Visas to LatviaVisas to Latvia
On 1 May 2003, the Immigration Law and associated normative acts regulating the procedure for the entry and stay by foreign nationals in the Republic of Latvia entered into force. This legislation is in accordance with provisions of the acquis communautaire of the European Union.
In accordance with the Immigration Law, a foreign national, on presenting a valid visa, may enter and stay in the Republic of Latvia for up to 90 days in a six-month period. A foreign national who has received a long-term visa or a residence permit can stay for a period longer than 90 days in a six-month period.
Filing an application for a visa at any diplomatic or consular representation of the Republic of Latvia abroad, or, where a visa-free regime is applicable, when entering the Republic of Latvia at an official border-crossing point, a foreign national will additionally have to present a valid health and life insurance policy guaranteeing the coverage of costs associated with health care incurred within the Republic of Latvia, including those associated with repatriation of the foreign national to his or her country of permanent residence in the event of serious illness or death.
Upon entry in the Republic of Latvia or filing a visa application a valid travel document with a term of validity that exceeds by at least three months intended period of stay in the Republic of Latvia or the expiry date of the visa requested. The travel document shall contain the data and photographs of all the persons who will use this document as travel document.
At the border-crossing points of the Republic of Latvia at the border-crossing points specified by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia single individual, group transit visas and short-term visas are issued only in cases when, for valid reasons, the person has not been able to request visa at the mission, supporting the reasons by relevant documents, and to foreign sailors.
The validity term of short-term visas issued at the border-crossing point shall not exceed 15 days.
Entry of citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area into Latvia
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) may cross the border of the Republic of Latvia producing valid travel documents - passports or identity cards. These travel documents can be used to enter Latvia during the whole period of their validity.
Citizens of EU and EEA states can stay in Latvia for up to 90 days during a six-month period. Citizens of EU and EEA states can stay in Latvia for a period exceeding 90 days during a six-month period provided they have registered with the Department of Citizenship and Migration and received a residence permit.
Citizens of EU and EEA states, upon entry into the Republic of Latvia, shall produce at the official border-crossing points valid health and life insurance policy guaranteeing the coverage of costs associated with health care in Latvia, as well as those associated with repatriation to the visitor's country of permanent residence in cases of serious illness or death.
Spouses of citizens of EU and EEA states (except Latvia), first degree relatives in ascending and descending line who are not citizens of EU or EEA countries or the countries with which Latvia has effective visa-free regime arrangements can apply for a visa for entry in the Republic of Latvia on the border, by producing a relevant document certifying the fact of marriage or relationship provided these persons enter Latvia together with a spouse or first degree relative (EU or EEA citizen) respectively.
Visas on the border are issued only in cases when, for valid reasons, the person has not been able to request visa at the mission, supporting the reasons by relevant documents. The validity term of short-term visas issued at the border-crossing point shall not exceed 15 days.
Countries whose citizens may enter Latvia without a visa
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, The Holy See, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Persons, who use as a travel document - United Nations passport, European Commission passport, EU member state diplomatic or service passport - may enter Latvia without entry visa and stay for 90 days every six months, from the first day of entry.
Countries, whose holders of diplomatic or service passports may enter Latvia without a visa and stay for 90 days every six months, from the first day of entry: Armenia (for diplomatic and sevice/official passports holders), Turkey (for diplomatic passports holders), Ukraine (for diplomatic passports holders - visa-free regime for diplomatic passport holders is governed by inter-governmental agreement on mutual travel of citizens).
Airport Transit Visa
An airport transit visa entitles aeroplane passengers to cross the transit zone of an international airport in the territory of the Republic of Latvia, without crossing the border of the Republic of Latvia, for the period indicated in the visa, during the landing of an international flight or when transferring from one international flight to another international flight.
An airport transit visa is required for citizens of and persons holding travel documents issued by the following countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka.
Foreign nationals who are citizens of or persons holding travel documents issued by the aforesaid countries, do not require an airport transit visa if:
Transit Visa
A transit visa entitles the holder to cross the territory of Latvia and remain in the country for a period not exceeding three days. Foreign sailors may be issued a transit visa entitling to remain in the country for up to five days. A visa of this category may be issued in cases when the applicant holds a visa for the country to which he/she is travelling through the territory of Latvia, or if a visa to enter the third country is not required.
Short-Term Visa
A short-term visa may be issued to foreign nationals entering and staying in Latvia for the purpose of a short visit. The period of validity of a short-term visa may not exceed one year and the period of sojourn may not exceed ninety days during any six-month period counting from the day of entry.
Long-Term Visa
The period of validity of a long-term visa may not exceed one year (except for visas marked “Diplomatic visa” or “Service Visa”), and may be issued to foreign nationals if they need to remain in the Republic of Latvia for more than ninety days during any six-month period counting from the day of entry, and if obtaining of the visa:
Local Border Visa
A local border visa may be issued in accordance with the international agreements of the Republic of Latvia on simplified procedures for issuing visas to residents of border zones. The period of validity of such a visa may not exceed one year and the period of sojourn in the Republic of Latvia may not exceed ninety days during any six-month period counting from the day of entry.
Visas Marked "Diplomatic Visa" or "Service Visa"
Visas marked “Diplomatic Visa” or “Service Visa” are issued in Latvia by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but in other countries, by the Latvian Embassy or Consulate. These visas may be issued to persons enjoying diplomatic or consular (and similar) privilege and immunity and who are staying in Latvia for official purposes.
Entry visas, transit visas and airport transit visas may be issued for a single, double or multiple entry into the Republic of Latvia.
A single, double or multiple entry visa of any category is an individual visa and it is issued in the person’s travel document.
A single or double entry transit visa and a single or double entry short-term visa may also be a group visa. A group visa may be issued to an organized group of foreign nationals, if it holds a group passport and consists of 5 - 50 persons entering, staying in and departing from Latvia or crossing the border of Latvia in transit together as a group. The person in charge of the group must hold a travel document and an individual visa, if a visa is required.
The information is based on the materials, placed on the internet-site of Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mfa.gov.lv
