Latvia entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Latvia. Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before you travel. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days, and you can apply up to 6 months before your trip. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | You need a Schengen visa to enter Latvia. Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately in case of loss. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Border officers at Riga Airport check for a return or onward ticket leaving the Schengen zone before your visa expires. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation from a host in Latvia. Keep a printed copy of the booking confirmation with your passport. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay in Latvia. Officers rarely ask, but they can deny entry if you can't prove funds. | Recommended |
Visa processing takes time
Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip. The standard processing time is 15 calendar days, but it can take longer during peak season. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Overstay fines are steep
You'll be fined €100 per day for overstaying your visa. This can add up fast and may result in a Schengen-wide entry ban. Always leave before your visa expires.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa
Submit your application at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You'll need to fill out the form, provide passport photos, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, and pay the fee. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days.
2
Arrive at Riga Airport (RIX)
After landing, follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready. The officer may ask about your itinerary and funds. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Pass through border control
The officer will scan your passport and stamp it with your entry date. They may ask how long you're staying and where. If everything's in order, you're through. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for hotel check-ins.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After border control, proceed to baggage claim. Customs is usually green channel for most tourists. If you have nothing to declare, walk straight out.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For one-time visit; must apply before travel.
Schengen tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with history)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires travel history.
National 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 sponsor.
work visa
Latvian 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 residence.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Latvian institutions. Allows part-time work. Must show proof of enrollment and funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for adult applicants. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple visits within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application centre. | Varies by location (~$30-40 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine may apply; overstay can lead to entry ban. | €100 (~$109 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabia passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Latvian airports if staying within the international transit area and not passing through border control.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen visa or residence permit may exit transit area.
- Holders of certain other visas (e.g., UK, US) may be exempt from transit visa requirements.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; vaccination recommended.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene practices suffice; tap water is safe to drink.
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–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Regional office for eastern Latvia.
Practical information for SA 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
The standard fee is €80 (~$87 USD) for adults. There's also a visa application centre service fee of about $30-40 USD, which varies by location. If you overstay, you'll be fined €100 (~$109 USD) per day.
No — the Schengen tourist visa is strictly 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, you need a national long-stay visa (D visa) for work, study, or family reunification. Apply at the Latvian embassy before you travel.
You'll be fined €100 per day, up to a maximum. Overstaying can also lead to an entry ban to the entire Schengen area. Don't risk it — leave before your visa expires.
No — Saudi passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Latvian airports if you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through border control. If you have a valid Schengen visa or residence permit, you can exit the transit area.
Top reasons: insufficient funds (30% of rejections), no return ticket (25%), incomplete documents (20%), suspicious travel patterns (15%), and overstay history (10%). Make sure your application is complete and honest.
No — you must apply in person at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. There is no e-visa option for Saudi passport holders. You'll need to submit biometrics (fingerprints) as part of the application.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a moderate risk in forested areas from April to November — vaccination is recommended. Lyme disease is also present. Tap water is safe to drink. Make sure your routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio) are up to date.
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.