Latvia entry requirements for Thailand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Thai passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. You must apply at a Latvian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
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 home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no later than 6 months and no earlier than 3 months before your trip.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It must have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Riga Airport checks for a confirmed return or onward ticket out of the Schengen area. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country also works — just make sure it's booked before you fly. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a formal invitation letter from a host in Latvia ready. Immigration officers at Riga Airport ask for this regularly — a printout or a clear copy on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you have at least €50 per day for your stay. Immigration may ask to see this at the border — a recent statement from your bank is fine. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 30 days, and appointments at the embassy may be limited. Start your application at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen area rules apply
Your Latvian visa allows travel across all Schengen countries, but you must enter Latvia first (or spend the most days there). The total stay in Schengen cannot exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
What happens at the border
1
Determine where to apply
Find the Latvian embassy or consulate responsible for your region. In Thailand, the Latvian Embassy in Bangkok handles visa applications. Check their website for jurisdiction details.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, bank statements, and any additional supporting documents (e.g., employment letter).
3
Submit your application
Submit the application in person at the embassy or consulate (or via a visa application center if outsourced). Pay the visa fee (typically €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12). Processing takes 15–30 calendar days.
4
Attend an interview (if required)
Some applicants may be called for a short interview. Answer honestly about your travel plans, finances, and ties to Thailand.
5
Collect your passport
Once processed, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the visa dates and number of entries match your travel plans.
6
Travel and enter Latvia
At the border (Riga Airport or land crossing), present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask about your trip — have your return ticket and accommodation details ready.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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 90 days
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For a single visit; must leave Schengen area after stay.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years (usually 1-5 years)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; requires strong 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, family reunification, or other long-term purposes.
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
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold (€2,500/month).
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 centre (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by location (~$30-50 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
No transit visa needed
Thailand passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Latvian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)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 and wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; annual vaccination advised.
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–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA - Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 42, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles immigration matters for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for TH 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
No. Latvia does not offer visa on arrival for Thai passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa from a Latvian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 30 days if additional documents are needed or during peak season. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
Yes. A Latvian-issued Schengen visa allows you to travel to all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your first point of entry should be Latvia.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The appeal must be submitted to the same embassy or consulate that rejected your application. Provide additional documents to address the reasons for refusal.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds. It's wise to carry bank statements or a credit card statement showing available balance. The recommended amount is €50–€100 per day of stay.
No. The Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism purposes. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering Schengen.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.