Latvia entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can travel to Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and short visits. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Latvia | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after the day you plan to leave Latvia. Since Latvia is in the Schengen zone, the 90-day limit applies across all 29 Schengen countries combined — not per country. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for a return ticket or proof of onward travel out of the Schengen zone. A flight, bus, or train ticket to a non-Schengen country works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb reservation, or a letter from your host ready. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least €100 per day of your stay in cash or on a card you can show. Latvia rarely checks this for UAE passport holders, but having a bank statement or card balance screenshot avoids delays. | Recommended |
Schengen 90/180 rule applies
Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all 27 Schengen countries, not just Latvia. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Spain) in the past 180 days, that time counts toward your 90-day limit. Use the EU Schengen calculator to track your days.
Entry via other Schengen countries
If you fly into another Schengen country (e.g., Germany, Netherlands) and then travel to Latvia by land, you'll clear border control at your first Schengen entry point. Your 90-day clock starts from that first entry stamp. Keep your boarding passes and entry stamp safe.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga Airport or land border
Most UAE travellers fly into Riga International Airport (RIX). If arriving by land from another Schengen country, you may not pass through border control (internal Schengen border). At RIX, follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' queue.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying, and return ticket. Answer clearly. Have your booking confirmations and onward ticket ready.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. This stamp starts your 90-day Schengen clock. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if it's missing or wrong, ask for correction immediately.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then customs. There are no additional forms or fees for visa-free travellers.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period. Apply at Latvian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals enrolled in a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Latvian Investor Visa (D visa for business)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $88 USD) application fee
For UAE nationals investing in a Latvian business. Requires minimum investment of €50,000 and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fineApplies if you exceed the 90-day visa-free limit. | €20 per day (approx. $22 USD), max €2,000 (approx. $2,200 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not used. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, valid for multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Latvia
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports, as they enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but foodborne illnesses can occur. Practice good hygiene.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riga
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA)
Čiekurkalna 1. līnija 1, Riga, LV-1026
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for eastern Latvia.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiga
LanguageLatvian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Latvia.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free stay is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays (work, study, family reunion), you must apply for a national visa or residence permit from the Latvian embassy before traveling. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a re-entry ban.
No. For stays under 90 days, no registration is required. If you stay longer than 90 days (with a visa or permit), you must register your address with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs within 30 days.
No. Latvian border control strictly requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not mandatory for visa-free entry, but strongly recommended. If you need medical care, costs can be high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies and repatriation is cheap and gives peace of mind.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may face a fine (typically €100–€300), deportation, and a re-entry ban of up to 5 years. Always track your days carefully — use the Schengen calculator app to stay within limits.
Yes, you can work remotely for a non-Latvian employer without a visa. However, you cannot work for a Latvian company or provide services to Latvian clients. If you plan to work for a local employer, you need a work visa or permit.
Yes. You need proof of onward travel out of the Schengen area before your 90 days expire. This can be a flight to a non-Schengen country, a train ticket, or a bus ticket. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.