Latvia entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia for any purpose. Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in Vietnam. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Latvian embassy or visa application centre | You need a Schengen visa before travelling to Latvia. Apply at the Latvian embassy or authorised visa centre in your country of residence. Submit your application at least 15 days before departure — processing takes up to 15 calendar days.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Schengen area | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave the Schengen zone. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and have at least 2 blank pages. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Border officers at Riga Airport ask for a return or onward ticket confirming you leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Budget airlines sometimes check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarised invitation letter from your host in Latvia. Have a printed copy of your booking confirmation or the invitation letter ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Officers may ask for bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing you have at least €50 per day of your stay. Have recent statements or a card with sufficient limit ready. | Recommended |
Apply early — slots fill fast
Embassy appointment slots can be booked up weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer, Christmas, Tet). Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Schengen visa rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Your visa allows stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all Schengen countries. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from future travel.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and a completed Schengen visa application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Book an appointment
Contact the Latvian embassy or consulate in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to schedule a visa appointment. Slots can fill up weeks in advance, so book early.
3
Attend the interview
Go to the embassy on your appointment day with all original documents and copies. You'll submit your application, pay the fee, and may be asked a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can be extended to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned. Check the visa dates and conditions immediately — if anything is wrong, contact the embassy right away.
6
Enter Latvia
At Riga Airport or any land border, present your passport with the valid visa. The border officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer clearly and honestly.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires strong travel history.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 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 a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of acceptance 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 application service feePaid to visa application centre (e.g., VFS Global). | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for each day overstayed; maximum cap may apply. | €20 (~$22 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
Transit visa required
Vietnam passport holders need an airport transit visa to change planes in Latvia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without visa.
- Holders of a valid UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia visa may transit without visa.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water is safe.
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
Regional office for eastern Latvia.
Practical information for VN 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 Vietnamese passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa from a Latvian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if your application requires additional checks. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 2,100,000 VND as of 2026). Children aged 6-12 pay €40. There may be additional service fees if you apply through a visa application center.
You apply at the Embassy of Latvia in Hanoi or the Honorary Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. In some cases, Latvia outsources visa processing to VFS Global — check the embassy website for current procedures.
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. Just make sure Latvia is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within 30 days by writing to the embassy. Alternatively, you can reapply with stronger documentation.
Yes. Latvian authorities typically require evidence of at least €50 per day of your stay. Recent bank statements showing a stable balance are usually sufficient.
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.