Latvia

🇱🇻

Phone Code

+371

Capital

Riga

Population

1.9 Million

Native Name

Latvija

Region

Europe

Northern Europe

Timezone

Eastern European Time

UTC+02:00

Latvia is a Baltic country in Northern Europe, an EU and NATO member since 2004, and Schengen Area and Eurozone member. Known for Art Nouveau architecture, extensive forests (covering over 50% of the country), Baltic Sea beaches, Soviet heritage, and Song and Dance Festival tradition. Riga, the capital and largest city, boasts one of Europe's finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings and a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Latvia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Visitors are drawn to Riga's Art Nouveau district and Old Town, Jūrmala beach resort, Gauja National Park castles and nature, Cēsis medieval castle, Sigulda winter sports and bobsled track, Rundāle Palace (Baltic Versailles), Liepāja music scene, Latvian Song and Dance Festival (UNESCO), Kuldīga waterfall (Europe's widest), Soviet heritage sites, and Baltic amber. Latvia offers European culture, nature, and history with fewer crowds than Western Europe.

Visa Requirements for Latvia

As a Schengen Area member, Latvia follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport and stay indefinitely with freedom of movement rights. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Latvian embassies or consulates (or any Schengen country if Latvia has no representation), submitting completed applications, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. Latvia welcomed 3+ million international visitors in 2019. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. Latvia is an excellent entry point to the Baltics and Schengen Area.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area including Latvia; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure; proof of sufficient funds and return ticket advisable.

For tourism, business, conferences, visiting friends/family for US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and other eligible nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work and study without permits; register residence if staying over 90 days.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for tourism, work, residence, study, or any purpose without restrictions.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries including Latvia; single, double, or multiple entry options; processing typically 15 days; apply at Latvian embassy or any Schengen embassy if no Latvian representation.

For short-term stays including tourism, business, cultural events, conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

National Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days up to 1 year initially; requires specific purpose documentation (work contract, university admission, marriage certificate); leads to residence permit; Latvia-specific, though allows travel in Schengen; apply at Latvian embassy.

For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence in Latvia.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.

90/180 rule: Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across entire Schengen Area, not just Latvia. Track carefully if visiting multiple Schengen countries.

Language: Latvian is official language, one of only two surviving Baltic languages (with Lithuanian). Russian widely spoken (35% of population ethnically Russian, Soviet legacy). English common among younger people and in Riga tourist areas. German also somewhat understood.