Latvia entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Malta passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Malta passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Latvia. Latvia follows Schengen rules — no 6-month validity requirement beyond your departure date. Airlines may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration at Riga Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air check this at check-in. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country works too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or an invitation letter from your host ready. Border officers ask for it often enough that I wouldn't risk arriving without one. Airbnb bookings with the host's contact info are fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Latvia can ask you to show you have at least €100 per day of your stay, or a total of €1,000 for trips under 10 days. A bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. I've never been asked, but a friend was pulled aside at Riga and had to show his Revolut app. | Recommended |
Schengen zone rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day allowance counts across all 27 Schengen countries, not just Latvia. Keep track of your total days in the zone.
Passport validity is strict
Border guards check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's close, renew before you go. A passport with less than 6 months validity can get you denied boarding.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga International Airport (RIX)
Most travelers fly into Riga. After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (non-EU queue). Have your passport and boarding pass ready. The queue usually moves fast — 5–15 minutes.
2
Present your passport at the border
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They rarely ask for supporting documents, but have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation accessible.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is fine, you'll get a stamp in your passport showing your entry date. This starts your 90-day Schengen clock. Keep the stamp visible — don't cover it with other documents.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually green channel for personal items. You're free to enter Latvia.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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; apply at Latvian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence and access to social benefits.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D Visa for Studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Latvian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
digital nomad visa
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€80 (~$87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with stable income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold (€2,500/month). Allows stay and work remotely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required; standard Schengen fee. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for multiple entries within validity period. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free period; paid at immigration or departure. | €14 (~$15 USD) per day, 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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports, as Malta is an EU/Schengen member.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but ensure food is properly cooked to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
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, residence permits, and immigration queries. Bring all original documents and copies.
Daugavpils
OCMA – Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 44, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles regional immigration matters; less crowded than Riga.
Practical information for MT 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 = 0.88 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
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule. The clock starts the day you enter any Schengen country, not just Latvia.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable for tourism. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (type D) before traveling.
No, not for stays under 90 days. Hotels handle registration automatically. If staying with friends or family, they may need to notify the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) within 30 days.
You must leave before it expires. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Renew it before traveling.
No. The visa-free regime is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Remote work for a foreign employer is technically not allowed. For digital nomads, consider Latvia's specific digital nomad visa if you plan to stay longer.
Overstaying can result in a fine (typically €100–€300), a ban from the Schengen Area for up to 5 years, and deportation. Always track your days carefully.
No, as long as you stay airside and don't pass through passport control. If you need to leave the transit area, you'll need a visa. Malta passport holders can enter visa-free anyway, so it's not an issue.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.