Name: Axel Strauss
Date: 17/10/2025
With a population of just under 2 million people, Latvia manages to attract nearly the same amount of international visitors every single year. And it’s no wonder. Once known as the “land of Amber” (along with a few of its Baltic neighbors, to be fair), Latvia today boasts a unique blend of historical charm, rich cultural heritage, and modern European vibrancy. And it is thus becoming an increasingly top destination the world over.
From enchanting medieval old towns to the intriguing folklore that surrounds them. From hundreds of castles near and far to a breathtaking coastline dotted with pristine beaches and dramatic dunes. And from stunning natural beauty to modern metropolises like its capital Riga, Latvia definitely has something to offer every type of traveler. However, if you want to explore this Baltic gem firsthand, you might need a Schengen visa. In which case, AXA can help.
- Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?
- How do I apply for a visa to go to Latvia?
- How much does a Schengen visa for Latvia cost?
- What about ETIAS and EES?
- What about ETA for Latvia?
- How can AXA help?
- How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries
Do I need a visa to visit Latvia?
Whether or not you’ll need a visa for this portion of the land of Amber will depend on where exactly you’re coming from. Because — along with being home to the world’s oldest flag, largest song and dance festival, and first written record of the Christmas tree — Latvia, as of 2004, also happens to be one of the dozens of European countries currently in the Schengen Zone. And that means that to be among its millions of annual international visitors, you might need to have a Schengen visa.
Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Latvia (for stays of less than 90 days)?
You don’t need a Schengen Visa for Latvia - for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period - if you are:
- A citizen of one (or more) of the Schengen countries
- A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country
- A citizen of one (or more) of the non-Schengen European Union member countries
- A national of one (or more) of the non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU (these include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 50 more nations).
PRO-TIP: To make sure you know how much time you actually get in Latvia (and the rest of the Schengen), AXA can help you wrap your head around the somewhat tricky 90/180-day Schengen visa rule too!
Which travelers are required to apply for a visa to Latvia?
However, if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU, you will need a Latvian Schengen visa indeed. This generally applies to citizens of all African countries, most Asian and Middle Eastern ones, China, India, Russia, and nearly a hundred more.
PRO-TIPS: Fortunately, the European Commission can help with tons of info regarding its visa agreements - including for Latvia - such as full lists of the world’s countries both exempt and not exempt from the Schengen visa
Meanwhile, Schengen travel insurance and Schengen visa pros AXA can help you answer one of the most common European travel questions out there as well, namely: Do I need a Schengen visa?
What type of visa do I need to visit Latvia?
If you do indeed need a Schengen visa for Latvia and are ready to apply, there are four basic types to choose from: business, work, student, and short-stay.
- The most common one is the latter — that is, the short-stay, aka Type C, aka “tourist” visa. With one of these, you can travel to Latvia — as well as to/between all Schengen countries — for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- To stay in Latvia longer, you’ll need a national (aka Type D) visa.
- A Type A (aka “airport transit”) visa, meanwhile, allows citizens of non-Schengen States to wait for a connecting flight and/or transit through Schengen airports (or those of any other Schengen state).
- And if you’re planning more than one trip, you’ll want to opt for a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
PRO-TIP: Fortunately, AXA can help you understand which Schengen visa best suits your travel needs in no time too.
How do I apply for a visa to go to Latvia?
After deciding on which Latvian visa you want, you’ll need to gather the proper paperwork the proper paperwork, and then schedule and attend an interview (or two). Obviously, your actual visa application process will depend on several different factors.
PRO-TIPS: So be sure that you’ve met all the Schengen visa requirements — both via AXA and the Latvian authorities (don’t worry, we’ve got links to those below too!). And to that end, you might find AXA’s comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa for Europe in general helpful too.
What documents are required to obtain a Schengen visa for Latvia?
To apply, you should have (at the very least):
- Your passport (issued within the last 10 years, with a validity of more than 3 months after the planned date of exit from the Schengen area)
- A Schengen visa application form (duly completed and signed).
- Two recent passport photos (we can tell you more about the specific Schengen visa photo requirements too, if you like)
- Your itinerary
- Travel insurance (NOTE: Travel insurance is not only mandatory but must meet several criteria in order to be accepted with your visa application; AXA’s does — more on that below)
- Proof of sufficient funds (if applicable)
- Proof of the purpose of the trip — such as a letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Your residence permit and/or resident card (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation (if applicable)
- Proof of socio-economic and professional stability (if applicable)
- For minors — certified parental or guardian authorization
If you’re traveling to Latvia for business, you might also need:
- a schedule of your stay with your business contacts and/or a signed letter of invitation from a Latvian company (if applicable)
- documentation linked to your business operations (if applicable)
PRO-TIP: We also happen to have all you need to know about that Schengen visa invitation letter too, if you’re curious!
PRO-REMINDER: AXA always strives to bring you the latest info regarding Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far. But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia also provides detailed and up-to-date info, as does the European Commission’s official visa website. And it’s always best to double- and triple-check with all the official sources — that is, not just us — to make sure you don’t miss anything.
How much money do I need for my trip to Latvia?
According to the MFA (i.e., Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as referenced above), you’ll need:
- no less than 14€ for each day of stay if the duration of the intended stay in Latvia does not exceed 30 days;
- not less than 700€ (the minimum monthly wage in Latvia) if the duration of the intended stay in Latvia exceeds 30 days.
But keep in mind that these types of requirements often change too. So double-check with the Latvian authorities, the official sources above, and/or your nearest Latvian embassy/consulate for the most up-to-date details.
When and where should I apply for my Latvian Schengen visa?
Aim to submit your application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 2-3 weeks before your trip to Latvia. And remember — while you can begin the process online, you'll eventually need to visit a Latvian embassy, consulate, or visa application center in person — for biometrics and document submission.
Here's how you can generally apply for a Latvian Schengen visa:
- Traditional Method:
Apply directly through your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate. Fortunately, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides a list of embassies and consulates worldwide. And they can also guide you through the application process, help you schedule an appointment, and so on. - Via an Authorized Application Center:
Latvia — like many of its Schengen neighbors — also outsources visa applications to dozens of countries around the world through the company VFS Global. And you can find your nearest VFS Global center via their website.
And remember — no matter which method you choose, give yourself plenty of time to book that appointment and ensure you have all the required documents.
How much does a Schengen visa for Latvia cost?
Fortunately, the price for the Schengen visa itself is universal, be that visa for Latvia or any other Schengen state. Unfortunately, however, it does tend to slightly go up every few years. But fear not — AXA has the latest about the following too:
Moreover, while the costs themselves still remain universal, keep in mind that there may also be some additional fees depending on the particular visa application center.
How long does it take to process a Latvian Schengen visa?
In general, the wait time is also universal — that is, around 15 days. However, in some cases, embassies, consulates, and/or application centers can take between a month or two to process a visa. It will all depend on your particular situation.
PRO-TIP: Still, check in with respective authorities if you don’t hear anything after two weeks or so. Because, you know, bureaucracy…
What should I do if my Latvian visa is refused?
If for whatever reason your Latvian visa is not granted, you really only have two options: either apply again or appeal the refusal. The EU’s Article 32(3) of the Visa Code of the Schengen Agreement (and the Latvian authorities) can tell you more about that.
However, the outcome of your appeal will ultimately depend on said Latvian authorities.
PRO-TIP: And also keep in mind that if your Latvian visa is denied, your Schengen visa application fees are non-refundable.
AXA’s Schengen travel insurance plans, meanwhile, are indeed fully refundable (but more on those below)!
What about ETIAS and EES?
ETIAS, EES, ETA, and other key changes for European travel in 2025
What about ETA for Latvia?
And, finally, on Sept. 1st, 2025, Latvia also introduced its version of an ETA system (aka “Electronic Travel Authorization”). Or, as they also call it — an “Electronic Travel Declaration.” Similar to those of other nations worldwide (such as Australia, Canada, Russia, Thailand, the U.S, and the UK), Latvia’s ETA (aka ETD) is basically an online form that must now be submitted by most travelers to Latvia at least 48 hours before entry.
Who must submit an ETA (aka ETD) for Latvia?
According to the official sources (i.e., the “Entry into Latvia” section of the country’s official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website), Latvia’s ETA/ETD applies to:
“A citizen of any country, except a member state of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a country of the European Economic Area, the Swiss Confederation or the Federative Republic of Brazil, who does not have a valid visa or residence permit issued by the Republic of Latvia.”
And they add that:
“Foreign nationals of non-exempt countries holding a valid Schengen visa or residence permit card not issued by the Republic of Latvia must submit the Declaration before entering Latvia, unless other exemptions apply.”
Who is exempt from ETA (aka ETD) for Latvia?
They then go on to clarify that “The obligation to submit the Declaration does not apply to citizens of Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, 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, United States of America.”
How much does ETA (aka ETD) for Latvia cost?
Well, various visa and travel information sources online cite the fee for Latvia’s ETA as being €20.
However, this seems to be mostly derived from the ETIAS fee proposed by the European Commission (which is, officially, also €20). But as of late 2025, no official Latvian government page (including the ETA/ETD one below) explicitly states €20 — or any other amount — as the fee.
In other words, it’s best to check with the proper Latvian channel!
How and when do I submit an ETA (aka ETD) for Latvia?
And that proper channel is also where you can both learn more about and submit your Latvian ETA (aka ETD) — i.e., the official Latvian Electronic Travel Declaration website.
IMPORTANT PRO-REMINDER: Just make sure you submit it at least 48 hours before you enter the country!
PRO-TIP: AXA can also tell you the full deets about Latvia’s ETA/ETD if you like!
How can AXA help?
Meanwhile, if you’re ready for Latvia now, AXA is equally ready to help your trip be that much smoother. Not with a Latvian Schengen visa itself, necessarily, but by providing you and your loved ones with affordable, top-quality, instant Schengen Travel insurance.
Why is travel insurance for Latvia so important, you ask? Well, first off, it is a mandatory requirement to be granted a Schengen visa — to Latvia or any of its Schengen neighbors. Not only that, but your Schengen travel insurance plan must also meet a certain set of criteria.
What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Latvia?
And those are that your plan:
- be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries (not just Latvia)
- have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation – including in case of death);
- cover you in all the Schengen member countries (again, not just Latvia)
- be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Latvia (and/or the rest of the Schengen Area).
PRO-TIPS: Fortunately, AXA’s plans meet all the criteria above! But you can learn more about the specific travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa too (such as the reasoning behind them, for example).
Moreover, if your Schengen visa for Latvia is denied, AXA’s plans are, again, refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation — that is, an official explanation as to why your visa was refused (from the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center).
Don’t need a Latvian visa? Well, travel insurance while visiting this Baltic gem is still in no way a bad call. Because aside from both being the birthplace of jeans and having over 12,000 rivers, Latvia, like any travel destination, can be full of surprises. Usually good ones, of course. But that’s never a guarantee. In other words, with the right AXA plan, you have one less big thing to worry about during your travels.
Aside from fulfilled Schengen visa requirements, the 24/7 assistance and medical coverage we provide, and countless other benefits, here are just a few reasons to choose AXA for Latvia:
- Our plans have no age restrictions.
- Getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick and easy — one can be purchased online in just a few minutes.
- Our travel insurance certificate — accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and VFS Global centers worldwide — can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too.
- And our plans cover you in all Schengen territories (and beyond) — not just in Latvia.
We can, of course, keep going (coverage of up to €2 Million, civil and personal liability insurance, baggage insurance, upgrade options, plans from one day to a full year, and so on) but you can also learn more about (and compare) our 3 comprehensive plans to get the full picture for your particular situation.
But instead, we simply recommend that before you book your Latvian Schengen visa appointment (and/or ticket), you also take a minute to
compare all of AXA’s optionsand
get a free zero-obligation AXA quote!
In short, suffice is to say that the right AXA plan is guaranteed to make your trip to the land of amber, rivers, Christmas trees, jeans — and plenty, plenty more — that much safer and worry-free.
How to apply for a Schengen visa for other countries
And, finally, if you’d like to apply for a visa for any of Latvia’s Schengen neighbors, AXA has gone ahead and compiled comprehensive step-by-step guides for each one below:
- Austria visa
- Belgium visa
- Bulgaria visa
- Czech Republic visa
- Croatia visa
- Denmark visa
- Estonia visa
- Finland visa
- France visa
- Germany visa
- Greece visa
- Hungary visa
- Iceland visa
- Italy Visa
- Liechtenstein visa
- Lithuania visa
- Luxembourg visa
- Malta visa
- Netherlands visa
- Norway visa
- Poland visa
- Portugal visa
- Romania visa
- Slovakia visa
- Slovenia visa
- Spain Visa
- Sweden visa
- Switzerland visa
RELATED ARTICLES:
- How safe is it to travel to Europe?
- Which countries are the easiest to obtain a Schengen visa from?
- ETIAS, EES, ETA, and other key changes for European travel in 2025
FAQ
Can I travel to Latvia if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country?
Yes. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to and throughout all Schengen countries — no matter which country you got it from. However, you must apply with the country in which you plan to spend the most time.
FINAL PRO-TIP: And AXA can tell you more about these Schengen visa First Port of Entry rules too!
Can I work or study in Latvia with a tourist visa?
No. While the tourist (or Type C/”short-stay”) Latvian Schengen visa allows visitors to enter the Schengen for a short business trip, a holiday, and/or to visit family members, it cannot be converted into a work or study permit.
What happens if my travel insurance plan doesn’t meet Schengen visa rules?
If your travel insurance doesn’t meet the necessary Schengen visa requirements, your visa application will be denied and your visa fees won’t be refunded.
FINAL PRO-REMINDER: However, AXA does offer a full refund of your insurance premium if your visa is refused!
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AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Basic
AXA Schengen Basic is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Essential
AXA Essential is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus, and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Basic.

AXA Schengen Annual
AXA Annual is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Annual for different countries during 90 days.