Latvia entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Verified May 12, 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
Australian passport holders can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and family visits. No visa is needed for short stays as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Latvia | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from Latvia. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Immigration 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 €50 per day of your stay in cash or a card with available credit. Officers can ask to see bank statements or cash on arrival. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen zone. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all 27 Schengen countries. You cannot 'reset' the clock by visiting another Schengen country — the 90 days are cumulative.
Border officers may ask for proof of funds
While not always checked, you should be able to show you can support yourself. A credit card or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds is usually enough.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Border Control'. There are separate queues for EU/EEA and non-EU passports. Join the 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' line.
2
Present your documents to the border officer
Hand over your passport, and if asked, your return ticket and accommodation booking. The officer may ask the purpose of your visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible and the date is correct. This stamp starts your 90-day Schengen stay.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After border control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then through customs (green channel for most tourists). You're now in Latvia.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 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 (~$87 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if visa is required.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For employment with a Latvian employer. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term stay and path to residency.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For remote workers with a foreign employer. Requires proof of income and health insurance. Allows stay and work remotely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; avoid overstaying. | €20 (~$22 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports. You may stay in the international transit area without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Ticks in forested areas can transmit this virus; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne bacterial infection; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but ensure food is properly cooked to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
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 required documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for visa-related matters.
Practical information for AU 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 = 0.85 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, you don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or visiting family.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. You must leave the Schengen area before day 90. Overstaying can result in fines, a ban, or difficulty entering Schengen countries in the future.
You need to apply for a national visa (D visa) or a residence permit before you travel. Contact the Latvian embassy in Australia for details. This is not something you can do after arrival.
No, it's not a legal requirement for visa-free entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs can be high. If you need medical care, you'll pay out of pocket without insurance.
You must have a valid passport for the entire stay. If it expires, you'll be unable to leave or extend your stay. Always check your passport's expiry date before booking.
Yes, there are no internal border checks within the Schengen area. You can drive or take a bus from Estonia, Lithuania, or Poland. Just ensure your passport is stamped on first entry into Schengen.
Contact the Australian Embassy in Riga immediately. They can issue an emergency passport. You'll also need a police report. Keep a photocopy of your passport separately.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.