Latvia entry requirements for Turkey 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
Turkish passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or consulate before traveling. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate | You need a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia. Submit your application at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate in Turkey — processing takes about 15 calendar days. Apply at least 4 weeks before your trip to account for appointment availability and processing delays.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen area | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after the date you leave the Schengen zone. It must have been issued within the last 10 years. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Border officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country also works. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Latvia. The booking must cover your entire stay. A printout or a PDF on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | You should carry bank statements from the last 3 months or enough cash to show you can support yourself — roughly €50–€70 per day of your stay. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having a statement helps if asked. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill up fast
Appointments at the Latvian embassy in Turkey can be booked weeks in advance. Do not wait until the last minute. Start your application at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Schengen visa = access to 27 countries
A Latvian-issued Schengen visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, flight booking, hotel confirmation, travel insurance, bank statements, and a completed Schengen visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Latvian embassy or consulate in Turkey (Ankara or Istanbul). Wait times can be 2–4 weeks, so book early.
3
Submit your application in person
Go to the embassy or consulate on your appointment day. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30–45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be ready for pickup or mailed back to you. Check the visa validity dates and number of entries.
6
Arrive in Latvia
At Riga Airport or any border crossing, present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and calmly.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Turkey Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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)
For one-time entry; must apply at Latvian embassy or consulate.
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 documentation.
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 residence and work.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at accredited Latvian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For family members of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and residence.
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 service fee (if applicable)Additional fee charged by visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by application center |
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
Turkish citizens do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports if staying within the international transit area and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia may transit without visa.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitis (TBE)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Ticks in forested areas can transmit TBE; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Ticks also carry Lyme disease; use repellent and check for ticks after outdoor exposure.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Influenza circulates in winter; 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–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 visa and residence permit matters for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for TR 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. Turkish passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option for Latvia.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 30 days if more documents are needed, and up to 45 days in exceptional cases. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. This is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Yes, as long as the visa is valid and you enter Latvia first or spend the most days there. If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at the embassy of the country where you will stay the longest.
You will receive a formal rejection letter explaining the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the Latvian embassy or reapply with corrected documents. Common reasons include insufficient funds or unclear travel plans.
Immigration officers can ask for proof of funds. Have bank statements or a credit card ready. The suggested amount is around €50–€100 per day of your stay.
Schengen visas generally cannot be extended. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area.
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.