Canada entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Latvian passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa waiver or eTA option for Latvian citizens. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need this online authorization before boarding your flight to Canada. Apply online before travel | Latvian citizens must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7. Processing is usually minutes but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire soon after your trip. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of Canada helps prove you intend to leave. May be requested | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of onward travel (return or onward ticket) if asked by border officials. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or credit cards to show you can support yourself. May be requested | Although not always required, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by border officials. | Recommended |
| Maximum stayDo not overstay your 180-day limit; it is not extendable. Up to 180 days | As a Latvian citizen with an eTA, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per visit. Extensions are not permitted under this authorization. | Required |
Visa required — no exceptions
Latvian passport holders cannot use the eTA system. You must apply for a visitor visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival or visa waiver for Latvia.
Biometrics appointment needed
After submitting your online application, you'll need to visit a Visa Application Centre in person to give fingerprints and a photo. The nearest VAC for Latvian residents is in Riga. Book your appointment early.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload required documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, financial proof), and pay the fee (CAD 100 for a single-entry visa, CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa). Processing takes 2–8 weeks — apply well before your trip.
2
Wait for visa decision
IRCC will review your application. You may be asked to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) — there are VACs in Riga and other EU cities. Once approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport or a letter of introduction.
3
Prepare for arrival in Canada
At the airport, go to the 'Visitors' queue. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and proof of funds ready. The border officer may ask about your trip purpose and duration. Answer honestly and concisely.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stayUp to 5 years per visit
ValidityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
Cost$100 CAD (application) + $85 CAD biometrics
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian child or grandchild and proof of medical insurance
Work permit
Max stayVaries with permit
ValidityUp to 3 years (renewable)
Cost$155 CAD (most cases) + $85 CAD biometrics
Requires a job offer and LMIA or exemption
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityUp to 4 years (renewable)
Cost$150 CAD + $85 CAD biometrics
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) / International Mobility Program (IMP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee; work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or under international agreements. Requires employer sponsorship and valid job offer.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days, renewable
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus and off-campus after 6 months.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence (indefinite)
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment and active management.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; Super Visa for parents/grandparents
Up to 2 years per entry
CAD 100 (~USD 75) for visa; private medical insurance required
Canada does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. The Super Visa allows parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay up to 2 years per visit.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feePer person, non-refundable | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants, per person | $85 CAD |
| Visa extension (visitor record)To extend stay beyond 180 days | $100 CAD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application20%
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 Canada
Transit visa required
Latvian citizens transiting through Canada to a third country generally need a transit visa (TRV) unless they qualify for the China Transit Program or are flying directly from the U.S. with a valid U.S. visa and meet all conditions.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid U.S. visa who are flying to/from the U.S. and meet all requirements (e.g., have a confirmed onward ticket, transit through a Canadian airport with pre-clearance or direct connection) may be exempt from a transit visa.
- Citizens of Latvia with a valid Canadian visitor visa do not need a separate transit visa.
- Crew members of aircraft or ships may be exempt under certain conditions.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
HypothermiaModerate risk
Risk in winter, especially in northern regions; dress warmly.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Central office; applications are processed by mail/online, not in person.
Toronto
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Toronto Pearson Airport
6301 Silver Dart Drive, Mississauga, ON L5P 1B2
24/7
For immigration clearance at airport; not for extensions.
Practical information for LV travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Latvia is not visa-exempt for Canada. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before traveling. There is no eTA option for Latvian passport holders.
Processing times vary, but typically 2–8 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
The application fee is CAD 100 for a single-entry visa, or CAD 500 for a multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 10 years). Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85. Fees are non-refundable.
Yes. Most applicants aged 14–79 must provide fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre. In Latvia, you can do this at the VAC in Riga. You'll receive a letter with instructions after submitting your application.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. You must show valid reasons and sufficient funds. The extension fee is CAD 100. Overstaying without authorization can lead to a ban.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), a recent passport photo, proof of funds (bank statements, pay slips), travel itinerary, return ticket, accommodation bookings, and a letter explaining your trip purpose. Additional documents may be requested.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings. For work or study, you need a separate work permit or study permit. Working without authorization is illegal and can lead to deportation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.