Latvia entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can travel to Latvia visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since both countries joined the EU. No visa is needed for tourism, business, or family visits in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid on arrival | Your Romanian passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Latvia. Since Latvia is part of the Schengen zone, your 90-day visa-free allowance applies across all Schengen countries, not just Latvia. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended to have proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Riga Airport may ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have hotel or host details | Border officers occasionally ask where you're staying. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to show you can support yourself | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. A bank statement or credit card showing access to around €50–€100 per day is usually sufficient. | Recommended |
Schengen zone rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen area. Your 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries combined. If you've already spent 60 days in France, you only have 30 days left for Latvia and any other Schengen country.
Border checks may still happen
Even though Latvia is in Schengen, random checks can occur at land borders from Lithuania or Estonia, especially during high-alert periods. Always carry your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga International Airport or land border
Most travellers fly into Riga Airport (RIX). After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (non-EU queue). Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your passport and answer questions
The officer will check your passport validity and may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Answer clearly. They rarely ask for proof of funds or insurance.
3
Get your entry stamp
If entering from outside Schengen, you'll receive an entry stamp. This starts your 90-day clock. Keep the stamp visible — it's your proof of legal entry.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if any) and then through customs. Green channel if nothing to declare. You're free to enter Latvia.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free entry is exhausted.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries, useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D visa for employment)
1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa for studies)
1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $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 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Latvia. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold. Allows stay and work remotely.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free entry is not applicable. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs fines and possible entry ban. | €50 per day (max €2,000) |
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
Romanian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports, as Latvia is part of the Schengen Area and Romania is an EU 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
Ticks in forested areas can transmit this virus; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Also tick-borne; use repellent and check for ticks after outdoor exposure.
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)
Čiekurkalna 1. līnija 1, Riga, LV-1026
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 44, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa issues for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for RO 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
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen rule. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, that counts toward your 90 days.
No. Romania and Latvia are both EU member states, so Romanian passport holders can enter Latvia visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days).
Generally no for tourism. The 90-day limit is strict. If you need to stay longer for work, study, or family reasons, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days expire. Contact the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) in Riga.
You may be denied entry. The rule is 6 months validity from your entry date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. Emergency passports are not accepted for visa-free travel.
Yes. Even if you're transiting, you need proof of onward travel. A ferry ticket, bus ticket, or flight booking out of the Schengen area works. A screenshot is fine.
Overstaying is a violation of Schengen rules. You could be fined, banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 3 years, or both. The fine varies but can be several hundred euros. Leave before your 90 days are up.
Tourist visa-free entry does not permit work. If you're a digital nomad, you need a Latvia Digital Nomad Visa (for stays up to 1 year). Working remotely for a foreign employer while on a tourist stay is a grey area — technically not allowed, but rarely enforced for short visits.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.