Latvia entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. This policy has been in place since Latvia joined the Schengen Area and remains unchanged in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Latvia. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but some airlines enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from a friend/family member with their address and contact number. Border officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need it on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Latvia does not strictly enforce this, but having it ready avoids delays at passport control. | Recommended |
90-day Schengen limit applies across all countries
Your 90-day visa-free stay is for the entire Schengen Area, not just Latvia. If you've already spent time in France, Germany, or any other Schengen country in the previous 180 days, that time counts toward your limit. Use the Schengen calculator (ec.europa.eu) to track your days.
Riga Airport is small but efficient
Riga International Airport (RIX) has a single terminal. Non-EU passport queues are usually short (5-15 minutes). The airport has free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange. If you arrive late, taxis to the city center cost around €15-20 and take 15 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga Airport (RIX) or border crossing
Most travelers fly into Riga International Airport (RIX). Follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' — there are separate queues for Schengen and non-Schengen arrivals. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present your passport to the border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, look for blank pages, and may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer honestly and briefly. They'll stamp your passport with the entry date.
3
If asked, show supporting documents
The officer may request your return ticket, hotel booking, or proof of funds. Have these ready on your phone or printed. If everything is in order, you'll be waved through.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There are no additional checks for Israeli passport holders. You're free to enter Latvia.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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 from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer than 90 days in a 180-day period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must still comply with 90/180 rule.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Latvian employer. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Latvian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Latvia. Requires proof of employment and minimum monthly income of €2,500. Allows stay and work remotely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; may also lead to entry ban. | €20 per day (approx. $22 USD), max €2,000 |
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
Israeli passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested areas; use insect 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) – Riga Branch
Čiekurkalna 1. līnija 1, Riga, LV-1026
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA – Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 44, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for IL 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 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area. You cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa or residence permit. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (D visa) or residence permit from the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) before your 90 days expire.
No. There is no arrival declaration requirement for Israeli passport holders. Your passport stamp is sufficient.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Latvian border police. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes. There are no internal border checks within the Schengen Area. You can drive or take a bus from Lithuania, Estonia, or Poland without additional formalities. However, your 90-day clock still runs from the moment you first entered Schengen.
No. Israeli passport holders can visit for business purposes (meetings, conferences, contract signing) without a visa, as long as the stay is under 90 days and you don't take paid employment. You may be asked for an invitation letter from the company you're visiting.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You may face a fine, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the Schengen Area for up to 3 years. If you realize you're close to the limit, contact the Latvian PMLP to discuss options before you overstay.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. However, it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Latvia can be high, and your Israeli health insurance may not cover you abroad. A basic policy covering medical evacuation and hospital stays costs around €20-50 for a week.
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.