Latvia Schengen Visa Application Support UK

Latvia Schengen Visa – Essential Travel Guide and Requirements

Planning a trip to Latvia? A Schengen visa allows you to visit Latvia and 28 other European countries. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the application process and requirements.

Why Visit Latvia?

Latvia is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture:

Tourism: Explore the stunning architecture of Riga (opens in new tab), enjoy the natural beauty of Gauja National Park (opens in new tab), and relax on the sandy beaches of Jūrmala (opens in new tab).
Business: Latvia has a growing economy with strong sectors in IT, logistics, and green technology, making it a prime destination for business travelers.

Latvia Schengen Visa Requirements

To apply for a Latvia Schengen Visa, you’ll need the following documents:

Schengen Visa Application Form:

Complete the online Schengen visa application form at this link (opens in new tab).
Print it out and ensure it is dated and signed by the applicant.

Passport (Original and Copy):

A signed passport issued within the last 10 years.
Must be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expiry date.
Contains at least two blank visa pages.
Include photocopies of the pages with personal data in duplicate.

Photograph:

One recent passport-sized photo (not older than six months) with a white or light background and a neutral facial expression. See the example photo guidelines (PDF) (opens in new tab).

Proof of UK Residency:

Digital proof of immigration status issued by the UK Home Office (share code, see GOV.UK (opens in new tab)). UK immigration status is now held as a UKVI eVisa. Physical BRPs expired on 31 December 2024 and are no longer valid. Provide a share code from the UKVI online checking service. The share code must confirm residency valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa is not acceptable.

Proof of Employment/Student/Sponsorship/Retired/Unemployment:

Employed: A recent, signed letter from your employer, including name, date of issue, address, contact details, position, and salary of the employee, along with pay slips for the last three months.
Self-Employed: A letter from your accountant, banker, or solicitor confirming your business in the UK, along with a self-assessment form.
Students: A recent letter from your educational institution confirming your enrollment status.
Sponsored: Proof of sponsorship and a letter from the sponsor, along with their photo ID (e.g., passport, residence permit).
Retired: Pension statements for the last three months or proof of regular income.
Unemployed: Proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds.

Proof of Sufficient Funds:

Last 3 months of UK bank account statements (original and copy) in your name, showing balance and proving sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay (minimum of €40 per day).
Credit card statement indicating the cardholder’s name and monthly limit.

Proof of Return or Onward Travel:

Confirmed return ticket to the UK or proof of onward travel (such as an entry authorization into another country or confirmed overseas ticket).

Proof of Accommodation:

Confirmed hotel reservations, rental agreements, or proof of accommodation with a family member or friend, including any sponsorship documents if applicable.
If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, a joint travel confirmation letter signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation must be provided along with a photocopy of that person’s passport/ID card.

Travel Health Insurance: Must show the applicant’s name, have coverage of at least €30,000, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover the entire period of intended stay in the Schengen area. The insurance must be obtained from a company based in the United Kingdom or a Member State.
For Minors (Under 18 Years):

Birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
If traveling alone or with only one parent: Original passports of both parents or certified copies, written consent from the non-traveling parent, and a British school certificate.
In the case of sole custody: Provide one of the following documents:
Birth certificate mentioning one parent.
Death certificate of the absent parent.
Court ruling indicating sole custody.

Proof of Business Invitation:

Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia; the applicant should obtain a case or reference number from the host in Latvia.
An original signed invitation letter from the business partner or conference organizers in Latvia, including all necessary information regarding the business purpose, duration of the trip, and confirmation of costs, if applicable.

When to Apply for a Latvia Schengen Visa

Submit your application at least 15 days before your intended travel date and no earlier than 6 months before departure. Early application helps avoid delays and ensures sufficient time for processing.

Processing Times

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 calendar days from the day the application reaches the Mission.
The processing time may be extended up to a maximum of 45 calendar days in individual cases if further scrutiny is needed or additional documents are required.
The Mission may request additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process, which may cause delays in the visa processing timeline.

Types of Visas for Visiting Latvia

The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip:

Short-Stay Visa (Type C):

Suitable for tourism and business visits, this common Schengen visa allows travel to Latvia and across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period from entry into the Schengen zone.

Latvia Schengen Visa Fees

A Schengen visa to Latvia comes with standard fees, as these are uniform across Schengen countries:

Consulate Fee: €90 for adults.
Children (Aged 6–11): €45.
Children Under 6: Free.
VFS Center Fee: £29.56.
Premium Lounge Fee: £75.

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it’s advisable to confirm the current rates before applying.