Author: Anna Lorrain
Date: 09/10/2025

Anyone wishing to travel to Latvia without a Latvian visa or residence permit must submit a so-called ETA for Latvia since September 1, 2025 – an electronic travel authorization. However, not all third-country nationals without a visa are affected. This article clarifies which travelers need an additional ETA and which do not, as well as how to apply for the ETA for Latvia.

 

Table of Contents:

 

 

What is the ETA for Latvia?

 

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic authorization that must be applied for online before traveling to Latvia. It contains personal data, travel itinerary, purpose of visit, and other important information.

It functions similarly to the well-known ESTA for the USA, the ETA for the UK, or the ETIAS for the Schengen countries, which will also be introduced in the future. Travelers from certain countries need this authorization before boarding a plane or entering at the border.

The ETA should not be confused with the Latvia Visa, but rather serves as an additional security check for visa-free travelers. An ETA must be submitted at least 48 hours before entry into Latvia, but it is not considered an entry permit. The final decision on entry is still made by the customs officer on-site.

 

Good to know: Failure to complete the authorization or providing incomplete or incorrect information may result in a fine of up to 2000 euros.

 

Who needs an ETA for Latvia?

 

The travel authorization ETA must be applied for by all foreign nationals who do not possess a Latvian visa or residence permit issued by Latvia - with the exception of travelers:

  • from NATO countries
  • from OECD countries
  • from Brazil
  • from European Union countries
  • from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Norway
  • with diplomatic immunity
  • stateless persons officially recognized (in the countries listed in Section 4.⁴, Part 1 of the Immigration Law)

Source: Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This means that, in general, all third-country nationals traveling to Latvia without a visa need an ETA for Latvia, unless they come from one of the countries listed above.

 

Important! Note that holders of a Schengen visa issued by a country other than Latvia also need an ETA for Latvia. Travelers merely transiting through Latvia are also subject to this new regulation.

 

 

Which nationals do not need to apply for an ETA for Latvia?

 

Instead of listing all third countries that require an ETA for Latvia, it is simpler to name all the countries that will not need an ETA in the future.

The countries include:

  • Albania, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Canada, Croatia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA.

 

How can I apply for the travel authorization for Latvia?

 

You must submit your information on the website eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before arriving in Latvia. This also applies if you only wish to transit through Latvia.

Approximately 48 hours after your registration, you will receive an automatic notification via email. This means you do not need to wait for a separate authorization. If your travel plans change before the trip, you must fill out the form again.

 

During your registration, you must provide the following information:

 

  • Purpose of entry;
  • Planned duration and place of stay;
  • Travel itinerary;
  • Contact details;
  • Elective offices held by you or a family member;
  • Candidacies in elections;
  • Current or previous status as a central or local government official;
  • Service in the military, special services, border guard, customs, or in the interior, justice, or foreign service (including diplomatic services).

The information must always be provided by the traveler themselves, unless you are filling out the form for minor children. In that case, parents or legal guardians must complete the form.

 

ETA for Latvia: Step by Step

 

1. Select your nationality: Provide your nationality from the provided list.

2. Check eligibility to submit a declaration: The system automatically checks if you are required to submit a declaration based on your nationality and other conditions (visa, residence permits, or special circumstances).

3. Enter and confirm your email address: Provide a valid email address where you will receive a confirmation link and further information to complete the declaration.

4. Fill out the declaration form: Enter the required personal data, document details, contact information, entry and exit information, and answer all additional questions asked in the form fields.

5. Review and confirm the provided information: Review the entered data, confirm its accuracy, and agree to the terms of use and processing of personal data.

6. Submit the declaration: Confirm your declaration using the Captcha security check.

7. Receive confirmations: After submission, you will receive a confirmation email about the completion of the declaration. After 48 hours, you will receive a follow-up email confirming the registration of the declaration, which includes a unique declaration number.

 

How are the data used?

 

Access to your data is granted to the State Police and the State Border Guard of the Republic of Latvia. The state security authorities also have access to the data. When registering for your ETA, you must agree that your data may be used for these purposes.

 

What is the cost of the ETA for Latvia?

 

So far, there are no official details regarding the fee for the Latvian ETA. However, no payment method is required during the registration process, suggesting that the ETA for Latvia is likely free of charge.

 

Why is the ETA introduced in Latvia starting September 1, 2025?

 

According to the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new regulation aims to enhance national security and improve the state’s border protection. By querying personal information before entry into Latvia, they aim to identify risks and prevent threats to national security.

 

Differences between ETA Latvia and ETIAS

 

You should not confuse the new ETA for Latvia with the ETIAS. ETIAS is an EU-wide system set to launch tentatively by the end of 2026 and will apply to all Schengen countries.

ETIAS targets travelers from visa-free third countries who wish to enter the Schengen Area. The Latvian ETA, on the other hand, is a national system specifically introduced for Latvia and addresses different third-country nationals.

No official statements have been made regarding how the two systems might be linked in the future. It is therefore possible that both systems will coexist.

While ETIAS is intended for the entire EU, the ETA applies only to Latvia. Travelers planning to visit Latvia will therefore need to check in the future whether they require an ETA, ETIAS – or possibly both.

 

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