place of residence;
9. Study contract (copy);
10. Bank account statement for the last three months, minimum account balance for studies is 7440 EUR. In case of sponsorship – proof of it (e.g.  financial documents, a letter of guarantee) another person is paying for your studies ;
11. Other certificates and supporting documents relevant to the case (e.g. work experience certificate, IELTS/ TOEFL diploma, etc.).
    (exchange students are exempted from payment of the State fee)

Erasmus and other Exchange Students

1. Passport (time period between the date of its issue and date of visa application must not exceed 10 years and passport must be valid for at least 3 months as of the end date of the planned trip);
2. Invitation letter issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) (www.pmlp.gov.lv);
3. Reference letter from home University;
4. E-Visa application form for Latvian National Visa (D) filled in, printed out and personally signed in relevant boxes of the application form marked by a “signature” note. Visa application form is available by this link (https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/);
5. One photo, on the white background, 70% should be covered by the face; photo should be attached to the application form by the Applicant;
6. Travel medical insurance valid in the Republic of Latvia and other Schengen Member States for a period of 90 days from the date of arrival to Latvia, insurance coverage amount should be not less than 42 600 EUR;
7. Proof of ticket booking;
8. Proof of sufficient financial means in the form of a letter from the home university stating that the student has been granted a scholarship. The minimum monthly amount for stay in Latvia for students is 740 EUR. If the university’s sponsorship letter states a smaller amount, additional proof is required indicating the availability of the missing amount for the entire period of stay in Latvia.

(Students participating in Erasmus+ program are exempted from payment of State fee.)

Work visa (work agreement)

1. Passport (time period between the date of its issue and date of visa application must not exceed 10 years and passport must be valid for at least 3 months as of the end date of the planned trip);
2. Invitation letter issued by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) (www.pmlp.gov.lv);
3. E-Visa application form for Latvian National Visa (D) filled in, printed out and personally signed in relevant boxes of the application form marked by a “signature” note. Visa application form is available by this link (https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/);
4. One photo, on white background, 70% should be covered by the face; photo should be attached to the application form by the Applicant;
5. Travel medical insurance valid in the Republic of Latvia and other Schengen Member States for a period of 90 days from the date of arrival to Latvia, insurance coverage amount should be not less than 42 600 EUR;
6. Work agreement (signed by employer and employee);
7. Proof of flight ticket or booking;
8. Proof of the accommodation for your stay in Latvia
9. Proof of the monthly financial means. Bank certificate and statement of available finance resources provided for the last 3 months from the same bank account;
10. Optional - Job reference from your previous working place;
11. Optional - Other documents, e.g. certificates proving qualification, statements from previous working places etc.

Visa Applications for Residence Permit (only with the OCMA decision granting the rights of residence)

1. Passport (time period between the date of its issue and date of visa application must not exceed 10 years and passport must be valid for at least 3 months as of the end date of the planned trip);
2. Copy of the Decision of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs proving the Applicant has been granted the rights of residence in Latvia;
3. E-Visa application form for Latvian National Visa (D) filled in, printed out and personally signed in relevant boxes of the application form marked by a “signature” note. Visa application form is available by this link (https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/);
4. One photo on white background, 70% should be covered by the face; photo should be attached to the application form by the Applicant;
5. Travel medical insurance valid in the Republic of Latvia and other Schengen Member States for a period of 90 days from the date of arrival to Latvia, insurance coverage amount should be not less than 42 600 EUR;

Visa fee is 90 EUR (Minors younger than 12 are exempted of State fee payment)

Photo Specifications

 

Please provide one recent colour photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)
• Photograph attached (paper clipped) to the Visa Application Form

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements, then the visa application will be considered incomplete and applicant will be asked to take new photographs.

Processing Time

The embassy makes a decision on the application for a visa within 15 days from the date of receipt of the application and the documents necessary for issuing a visa. The period for making a decision on a visa application may be extended up to 60 calendar days in individual cases, in particular when an additional verification of the application is required.

For more detailed information please follow the link to the websites of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Latvia.

Download Form

For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.