Latvia entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Latvian embassy or visa centre | You need a Schengen C visa before travelling to Latvia. Submit your application at the Latvian embassy or a VFS Global centre in your country. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — apply well ahead of your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay in Schengen | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen | Border officers at Riga Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Airlines also check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Latvia. Have a printed booking confirmation or a signed invitation letter with you. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Latvian border guards may ask for bank statements or cash showing you have at least €50 per day for your trip. Carry a recent bank statement or a credit card with sufficient limit. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak season. Do not book flights or accommodation until you have the visa in hand.
Schengen area rules apply
A Latvian visa allows travel to all Schengen countries. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Overstaying can lead to fines and a re-entry ban.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, bank statements, and any other supporting papers.
2
Submit your application
Submit your visa application at the Latvian embassy or consulate in Nepal, or at the designated visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). You must apply in person — no online-only option for Nepali passport holders.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the Schengen visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6). Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
4
Attend the interview
You may be called for a short interview. Be ready to explain your travel plans, how you'll fund the trip, and your intention to return to Nepal.
5
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can extend to 45 days in busy periods. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
Once processed, collect your passport from the visa application center. Check the visa sticker for correct dates and validity.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal 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
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen C visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
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 additional permits.
work visa
Latvia 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 residency.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For full-time students enrolled at a Latvian university. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
business visa
Latvia Business Visa (D visa for business)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs or investors establishing a business in Latvia. Requires business plan and proof of investment. May lead to residency.
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 application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | Varies by location (approx. €30–40 / $33–44 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €30–100 per day (~$33–109 USD), max €3,000 (~$3,270 USD) |
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
Nepal passport holders need a Schengen transit visa (Type A) to transit through Latvia airports, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa, residence permit, or visa from certain countries (e.g., US, UK, Canada) may be exempt. Check with embassy.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
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 hygiene to avoid traveler's diarrhea.
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. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for eastern Latvia.
Practical information for NP 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 are transiting through a Latvian airport and staying airside (not passing through passport control), you generally do not need a visa for up to 24 hours. However, if you need to enter the country or change airports, you need a Schengen visa.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel.
No. The Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from the Schengen area.
You can appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the refusal letter. The appeal is submitted to the Latvian embassy. There is no guarantee of reversal. You can reapply with stronger documentation.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see bank statements, cash, or a sponsor letter. Have at least €50-70 per day of stay available.
Yes, a Schengen visa issued by Latvia allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first point of entry must be Latvia or you must spend the most days in Latvia.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Fees are payable in local currency at the visa center and are non-refundable.
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.