Latvia entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or consulate before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa (C-type) required | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvia Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs or the Latvian embassy/consulate in your country. Submit the application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. You'll need a completed form, passport photos, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of accommodation and funds.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from Schengen area | Your Tanzanian passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from the Schengen zone. The passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least two blank visa pages. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Border officers at Riga Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within the visa's validity period. This applies to all Schengen entries — have a printed or digital copy ready. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay, or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Latvia. The booking must show your name and the full duration. If staying with friends, they need to register you with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | You need to demonstrate at least €100 per day of your stay in Latvia (or €50/day if accommodation is prepaid). Bank statements from the last 3 months, a credit card with a high limit, or a sponsor letter work. Officers at Riga Airport occasionally ask for this at passport control. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
Tanzanian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved. Processing can take up to 45 days.
No visa on arrival or e-visa available
Latvia does not offer a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Tanzanian passport holders. You must go through the standard Schengen visa application process at an embassy or consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Check which embassy to apply at
If Latvia has an embassy in Tanzania, apply there. If not, you may need to apply at the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Latvia (often the German or French embassy). Check the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the nearest location.
2
Book a visa appointment
Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate. Slots can fill up weeks in advance, especially during summer. Book as early as possible — at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
3
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting papers. Make photocopies of everything.
4
Attend the visa interview
Go to your appointment at the embassy. Submit your documents, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults, €40 for children 6–12), and answer a few questions about your trip. You may also provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes about 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that the visa dates and number of entries match your plans.
7
Arrive in Latvia
At Riga Airport or any other entry point, go to the Schengen border control queue. Present your passport with the visa, and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation booking if asked. The officer may stamp your passport.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 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 (usually)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard visa for tourism; must apply at Latvian embassy or consulate.
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 justification for frequent travel.
National long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80–€120 (≈ $87–$130 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80–€120 (≈ $87–$130 USD)
For Tanzania holders with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term stay and path to residency.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80–€120 (≈ $87–$130 USD)
For enrolled students at a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Latvian Investor Visa (D visa for business)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80–€120 (≈ $87–$130 USD) plus investment requirements
For Tanzania holders investing in a Latvian business or real estate. Minimum investment thresholds apply. May lead to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa (single entry)Standard fee for Tanzania passport holders; may vary by age and purpose. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Schengen visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional handling fee charged by visa application centers. | Varies by application center (e.g., VFS Global) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa; exact amount depends on duration and local enforcement. | €30–€100 per day (estimated) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension fee for exceptional cases; rarely granted for tourist stays. | €30–€60 (≈ $33–$65 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
Tanzania passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Latvia, even if staying airside. Apply at a Latvian embassy or consulate before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state (if transiting to that country)
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months; vaccination advised for vulnerable individuals.
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; bring all original documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA – Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for TZ 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 in the international transit area, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to enter Latvia (e.g., to switch terminals or stay overnight), you need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline before travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional documents are required or if your application needs further review. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 200,000 TZS) and €40 for children aged 6–12. Children under 6 are free. Fees are paid at the embassy in local currency or by card, depending on the embassy's policy.
Extensions are possible only in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or humanitarian reasons. You must apply at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia before your visa expires. Overstaying without permission can result in fines or a ban.
You must show a confirmed return or onward ticket when applying for the visa and at border control. Without it, your visa application will likely be rejected, and you may be denied entry at the border.
Latvia does not have an embassy in Tanzania. You may need to apply at the Latvian embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, or at the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Latvia in Tanzania. Check the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest representation details.
Yes, if you hold a valid residence permit issued by another Schengen state, you can enter Latvia without a visa for stays up to 90 days within 180 days. Your residence permit must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.