Visa Information
VISA TYPES
Select the visa type that is right for you to see important information on visa fees, documents required, forms, photo specifications and processing times.
Short Term Visa
Schengen visa
Citizens of some non-EU countries are required to hold a valid Schengen visa when travelling to the Schengen area, which is a group of European countries that allows a person, who’s been admitted to the Schengen Area, to travel without any further form of border control within the Schengen Area.
Current Schengen States are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
A Schengen visa is a short stay visa, i.e. for stays up to 90 days, allowing its holder to circulate in the Schengen Area.
A Schengen visa has to be obtained from the Embassy of the Schengen State, which will be the main destination (i.e. where the most nights will be spent) during a single trip to the Schengen Area.
A single trip is considered when an applicant enters the Schengen Area, stays there for a certain period and eventually leaves the Schengen Area.
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 with the Embassy of the Schengen State, which will be entered first.
The documentation related to the means of travel and accommodation must cover the complete itinerary of the single trip to the Schengen Area; i.e. travel tickets must be provided, not only for the travel from and to the Schengen Area, but also for the travel between the different Schengen States, when more than 1 Schengen State will be visited during the single trip.
Each Schengen visa application must fully comply with the documents required for the respective visa category and can only be submitted up to 3 months before the intended departure date.
The acceptance of a Schengen visa application and supporting documents by VFS does not guarantee the issuance of a Schengen visa.
The issuance of a Schengen visa, the Schengen visa validity period, the number of entries and amount of travel days are at the sole discretion of the Embassy.
If a visa application is returned by the Embassy requesting missing documents or any other missing/ incorrect information, the applicant must accept responsibility for any delay that may occur in the visa application processing time.
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.
Following visa categories are considered Short stay visas:
Business
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Overview
Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person.
For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.
Applicants, who intend to travel for business purposes, i.e. visiting a business/company to have meetings, to make business deals, to recruit, to train or other work related activities can apply as Business.
Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Latvia, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.
Eligibility
Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:
- Holding a valid passport/travel document
- Holding a valid Kuwait residence permit. In case applicant holds a visit stay visa for Kuwait, then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her Country of residence
- Applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit
Jurisdiction
Applicants residing in Kuwait come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in UAE. Applicant can submit their visa application at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre Kuwait, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in Abu Dhabi.
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Visa Fees
VISA CATEGORY VISA FEE (IN EURO) VISA FEE (IN KWD) Business 90 29.000 Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine 35 11.000 Children between 6 and 12 years old 45 14.000 Children less than 6 years old 0 0 EXEMPTION VISA FEES (scientific) Researchers from third countries 0 0 Representatives of non-profit organisations (up to 25 years old) actively participating in conferences/events (sports, cultural or educational) organised by non-profit organisations. 0 0 - Applicable visa fee, in KWD (to be paid in cash), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.
- VFS service fee of KWD 09.920 and delivery fee of KWD 11 are charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.
- All fees are non-refundable.
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Documents Required
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased,Click here
The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Embassy.
Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.
Please click here for the checklist for Business Visit
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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 in the photo booth in the visa application centre.
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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.
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 Forms
For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.
Tourist
-
Overview
Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person.
For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.
Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist..
Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Latvia, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.
Eligibility :
Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:
- Holding a valid passport/travel document
- Holding a valid Kuwait residence permit. In case applicant holds a visit stay visa for Kuwait, then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her Country of residence
- Applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit
Jurisdiction
Applicants residing in Kuwait come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in UAE. Applicant can submit their visa application at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre Kuwait, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in Abu Dhabi.
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Visa Fees
VISA CATEGORY VISA FEE (IN EURO) VISA FEE (IN KWD) Tourist 90 29.000 Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine 35 11.000 Children between 6 and 12 years old 45 14.000 Children less than 6 years old 0 0 EXEMPTION VISA FEES (scientific) Researchers from third countries 0 0 Representatives of non-profit organisations (up to 25 years old) actively participating in conferences/events (sports, cultural or educational) organised by non-profit organisations. 0 0 - Applicable visa fee, in KWD (to be paid in cash), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.
- VFS service fee of KWD 09.920 and delivery fee of KWD 11 are charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.
- All fees are non-refundable.
-
Documents Required
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased,Click here
The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Embassy.
Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.
Please click here for the checklist for Tourism
-
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 in the photo booth in the visa application centre.
-
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.
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 Forms
For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.
Visiting Family And Friends
-
Overview
Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person.
For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.
Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist..
Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Latvia, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.
Eligibility :
Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:
- Holding a valid passport/travel document
- Holding a valid Kuwait residence permit. In case applicant holds a visit stay visa for Kuwait, then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her Country of residence
- Applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit
Jurisdiction
Applicants residing in Kuwait come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in UAE. Applicant can submit their visa application at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre Kuwait, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in Abu Dhabi.
-
Visa Fees
VISA CATEGORY VISA FEE (IN EURO) VISA FEE (IN KWD) Visiting Family and Friends 90 29.000 Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine 35 11.000 Children between 6 and 12 years old 45 14.000 Children less than 6 years old 0 0 EXEMPTION VISA FEES (scientific) Researchers from third countries 0 0 Representatives of non-profit organisations (up to 25 years old) actively participating in conferences/events (sports, cultural or educational) organised by non-profit organisations. 0 0 - Applicable visa fee, in KWD (to be paid in cash), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.
- VFS service fee of KWD 09.920 and delivery fee of KWD 11 are charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.
- All fees are non-refundable.
-
Documents Required
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased,Click here
The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Embassy.
Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.
Please click here for the checklist for Visiting Family and Friends.
-
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 in the photo booth in the visa application centre.
-
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.
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 Forms
For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.
Attending Cultural Or Sports Events Or Conferences
-
Overview
Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person.
For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.
Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist..
Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Latvia, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.
Eligibility :
Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:
- Holding a valid passport/travel document
- Holding a valid Kuwait residence permit. In case applicant holds a visit stay visa for Kuwait, then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her Country of residence
- Applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit
Jurisdiction
Applicants residing in Kuwait come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in UAE. Applicant can submit their visa application at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre Kuwait, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in Abu Dhabi.
-
Visa Fees
VISA CATEGORY VISA FEE (IN EURO) VISA FEE (IN KWD) Attending Cultural/Sports Events or Conferences 80 27.000 Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine 35 11.000 Children between 6 and 12 years old 40 13.000 Children less than 6 years old 0 0 EXEMPTION VISA FEES Organised groups of school pupils/students accompanied by teachers on study/educational trip; only applicable if applicants have a formal invitation from an educational institution in Latvia. 0 0 (scientific) Researchers from third countries 0 0 Representatives of non-profit organisations (up to 25 years old) actively participating in conferences/events (sports, cultural or educational) organised by non-profit organisations. 0 0 - Applicable visa fee, in KWD (to be paid in cash), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.
- VFS service fee of KWD 09.920 and delivery fee of KWD 11 are charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.
- All fees are non-refundable.
-
Documents Required
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased,Click here
The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Embassy.
Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.
Please click here for the checklist for Attending Cultural/Sports Events or Conferences
-
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 in the photo booth in the visa application centre.
-
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.
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 Forms
For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.
Spouses Of Latvian Nationals Visiting Family And Friends
-
Overview
Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person.
For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.
Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist..
Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Latvia, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.
Eligibility :
Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:
- Holding a valid passport/travel document
- Holding a valid Kuwait residence permit. In case applicant holds a visit stay visa for Kuwait, then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her Country of residence
- Applying for a short stay visa: Tourist (including Minors), Visitor Family/Friends, Business, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit
Jurisdiction
Applicants residing in Kuwait come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in UAE. Applicant can submit their visa application at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre Kuwait, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in Abu Dhabi.
-
Visa Fees
VISA CATEGORY VISA FEE (IN EURO) VISA FEE (IN KWD) Spouse of Latvian National Visiting Family and Friends 80 27.000 Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia and Ukraine 35 11.000 Children between 6 and 12 years old 40 13.000 Children less than 6 years old 0 0 EXEMPTION VISA FEES Organised groups of school pupils/students accompanied by teachers on study/educational trip; only applicable if applicants have a formal invitation from an educational institution in Latvia. 0 0 (scientific) Researchers from third countries 0 0 Representatives of non-profit organisations (up to 25 years old) actively participating in conferences/events (sports, cultural or educational) organised by non-profit organisations. 0 0 - Applicable visa fee, in KWD (to be paid in cash), is as per the current exchange rate and may be subject to change without notice.
- VFS service fee of KWD 09.920 and delivery fee of KWD 11 are charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.
- All fees are non-refundable.
-
Documents Required
Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased,Click here
The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Embassy.
Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.
Please click here for the checklist for Spouse of Latvian National Visiting Family and Friends.
-
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 in the photo booth in the visa application centre.
-
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.
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 Forms
For Latvia, every applicant needs to provide a signed printout of the Schengen visa application form that has to be completed online.
Long Term D Category Visa
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Overview
If you want to work or study in Latvia for longer than 90 days, you should apply for a Long-term D Category Visa
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Visa Fees
Duration VISA FEE (IN EURO) VISA FEE (IN KWD) Long Term D Category visa 90 29.000 - Please be informed that the fees charged by the Embassy or VFS Global are based on the current exchange rate in local currency and may be subject to change without prior notification.
- VFS service fee of KD 9.920 (all applicable taxes included) is charged per visa application, in addition to the applicable visa fee.
- All fees are non-refundable.
-
Documents Required
The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Embassy.
Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.
Applicants always have to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.
Please find below the checklists for Long Term D visa category-
D Visa Students category 1_Checklist Latvia
D Visa Students category 2_Checklist Latvia
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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 in the photo booth in the visa application centre.
-
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.
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 Forms
Every applicant needs to provide a printout of the fully completed and signed Long Stay Visa Application Form of the Republic of Latvia: