Visa Information

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 Mission.

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.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category

For Minors, please click here

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

   3. UK Residence permit

      UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original) (see here)
2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Proof of current occupation

   1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) AND last 3 months payslips
   2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s enrolment)

   3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):

      1. applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
      2. solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
      3. bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
      4. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant – company should be provided

   4. Unemployed/retired

      1. Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
      2. Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation

      3. Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:

         1. marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English, Latvian or Russian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
         2. spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
         3. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
         4. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
         5. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship

2. Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)

   1. Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
   2. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

3. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

   1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

   2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

4. Proof of accommodation

   confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

   If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

   When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

5. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

   The travel insurance – clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

   When applying for single entry, then the insurance should also cover the 15 days ‘period of grace’ in addition to the entire period of the intended stay in the Schengen Area.

   When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

6. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” shall submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
7. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
   
   • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
   • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
   • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

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 (see examples here), 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.

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area. Application must be lodged not later than 15 days before the intended visit.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 10 working days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur. Visa processing time may be extended up to 45 days.

For certain nationalities (see: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/processing-visa-applications-and-prior-consultation) the visa application needs consultation from the other Schengen countries and therefore the minimum processing time takes 15 working days.

The minimum processing time applies from the time the embassy receives the files, which excludes the day of submission.

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 Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Applicants also need to be aware that, especially during busy season around Easter, Summer holidays (July and August) and Christmas, the appointments (see Schedule an Appointment) are being booked very quickly as the Mission only processes a fixed amount of visa applications on a daily basis. 

Furthermore applicants need to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) may extend the visa application processing time.

Therefore VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Manchester, Edinburgh or Cardiff, need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

For Latvia every applicant needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Applicant needs to duly complete the online visa application form as mentioned below:

1. Click Online Application form
2. Select United Kingdom as country (Embassy of Latvia in UK appears underneath)
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red star *) on the online visa application form
4. Click Save application

It is recommended to have the completed online visa application form emailed

1. Check the displayed visa application form (make the necessary amendments, if needed, by clicking Update application)
2. Click Send application by e-mail (email is sent with PDF file)

The completed online visa application form is being printed as follows:

1. Click Print application (completed online visa application form appears)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Alternatively the visa application form can also be printed from the email received

1. Open PDF file (in email attachment)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Online visa application form is printed with 2 barcodes (Application number and Security code) and applicant needs to ensure that the Application number starts with E203.

Both codes are needed in order to have the applicant’s details completely transmitted to the Mission, if a barcode is missing or Application number doesn’t start with E203, then applicant needs to fill and print a complete new online visa application form.

At last applicant needs to:

1. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (no.37 and right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
2. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day (see Schedule an Appointment).

Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

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 to visit and stay with family/friends legally residing in Latvia, need to apply as Visitor Family/Friends.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid passport/travel document

2. holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.

3. 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 the United Kingdom come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in London and therefore they can submit their visa applications at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in London.

Video Conferencing –

Under Regulation No 554 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, nationals of certain countries may be required to attend a video conference interview in either our Manchester or Edinburgh offices; this service incurs an additional fee of £ 35.00.

Applicants will be contacted by VFS via phone and advised regarding the date, time and location of the appointment.

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 Mission.

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.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category

For Minors, please click here.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

   3. UK Residence permit

      UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original) (see here)
2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Proof of current occupation

   1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) AND last 3 months payslips
   2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s enrolment)

   3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):

      1. applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
      2. solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
      3. bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
      4. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant – company should be provided

   4. Unemployed/retired

      1. Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
      2. Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation

      3. Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:

         1. marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English, Latvian or Russian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
         2. spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
         3. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
         4. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
         5. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship

2. Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)

   1. Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
   2. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

3. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

   1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

   2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

4. Proof of accommodation

   Accommodation provided by family/friends in Latvia:

   1. Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia: applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.
   2. Invitation letter confirmed by the Latvian Embassy in London
   3. Original invitation letter from the host in Latvia, confirming applicant’s name, period and duration of stay, address of place of stay, signed and dated along with host’s ID/passport. If the host in Latvia is a non EU citizen, then the host’s Latvian permit of stay is also required.

5. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

   The travel insurance – clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

   When applying for single entry, then the insurance should also cover the 15 days ‘period of grace’ in addition to the entire period of the intended stay in the Schengen Area.

   When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

6. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” shall submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
7. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
   
   • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
   • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
   • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

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 (see examples here), 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.

For Latvia every applicant needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Applicant needs to duly complete the online visa application form as mentioned below:

1. Click Online Application form
2. Select United Kingdom as country (Embassy of Latvia in UK appears underneath)
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red star *) on the online visa application form
4. Click Save application

It is recommended to have the completed online visa application form emailed

1. Check the displayed visa application form (make the necessary amendments, if needed, by clicking Update application)
2. Click Send application by e-mail (email is sent with PDF file)

The completed online visa application form is being printed as follows:

1. Click Print application (completed online visa application form appears)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Alternatively the visa application form can also be printed from the email received

1. Open PDF file (in email attachment)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Online visa application form is printed with 2 barcodes (Application number and Security code) and applicant needs to ensure that the Application number starts with E203.

Both codes are needed in order to have the applicant’s details completely transmitted to the Mission, if a barcode is missing or Application number doesn’t start with E203, then applicant needs to fill and print a complete new online visa application form.

At last applicant needs to:

1. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (no.37 and right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
2. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day (see Schedule an Appointment).

Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online.

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:

1. holding a valid passport/travel document
2. holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country
3. 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 the United Kingdom come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in London and therefore theycan submit their visa applications at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in London.

Video Conferencing –

Under Regulation No 554 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, nationals of certain countries may be required to attend a video conference interview in either our Manchester or Edinburgh offices; this service incurs an additional fee of £ 35.00.

Applicants will be contacted by VFS via phone and advised regarding the date, time and location of the appointment.

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 Mission.

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.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

   3. UK Residence permit

      UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original) (see here)
2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Proof of current occupation

   1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) AND last 3 months payslips

   2. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):

      1. applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
      2. solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
      3. bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
      4. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant – company should be provided

2. Proof of business invitation

   1. Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia: applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.
   2. Original signed invitation letter from business partner/Conference organisers in Latvia (including all the necessary information, see here)

3. Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)

   1. Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
   2. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

4. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

   1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

   2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

5. Proof of accommodation

   confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

   If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

   When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

6. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

   The travel insurance – clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

   When applying for single entry, then the insurance should also cover the 15 days ‘period of grace’ in addition to the entire period of the intended stay in the Schengen Area.

   When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

7. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” shall submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
8. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
   
   • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
   • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
   • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area. Application must be lodged not later than 15 days before the intended visit.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 10 working days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur. Visa processing time may be extended up to 45 days.

For certain nationalities (see : https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/processing-visa-applications-and-prior-consultation) the visa application needs consultation from the other Schengen countries and therefore the minimum processing time takes 15 working days.

The minimum processing time applies from the time the embassy receives the files, which excludes the day of submission.

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 Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Applicants also need to be aware that, especially during busy season around Easter, Summer holidays (July and August) and Christmas, the appointments (see Schedule an Appointment) are being booked very quickly as the Mission only processes a fixed amount of visa applications on a daily basis. 

Furthermore applicants need to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) may extend the visa application processing time.

Therefore VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Manchester, Edinburgh or Cardiff, need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

For Latvia every applicant needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Applicant needs to duly complete the online visa application form as mentioned below:

1. Click Online Application form
2. Select United Kingdom as country (Embassy of Latvia in UK appears underneath)
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red star *) on the online visa application form
4. Click Save application

It is recommended to have the completed online visa application form emailed

1. Check the displayed visa application form (make the necessary amendments, if needed, by clicking Update application)
2. Click Send application by e-mail (email is sent with PDF file)

The completed online visa application form is being printed as follows:

1. Click Print application (completed online visa application form appears)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Alternatively the visa application form can also be printed from the email received

1. Open PDF file (in email attachment)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Online visa application form is printed with 2 barcodes (Application number and Security code) and applicant needs to ensure that the Application number starts with E203.
Both codes are needed in order to have the applicant’s details completely transmitted to the Mission, if a barcode is missing or Application number doesn’t start with E203, then applicant needs to fill and print a complete new online visa application form.

At last applicant needs to:

1. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (no.37 and right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
2. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day (see Schedule an Appointment).

Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

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.

Please note family members of Latvia nationals cannot apply under EU family member. They are required to apply under normal visa category and are required to pay full visa fees.

If there are no appointments available on the system an appointment can be arranged by contacting us by email: InfoUKLatvia@vfsglobal.com or by phone: +442037938627 (08:30 - 17:30 Monday-Friday).

1. Following family members of EEA/EU and Swiss nationals are entitled to apply for a Schengen visa as EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, i.e. submitting fewer documents required than regular Tourists and exempt from paying the applicable visa fee, when travelling together with their EEA/EU or Swiss national family member:
1. Spouse
2. (Grand) Parent(s)
3. (Grand) Child(ren)
4. Registered partner
2. Any applicant, travelling without his/her EEA/EU or Swiss national family member, cannot apply as EEA/EU and Swiss national family member and need to apply as Tourist, i.e. providing all the required documents and paying the applicable visa fee.

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid passport/travel document
2. holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country
3. 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 the United Kingdom come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in London and therefore they can submit their visa applications at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in London.

Video Conferencing –

Under Regulation No 554 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, nationals of certain countries may be required to attend a video conference interview in either our Manchester or Edinburgh offices; this service incurs an additional fee of £ 35.00.

Applicants will be contacted by VFS via phone and advised regarding the date, time and location of the appointment.

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 Mission.

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.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

For Minors, please click here

Please note family members of Latvia nationals cannot apply under EU family member. They are required to apply under normal visa category and are required to pay full visa fees.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original) (see here)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

   3. UK Residence permit

      UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original) (see here)

2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original to be seen)

   2. Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national: marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English, Latvian or Russia, then translation by a certified translator in the UK of the same is required. If the Marriage certificate is not issued in the EU or EEA Member State or Swiss Confederation, it needs to be legalized. Document authentication (legalisation) and Apostille certification means verification of signature and seal of a document. Traditionally it is performed by a Consular Officer so that documents drawn up in one country would be legally valid in another one.

   3. Proof of joint travel

      1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning both applicant’s and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s names and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

         When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

         When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

      2. Written consent (signed and dated) from EEA/EU and Swiss national family member confirming joint travel with applicant, along with copy EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s passport’s bio + signature page

      3. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” and they shall also need to submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
      4. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
         
         • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
         • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
         • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

In addition to the above – There is a new instruction regarding visa issuance to family members of UK nationals who are requesting visa according to Directive 2004/38 and planning to stay in Latvia after 31.10.2019.

The EU family member must submit documents justifying purpose and conditions of their stay for the period after 31.10.2019. The only exception is - they do not have to pay visa fee.

Below are additional documents over and above the ones listed above.

A. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Proof of current occupation

   1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) AND last 3 months payslips
   2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s enrolment)

   3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):

      1. applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
      2. solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
      3. bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
      4. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant – company should be provided
   4. Unemployed/retired
   1. Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
   2. Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation
   3. Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:
   1. marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English, Latvian or Russian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
   2. spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
   3. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
   4. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
   5. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship
2. Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)
1. Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
2. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.
3. Proof of accommodation

confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

4. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

The travel insurance – clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

When applying for single entry, then the insurance should also cover the 15 days ‘period of grace’ in addition to the entire period of the intended stay in the Schengen Area.

When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

5. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” shall submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
6. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
   
   • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
   • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
   • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

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 (see examples here), 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.

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area. Application must be lodged not later than 15 days before the intended visit.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 10 working days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur. Visa processing time may be extended up to 45 days.

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.

The minimum processing time applies from the time the embassy receives the files, which excludes the day of submission.

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 Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Applicants also need to be aware that, especially during busy season around Easter, Summer holidays (July and August) and Christmas, the appointments (see Schedule an Appointment) are being booked very quickly as the Mission only processes a fixed amount of visa applications on a daily basis. 

Furthermore applicants need to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) may extend the visa application processing time.

Therefore VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Manchester, Edinburgh or Cardiff, need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

For Latvia every applicant needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Applicant needs to duly complete the online visa application form as mentioned below:

1. Click Online Application form
2. Select United Kingdom as country (Embassy of Latvia in UK appears underneath)
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red star *) on the online visa application form
4. Click Save application

It is recommended to have the completed online visa application form emailed

1. Check the displayed visa application form (make the necessary amendments, if needed, by clicking Update application)
2. Click Send application by e-mail (email is sent with PDF file)

The completed online visa application form is being printed as follows:

1. Click Print application (completed online visa application form appears)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Alternatively the visa application form can also be printed from the email received

1. Open PDF file (in email attachment)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Online visa application form is printed with 2 barcodes (Application number and Security code) and applicant needs to ensure that the Application number starts with E203.

Both codes are needed in order to have the applicant’s details completely transmitted to the Mission, if a barcode is missing or Application number doesn’t start with E203, then applicant needs to fill and print a complete new online visa application form.

At last applicant needs to:

1. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (no.37 and right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
2. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day (see Schedule an Appointment).

Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

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.

Minors are applicants who haven’t reached the age of 18 years when submitting a Schengen visa application (Tourist, Visitor Family/Friends, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member or Airport Transit).

Therefore each minor MUST provide the following additional documents:

1. Child’s unabridged/full birth certificate showing both biological parents their names
2. Written consent (signed and dated) of mother and father mentioned on the child’s birth certificate
3. Copy of both parents their passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page
4. In case the parents are divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then respectively the court order confirming one parent’s sole custody or the deceased parent’s death certificate.
5. In case a guardian has been appointed by the parents, then the guardianship letter and the guardian’s passport’s Bio page and signature page, if signature is not on Bio page

Due to European legislation regarding protection of children/minors, it has to be emphasised that Minors, who are not providing all the required documents, may not be granted a Schengen visa.

Applicable visa fee for minors varies in 3 age groups:

1. Minors under 6 years old: Gratis
2. Minors 6 years old but just not 12 years old: Reduced visa fee
3. Minors 12 years old and more: Full visa fee

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid passport/travel document
2. holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country
3. 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 the United Kingdom come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in London and therefore they can submit their visa applications at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in London.

Video Conferencing –

Under Regulation No 554 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, nationals of certain countries may be required to attend a video conference interview in either our Manchester or Edinburgh offices; this service incurs an additional fee of £ 35.00.

Applicants will be contacted by VFS via phone and advised regarding the date, time and location of the appointment.

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 Mission.

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.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category

Since fingerprints are only taken from every applicant aged 12 years and older, minors younger than 12 are not required to be present in the visa application centre whilst submission of their Schengen visa application.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original) (see here)– signed by 1 parent/legal guardian

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

   3. UK Residence permit

      UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original) (see here)

Every minor, irrespective of the visa category applying for, has also to provide the following documents as part of the Standard Documentation:

1. Birth certificate
   
   

   Unabridged birth certificate showing biological parents their names; if not in English, Latvian or Russian, then translation by a certified translator in the UK is also required

2. Consent of both parents
   
   

   Both biological parents need to give their written consent (signed & dated) for the minor to travel

3. Parents passports (copy) Both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary.
4. Proof of sole custody (in case of a single parent): in case parents have divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then the same has to be demonstrated by court/residence order (original to be seen) or death certificate (original to be seen)
2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

In case the minor is applying for All Visa Categories Except Eea/Eu And Swiss National Family Member

1. Proof of current occupation

   1. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, UK college/school letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming applicant’s enrolment)

2. Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)

   1. Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
   2. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

3. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

   1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

   2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

4. Proof of accommodation

   1. confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

      If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

      When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

   2. Accommodation provided by family/friends in Latvia:

      1. Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia: applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.
      2. Invitation letter confirmed by the Latvian Embassy in London
      3. Original invitation letter from the host in Latvia, confirming applicant’s name, period and duration of stay, address of place of stay, signed and dated along with host’s ID/passport. If the host in Latvia is a non EU citizen, then the host’s Latvian permit of stay is also required.

5. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

   The travel insurance – clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

   When applying for single entry, then the insurance should also cover the 15 days ‘period of grace’ in addition to the entire period of the intended stay in the Schengen Area.

   When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

6. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” and they shall also need to submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
7. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
   
   • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
   • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
   • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

In case the minor is applying for EEA/EU AND SWISS NATIONAL FAMILY MEMBER

1. EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original to be seen)
2. Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national: marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English, Latvian or Russian, then translation by a certified translator in the UK of the same is required

3. Proof of joint travel

   1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning both applicant’s and EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s names and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

      When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

   2. Written consent (signed and dated) from EEA/EU and Swiss national family member confirming joint travel with applicant, along with copy EEA/EU and Swiss national family member’s passport’s bio + signature page
   3. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” shall submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
   4. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
      
      • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
      • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
      • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

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 (see examples here), 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.

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area. Application must be lodged not later than 15 days before the intended visit.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 10 working days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur. Visa processing time may be extended up to 45 days.

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.

The minimum processing time applies from the time the embassy receives the files, which excludes the day of submission.

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 Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Applicants also need to be aware that, especially during busy season around Easter, Summer holidays (July and August) and Christmas, the appointments (see Schedule an Appointment) are being booked very quickly as the Mission only processes a fixed amount of visa applications on a daily basis. 

Furthermore applicants need to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) may extend the visa application processing time.

Therefore VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Manchester, Edinburgh or Cardiff, need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

For Latvia every applicant needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Applicant needs to duly complete the online visa application form as mentioned below:

1. Click Online Application form
2. Select United Kingdom as country (Embassy of Latvia in UK appears underneath)
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red star *) on the online visa application form
4. Click Save application

It is recommended to have the completed online visa application form emailed

1. Check the displayed visa application form (make the necessary amendments, if needed, by clicking Update application)
2. Click Send application by e-mail (email is sent with PDF file)

The completed online visa application form is being printed as follows:

1. Click Print application (completed online visa application form appears)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Alternatively the visa application form can also be printed from the email received

1. Open PDF file (in email attachment)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Online visa application form is printed with 2 barcodes (Application number and Security code) and applicant needs to ensure that the Application number starts with E203.

Both codes are needed in order to have the applicant’s details completely transmitted to the Mission, if a barcode is missing or Application number doesn’t start with E203, then applicant needs to fill and print a complete new online visa application form.

At last applicant needs to:

1. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (no.37 and right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
2. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day (see Schedule an Appointment).

Every applicant has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

Applicants, travelling by plane to a destination outside the Schengen Area, may make a stopover in the Schengen Area. During the stopover they may disembark the aircraft and then stay for a certain time in the airport’s transit zone (without going through Immigration Control).

Certain nationalities (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka) have to apply for an airport transit visa in order to be allowed to make such an airport transit.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid passport/travel document
2. holding a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country
3. 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 the United Kingdom come under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of Latvia in London and therefore they can submit their visa applications at the VFS Latvia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, which are outsourced representatives for the Embassy of Latvia in London.

Video Conferencing –

Under Regulation No 554 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, nationals of certain countries may be required to attend a video conference interview in either our Manchester or Edinburgh offices; this service incurs an additional fee of £ 35.00.

Applicants will be contacted by VFS via phone and advised regarding the date, time and location of the appointment.

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 Mission.

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.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview (see here) in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category

For Minors, please click here.

1. STANDARD DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

   1. Visa application form (original) (see here)

   2. Passport (original)

      Signed passport, at least 2 blank pages for visa purposes, must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and has to be issued within the last 10 years on the day of leaving the Schengen Area.

      Extended passport may still be valid, but when older than 10 years the passport is no longer acceptable; in that case applicant first needs to apply for a new passport.

      Photocopies of previous Schengen visas issued in the last 3 years; in case the previous Schengen visas are endorsed in an old passport, then the old passport should also be submitted with the visa application.

   3. UK Residence permit

      UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here) is not acceptable.

   4. Photograph (original) (see here)
2. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION FOR SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATION

1. Proof of current occupation

   1. Employer letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) AND last 3 months payslips
   2. Student letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s enrolment)

   3. Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 1 month old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s self-employment) and obtained from (if applicable):

      1. applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
      2. solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
      3. bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
      4. Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant – company should be provided

   4. Unemployed/retired

      1. Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
      2. Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation

      3. Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:

         1. marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English, Latvian or Russian, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
         2. spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
         3. spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation (as in B.1.a, b or c)
         4. spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
         5. spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship

2. Proof of funds (in case of no indication in the invitation that inviting party will cover applicant’s expenses)

   1. Latest 3 months UK bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and an end balance dated within the last month on the visa application submission date; balance needs to show a minimum amount of £ 13.00/day of stay in the Schengen Area + outstanding accommodation and travel fees (alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted).
   2. Travellers’ cheques covering the same amount as explained under a.

3. Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)

   1. Confirmed return travel tickets: mentioning applicant’s name and travel dates to & from the Schengen Area

   2. When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.

      When travel tickets have been paid through travel agency, then a receipt, an invoice or a payment confirmation is also required.

4. Proof of accommodation

   confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.

   If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.

   When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket

5. Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance)

   The travel insurance – clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation (in case of death clause included) must be 30.000 €.

   When applying for single entry, then the insurance should also cover the 15 days ‘period of grace’ in addition to the entire period of the intended stay in the Schengen Area.

   When applying for multiple entry, then the insurance should at least cover the entire period of the 1st intended stay in the Schengen Area.

6. In addition to other documents required to apply for a Schengen visa to Latvia citizens of the states referred to in the Cabinet Regulation of June 21, 2010, No. 554, “Regulations Regarding the States for the Citizens of which in Issuing a Visa or Residence Permit an Additional Examination shall be Performed” shall submit a completed QUESTIONNAIRE.
7. The questionnaire together with the visa application shall be submitted to the diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Latvia by adult visa applicants who are citizens of:
   
   • Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen;
   • persons whose place of residence or place of birth is in Abkhazia (Georgia) or South Ossetia (Georgia), the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (Ukraine), the Luhansk Region (Ukraine), the Donetsk Region (Ukraine) or Palestinian Authority;
   • foreigners who have been granted stateless or refugee status in a foreign state.

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 (see examples here), 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.

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area. Application must be lodged not later than 15 days before the intended visit.

The minimum processing time of a visa application is 10 working days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur. Visa processing time may be extended up to 45 days.

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.

The minimum processing time applies from the time the embassy receives the files, which excludes the day of submission.

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 Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Applicants also need to be aware that, especially during busy season around Easter, Summer holidays (July and August) and Christmas, the appointments (see Schedule an Appointment) are being booked very quickly as the Mission only processes a fixed amount of visa applications on a daily basis. 

Furthermore applicants need to consider that VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) may extend the visa application processing time.

Therefore VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centre in Manchester, Edinburgh or Cardiff, need to calculate 2 extra days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

For Latvia every applicant needs to provide a signed printout from a Schengen visa application form (VAF).

Applicant needs to duly complete the online visa application form as mentioned below:

1. Click Online Application form
2. Select United Kingdom as country (Embassy of Latvia in UK appears underneath)
3. Complete all mandatory fields (marked with a red star *) on the online visa application form
4. Click Save application

It is recommended to have the completed online visa application form emailed

1. Check the displayed visa application form (make the necessary amendments, if needed, by clicking Update application)
2. Click Send application by e-mail (email is sent with PDF file)

The completed online visa application form is being printed as follows:

1. Click Print application (completed online visa application form appears)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Alternatively the visa application form can also be printed from the email received

1. Open PDF file (in email attachment)
2. Click File
3. Click Print and confirm printing

Online visa application form is printed with 2 barcodes (Application number and Security code) and applicant needs to ensure that the Application number starts with E203.

Both codes are needed in order to have the applicant’s details completely transmitted to the Mission, if a barcode is missing or Application number doesn’t start with E203, then applicant needs to fill and print a complete new online visa application form.

At last applicant needs to:

1. Sign the completed visa application form in the designated places (no.37 and right under the disclaimer at the end of the VAF)
2. Bring the signed visa application form with the supporting documents on his/her appointment day (see Schedule an Appointment).