Latvia entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or consulate before traveling. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter 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 entire stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Carry a copy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Border officers will ask for a return flight or onward ticket to a non-Schengen country. Airlines check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation from your host in Latvia. Keep a printed copy of the booking confirmation. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Schengen rules require you to cover accommodation and living costs without working. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Kenyan passport holders cannot enter Latvia without a pre-approved Schengen visa. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip. Last-minute applications are rarely approved.
Schengen area rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen zone. Your visa allows you to travel to any Schengen country (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). But you must enter through the country that issued your visa unless you have a valid reason.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting papers. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit the visa application
Fill out the Schengen visa application form online or at the Latvian embassy in Nairobi (or the embassy handling Latvia in your region). Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12). Book an appointment for an in-person interview.
3
Attend the visa interview
Go to the embassy or consulate on your appointment date. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. The officer will ask about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Kenya. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) will be taken.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days if more checks are needed. Track your application online if the embassy provides a tracking system.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be ready for pickup or courier delivery. Check the visa validity dates and number of entries allowed.
6
Travel to Latvia
At the border (Riga Airport or any Schengen entry point), present your passport with the visa. Be ready to show your return ticket, accommodation proof, and travel insurance if asked.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism; must apply before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay and path to residence.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Latvian institutions. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For family members of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsor's legal status.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional handling fee may apply at visa application centre. | Varies by application centre |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine may apply; overstay can lead to entry ban. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day |
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
Kenya passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Latvia, even if staying airside, unless exempted.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, Ireland, or certain other countries (check specific list)
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 (e.g., Kenya). Must present certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 practices suffice; tap water is safe.
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 eastern Latvia.
Practical information for KE 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
If you're transiting through a Latvian airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you generally do not need a visa. But if you need to enter the Schengen area (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you'll need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date your application is accepted. It can take up to 45 days if additional documents or checks are needed. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. There may be additional service fees if you apply through a visa application centre (VFS Global).
Schengen short-stay visas (type C) are not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (type D) or residence permit before your current visa expires. Overstaying can lead to fines and future visa bans.
Kenyan passport holders apply at the Latvian Embassy in Nairobi (or the embassy representing Latvia in your country of residence). If there's no Latvian embassy, you may apply at the embassy of another Schengen country that handles Latvia's visa applications. Check the official website for the exact location.
You'll receive a formal refusal letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Latvian embassy or consulate. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, or weak ties to Kenya. Address the specific issue and reapply.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of sufficient funds. The recommended amount is around €50–70 per day of stay. Have bank statements, credit cards, or cash ready. If you can't show it, you may be denied entry.
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.