Latvia entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
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
Indian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia in 2026. Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing typically takes 15–30 days, so plan accordingly.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia. Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. The visa allows up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Latvia follows Schengen rules — your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure date from the Schengen area. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Border officers at Riga Airport regularly ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — a bus or train ticket to another Schengen country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter of invitation from your host in Latvia. Keep a copy on your phone or printed out. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Latvia requires visitors to show at least €14 per day for the duration of your stay. A bank statement from the last 3 months or a credit card with sufficient limit works. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill up fast
Visa appointments at Latvian embassies in India can be booked weeks in advance. Start your application at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date. Don't wait until the last minute.
No visa on arrival or e-visa
Latvia does not offer visa on arrival or e-visa for Indian passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa before you travel. There is no way around this.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your visa application at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your home country. If no Latvian embassy exists, apply at the embassy of another Schengen country that handles Latvia's visa processing. Book an appointment online — walk-ins are not accepted.
2
Attend the visa interview
Go to your appointment with all required documents: passport, application form, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements. You will be fingerprinted and asked about your travel plans.
3
Wait for visa processing
Processing takes 15–30 days. Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until you receive your visa. You can track your application online if the embassy provides that service.
4
Arrive in Latvia
At Riga Airport or any other entry point, present your passport with the visa sticker. The border officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
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 foreign nationals with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional fee for visa application center services. | ~€30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €100 per day (max €1,000) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Indian passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Latvia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA country
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia (for certain conditions)
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended.
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. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 41, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for visa-related issues.
Practical information for IN 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
If you are transiting through a Latvian airport and staying in the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to enter Latvia (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before booking.
A Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration will be printed on your visa sticker. Do not overstay — it can affect future visa applications.
Extensions are not granted for tourism. You must leave before your visa expires. If you have an emergency, contact the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Riga.
You will likely be denied entry. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
If you stay in a hotel, they will register you automatically. If you stay in a private residence, you must register with the PMLP within 3 working days of arrival. Your host can help with this.
You will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the embassy or consulate that processed your application. Common reasons include insufficient funds, weak travel history, or incomplete documents.
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Latvia allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries. However, your main destination should be Latvia — that is, you should spend the most days there or enter through Latvia.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.