Latvia entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ukrainian passport holders can visit Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule has been in place since 2017 and stays the same in 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Latvia. Since Latvia is part of the Schengen zone, the 90-day limit applies across all Schengen countries — not just Latvia. Airlines at check-in may ask for proof of onward travel before issuing a boarding pass. | 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 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready — budget airlines often check this before boarding as well. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying for the first few nights. A hotel confirmation email or a letter from a friend in Latvia with their address is enough. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers can ask for bank statements or cash to confirm you have at least €100 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit usually satisfies them. | Recommended |
Schengen area counts as one zone
Your 90-day visa-free stay applies to the entire Schengen area, not just Latvia. If you've already spent 30 days in France, you only have 60 days left for Latvia and any other Schengen country.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines and border officers will deny boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date. Check your passport now — if it's close, renew it before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before you travel
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups if possible.
2
Arrive at Riga Airport or land border
At Riga Airport (RIX), follow signs to 'EU/EEA/Switzerland' or 'All Passports'. Ukrainian passports go to the 'All Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and be ready to show your return ticket and accommodation if asked.
3
Border officer checks your documents
The officer will scan your passport, verify your visa-free stay (90 days), and may ask simple questions like 'How long are you staying?' or 'Where are you staying?'. Answer clearly and honestly.
4
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp in your passport. Check the date — it marks the start of your 90-day Schengen stay. Keep the stamp visible for your departure.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For longer stays or if visa-free is exhausted. Apply at Latvian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Requires proof of need for multiple trips. Good for frequent travellers.
National long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows residence and work rights.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Duration of studies, up to 1 year renewable
€99 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For close family members of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied upon departure; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | €20 per day (approx. $22 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free not applicable. Apply at Latvian embassy. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. Requires justification. | €120 (approx. $132 USD) |
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
Ukraine passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Latvian airports, as they enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen area for short stays.
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
Present in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter months. Consider annual flu shot.
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. Bring all original documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA – Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 41, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles visa and residence matters for eastern Latvia.
Practical information for UA 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. Ukrainian passport holders can enter Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and family visits.
Up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling window. The clock starts the day you enter the Schengen area. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, that counts toward the 90-day limit.
No. The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (D visa) before your 90 days expire, or leave and re-enter after 90 days outside the Schengen area.
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to contact the Ukrainian embassy in Riga for a new passport before you can leave.
Not routinely, but border officers can ask. It's wise to have a bank statement or credit card showing you can support yourself (around €50-100 per day). Most travellers are never asked.
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits. If you plan to work, you need a work permit or a national visa. Working without authorisation can lead to deportation and a re-entry ban.
Stay calm. Ask the officer for the reason in writing. You have the right to contact the Ukrainian embassy in Riga (+371 6732 1234) or request a translator. If denied, you'll be placed on a return flight at your own expense.
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.