United States entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a visa to enter the United States. Apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy or consulate in Latvia. The application starts at travel.state.gov — expect an interview appointment wait time of several weeks.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Latvian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa holders | US immigration expects a return or onward ticket showing you will leave before your visa expires. Airlines check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Customs officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel booking or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | You may be asked to show you can support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements or a credit card statement showing available funds. | Recommended |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
Overstaying your ESTA by even one day can get you banned from the US for years. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
Apply early, not at the airport
You cannot apply for ESTA at the airport. Do it online at least 72 hours before departure. The official site is esta.cbp.dhs.gov — avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and answer a few security questions. Pay the fee (about $21 USD) with a credit card. Most applications are approved within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
2
Check in and board your flight
At the airport, present your passport and ESTA approval (printed or on your phone). The airline will verify your ESTA status electronically. You'll also need to show your return ticket.
3
Arrive at US immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. You'll queue at a CBP officer booth. Hand over your passport and answer questions about your trip (purpose, length of stay, where you're staying). The officer may take your photo and fingerprints.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once admitted, collect your checked bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter the US.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Standard visa for tourism or business; single entry only.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (€170)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Max stay90 days
Validity2 years
Cost$21 USD (€19)
For short business/pleasure trips; Latvian citizens eligible.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460 USD (€425) filing fee + legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree. Employer-sponsored, annual cap applies. Allows eventual green card.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD (€320) SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT).
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD (€970,000) minimum investment
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. High capital requirement but leads to citizenship.
exchange visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 18 months (varies by program)
$220 USD (€200) visa fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research programs. Requires a designated sponsor. Often includes a two-year home residency requirement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (€170) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Latvian citizens. | $185 USD (€170) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Filing fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (€340) |
| Overstay finePenalty assessed by CBP; may include bar from re-entry. | Varies; up to $500 USD (€460) per violation |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
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 United States
No transit visa needed
Latvian citizens do not need a transit visa for airside transit through US airports if they have a valid ESTA or visa. However, all travellers must clear immigration at the first US port of entry, even for connecting flights.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US visa or ESTA may transit without additional visa.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including Latvia) must have ESTA for transit.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe food handling is recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions by mail.
Practical information for LV travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, if you're visiting for tourism or business for 90 days or less, you only need an ESTA authorization. Apply online at least 72 hours before your flight. The cost is about $21 USD.
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply as early as possible — at least a few days before your trip.
If denied, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Riga. This requires an interview, costs $160 USD, and takes several weeks.
No, ESTA does not allow extensions. You must leave the US before 90 days. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel.
If you're connecting to another international flight and staying airside, you still need an ESTA or a visa. There is no transit exemption for Latvian passport holders.
Bring your valid passport, ESTA approval (printed or digital), return ticket, and proof of accommodation. It's also wise to have travel insurance details handy.
No. ESTA is only for tourism, short business meetings, or transit. You cannot take employment or enroll in a course of study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
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.