Latvia entry requirements for Lithuania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Lithuanian passport holders can travel to Latvia visa-free for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. Since both countries are in the Schengen Area, you can stay indefinitely without a visa. This has been the case since 2007 and remains unchanged in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Latvia. Since you're entering the Schengen zone, the 90/180-day rule applies across all 27 Schengen countries — Latvia doesn't have a separate clock. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Border officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they want to see you leave before your 90 days run out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but if they do, you'll need to show where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Latvia doesn't publish a fixed minimum, but €50–€70 per day is a safe benchmark if questioned. | Recommended |
No visa needed
Lithuanian passport holders can enter Latvia freely as part of the Schengen Area. No visa, no application, no fees.
Passport validity matters
Even though you don't need a visa, your passport must be valid for 6 months from entry. Check your expiry date before booking.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga Airport or border crossing
You'll land at Riga International Airport (RIX) or cross by road/rail from Lithuania. At the airport, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Border Control'.
2
Join the EU/Schengen queue
As a Lithuanian passport holder, you use the EU/Schengen lane. This is usually faster than the non-EU queue. Have your passport ready.
3
Present your passport to the border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask a few questions: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly. They may stamp your passport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing border control, proceed to baggage claim (if applicable), then exit into the arrivals hall. No additional paperwork needed.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Lithuania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 in 180-day period; apply at Latvian embassy.
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€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D visa)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For employment with a Latvian employer; requires a work permit and job offer. Allows long-term residence and family reunification.
Apply student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized Latvian institution; requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply investor visa
Latvia Investor Visa (D visa)
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee + investment of at least €50,000
For investors starting a business or investing in Latvia; requires a business plan and proof of investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days in 180-day period; apply at Latvian embassy. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; paid at immigration office. | €14 per day (~$15 USD), 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
Lithuanian passport holders do not need a transit visa for Latvia as they are EU citizens and can enter visa-free.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; use insect repellent and consider vaccination.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe; food hygiene is generally good, but practice standard precautions.
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 passport and proof of funds.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for eastern Latvia; appointments recommended.
Practical information for LT 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. Lithuania and Latvia are both Schengen Area members. You can travel visa-free for any duration.
There is no maximum stay limit for Lithuanian citizens in Latvia. You can live and work there without a visa, as both countries are part of the EU.
You don't need to extend because there's no time limit. If you need a residence permit for long-term stays, apply at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Riga.
Just your valid passport. It's smart to have a return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance handy, but they're not mandatory for Lithuanian citizens.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Latvia can be high for uninsured visitors. A basic policy covering medical emergencies is cheap and worth it.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before traveling to avoid issues at border control.
Yes. As an EU citizen, you have the right to work in Latvia without a work permit. You may need to register your residence if staying longer than 90 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.