Latvia entry requirements for Finland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Finnish passport holders can travel to Latvia visa-free for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. As of 2026, no visa is needed for tourism, business, or short visits. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Latvia. Since Latvia is in the Schengen zone, the 90/180-day rule applies across all Schengen countries — count your days carefully. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from a host works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Border guards can request proof you have enough money for your stay — roughly €50–€100 per day. A bank statement or credit card usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Schengen zone rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen area. Your 90-day visa-free limit applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Latvia. Days spent in other Schengen countries count toward the same 90-day total.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Latvia, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), book your return/onward ticket, and confirm your first night's accommodation. Save all confirmations as screenshots or PDFs on your phone.
2
Arrive at Riga Airport or border crossing
At Riga International Airport (RIX), follow signs to 'EU/EEA Passport Control' — you'll use the automated e-gates if available, or join the manned booth queue. Have your passport ready. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. Be ready to state the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business) and how long you plan to stay. Keep your return ticket and accommodation confirmation accessible on your phone.
4
Receive entry stamp and proceed
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. You're then free to collect your luggage and exit the arrivals area. No additional forms or fees required.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free not applicable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For Finland holders with a job offer in Latvia. Requires work permit sponsorship from employer. Allows residency and work.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Latvian university or accredited program. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Latvian Investor Visa (D visa for business)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee plus investment
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Latvian company. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. Apply at Latvian embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay is penalized; avoid by leaving before visa-free period ends. | €14 (~$15 USD) per day, max €700 (~$760 USD) |
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
Finland passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Latvian airports, as Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and Finland is a Schengen member.
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 TBE; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Ticks also carry Lyme disease; use 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. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for FI 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. Finnish passport holders can enter Latvia visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and short visits.
Up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. The clock resets once you leave the Schengen area. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable for tourism or business. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (D visa) from the Latvian embassy before travel.
Your valid passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Immigration may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — typically around €50–100 per day, though not always enforced.
Not strictly required for Finnish passport holders, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Latvia can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign employer without a visa, as long as you don't work for a Latvian company or provide services locally. If you plan to work for a Latvian employer, you'll need a work permit.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may face a fine (typically €100–500), a temporary ban from the Schengen area, or deportation. Always track your days carefully.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.