Last updated: 10 September 2026. Independent informational guide, not a government website. Reference sources: mfa.gov.lv, pmlp.gov.lv, etias.europa.eu. Fees verified against Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009).
Latvia does not issue a standalone national eVisa. UK passport holders can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Travelers needing authorization use the Schengen framework via the Latvian e-service portal or upcoming ETIAS. This guide explains the eVisa Latvia process, costs, and rules.
When researching the eVisa Latvia, travelers frequently confuse three distinct systems: the Latvian e-service portal for Schengen visa applications, the Schengen short-stay visa itself, and the future ETIAS visa-waiver.
Whether you need a Latvia eVisa depends on your nationality and residency. UK citizens travel visa-free, but non-EEA UK BRP holders generally need a Schengen visa.
What Is a Latvia eVisa?
Latvia has no standalone national eVisa – the phrase “eVisa Latvia” is an umbrella term for online Schengen visa applications via the Latvian e-service portal or the upcoming ETIAS authorisation.
The Latvia eVisa does not exist as a distinct visa product. Latvia processes short-stay Schengen visas (Category C) through a public electronic service available at epak.mfa.gov.lv, managed under the framework of the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), whose portal is at pmlp.gov.lv. Applicants complete the form online but must submit biometric data in person at a Visa Application Centre.
The European ETIAS travel authorisation – a visa-waiver, not a visa – will apply to visa-exempt nationals travelling to Latvia and the broader Schengen area. ETIAS carries a fee of €20, with an indicative launch in Q4 2026 that the EU has not officially confirmed.
Who Needs a Latvia Visa in 2026?
UK passport holders travel to Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days per 180-day period; nationals of non-exempt countries must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa.
Whether you need a Latvia eVisa depends on your nationality and residency. UK passport holders have visa-free entry under post-Brexit rules, while non-EEA UK BRP holders generally require a Schengen visa.
| Traveller category | Latvia entry requirement in 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK passport holder | Visa-free, up to 90 days in any 180-day period; ETIAS (€20) required when launched |
| UK BRP holder (non-EEA national) | Schengen short-stay visa required |
| Visa-exempt national (approx. 60 countries) | Visa-free up to 3 months; ETIAS required when launched |
| Non-exempt national | Schengen visa (Category C) required |
ETIAS launch is not definitively set by the EU – Q4 2026 is indicative only. Until then, a Latvia eVisa refers to the Schengen visa application via the Latvian e-service portal at epak.mfa.gov.lv.
Documents Required for a Latvia Visa
Every Latvia eVisa applicant must submit specific supporting documents alongside the completed Schengen visa application form, with thresholds set by the Schengen Visa Code.
- Valid passport – issued within the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure from the Schengen area, with a minimum of two blank pages.
- Completed Latvia eVisa application form – submitted via the Latvian e-service portal at epak.mfa.gov.lv or VFS Global.
- Biometric photograph – passport-style, recent, meeting Schengen photo specifications.
- Travel itinerary – flight reservations and accommodation bookings covering the full stay.
- Travel health insurance – minimum €30,000 coverage for emergency medical costs and repatriation, valid across the entire Schengen area.
- Proof of financial means – bank statements or sponsor documentation demonstrating sufficient funds for the trip duration.
How to Apply for a Latvia Visa Online
The Latvia eVisa application process follows seven steps: complete the online form at epak.mfa.gov.lv or via VFS Global, then submit biometrics in person at a Visa Application Centre.
Check eligibility
Confirm your nationality requires a Latvia eVisa (Schengen short-stay visa).
Gather documents
Passport valid 3 months beyond departure, biometric photo, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), proof of funds.
Complete the online form
Register at epak.mfa.gov.lv and fill in all required fields.
Book an appointment
Schedule a biometrics slot at a Visa Application Centre via VFS Global.
Submit biometrics
Attend the appointment in person for fingerprinting and photograph capture.
Pay fees
Settle the €90 government fee plus the VFS Global service charge of £25-£40.
Track status
Monitor the decision online; standard processing takes 15 calendar days from submission.
Visa Application Centres and Agencies
VFS Global is Latvia’s outsourced biometrics collection partner charging a £25-£40 service fee per Latvia eVisa applicant, separate from the €90 government fee; commercial agencies like VisaHQ and CIBTvisas add further fees but are not required.
After completing your Latvia eVisa application online, biometrics must be submitted in person at a Visa Application Centre. VFS Global (vfsglobal.com) handles this step and offers optional extras: Form Filling Service, Premium Lounge Service, SMS Alerts Service, and Courier Service.
Commercial agencies operating in the UK provide document-handling assistance for an additional charge. VisaHQ (visahq.com), operating since 2003, reports a 99.6% first-time acceptance rate based on 4,207 verified reviews on Reviews.io (rating 4.40). CIBTvisas (phone 0844 8004650, customer service 09:00-17:00, office hours 08:00-17:00) is not affiliated with any government body, and its fees are additional and separate from government or consular fees.
Disclosure: VisaHQ and CIBTvisas are independent commercial agencies, not affiliated with the Latvian government. Their statistics (e.g., VisaHQ’s 99.6% acceptance rate) are self-reported and unverified. You can complete the entire Latvia visa process directly via VFS Global and epak.mfa.gov.lv.
Latvia Visa Fee – How Much Does It Cost?
The Latvia eVisa (Schengen Category C visa) costs €90 for adults aged 12 and over, €45 for children aged 6-11, and is free for children under 6. VFS Global charges an additional service fee of £25-£40 per applicant. Travel health insurance with a minimum of €30,000 coverage is mandatory and billed separately.
| Fee component | Adult (12+) | Child (6-11) | Child (under 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government visa fee | €90 | €45 | Free |
| VFS Global service fee | £25-£40 | £25-£40 | £25-£40 |
| Travel insurance (min. €30,000) | Separate | Separate | Separate |
| ETIAS authorisation (when launched) | €20 | €20 (under 18: exempt) | €20 (under 18: exempt) |
Source: Latvian MFA fee schedule and Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), accessed 10 September 2026. Fees subject to change; confirm on mfa.gov.lv before applying.
The ETIAS visa-waiver – separate from the Latvia eVisa – costs €20, with fee exemptions for applicants under 18 and over 70.
Latvia Visa Processing Time
The Latvia eVisa processing timeline under the Schengen framework is 15 calendar days from submission, extendable to 45 calendar days in exceptional cases; applicants should apply 1-2 months before travel.
| Application type | Standard processing | Extended processing | Recommended window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia eVisa (Schengen Category C) | 15 calendar days from submission | 45 calendar days for complex cases | 1-2 months before departure |
| ETIAS authorisation (visa-waiver, not a visa) | Within minutes for 95% of applications | 96 hours for additional checks; up to 4 weeks for extra documentation | Apply before booking flights |
Source: Latvian MFA and Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), accessed 10 September 2026.
Submit your application early to allow for the 45-day maximum and avoid last-minute disruption.
Visa Validity and the 90/180-Day Rule
Once your Latvia eVisa is approved, the visa sticker specifies both a validity window and a permitted stay duration. A Latvia Schengen visa permits up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area – not 90 days per country. The Latvia eVisa may be issued as single-entry or multiple-entry, allowing repeated visits as long as the cumulative 90/180 rule is respected.
For example, entering on 1 March 2026 for 60 days, then re-entering on 1 June 2026 leaves only 30 days within that 180-day window.
ETIAS, by contrast, grants a visa-waiver valid for 3 years or until passport expiry – whichever comes first – but still caps each stay at 90 days per 180-day period under the same Schengen rule.
Biometric, Financial & Transit Requirements
The Latvia eVisa application requires biometric enrolment, evidence of sufficient financial means, and transit visas for certain non-exempt nationalities passing through Riga Airport.
The Latvia eVisa mandates fingerprint collection for all applicants aged 12 and over. Fingerprints captured within the preceding 59 months may be reused, provided they remain on file in the Schengen Visa Information System. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting but must still submit a passport-style photograph.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means for the duration of their stay. The daily subsistence threshold is set by Latvian Cabinet regulations and must be evidenced through bank statements or equivalent proof of funds at the Visa Application Centre.
Travellers transiting Riga Airport (RIX) who hold passports from visa-required nationalities may need a Category A Airport Transit Visa to remain in the international transit zone. UK passport holders do not require a transit visa for Riga. Leaving the transit zone requires a full Schengen visa regardless of nationality.
Extending Your Visa & Border Entry Rules
A Latvia eVisa (Schengen short-stay visa) can only be extended in exceptional circumstances – force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons – and requests must be submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) while you are still in Latvia.
- Force majeure: flight cancellations, natural disasters, or events beyond your control.
- Humanitarian reasons: medical emergencies or family bereavement requiring continued presence.
- Serious personal reasons: assessed case-by-case by PMLP.
Overstaying without an approved extension risks fines and a Schengen-wide entry ban of 1-5 years. When entering with a Latvia eVisa or visa-free, carry:
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond planned departure, issued within the last 10 years)
- Visa or visa-free entry confirmation (if applicable)
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or host invitation)
- Travel health insurance certificate (minimum €30,000 coverage)
FAQ About Latvia eVisa
Do I need a visa to visit Latvia from the UK in 2026?
UK passport holders do not need a Latvia eVisa and can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period in 2026. However, when the ETIAS travel authorisation launches, UK travelers will need to obtain it. The ETIAS fee is €20, with exemptions for applicants under 18 and over 70.
What is the difference between Latvia eVisa and ETIAS?
The term eVisa Latvia refers to the online Schengen visa application process via the Latvian e-service portal. ETIAS is a separate visa-waiver travel authorisation, not a visa. ETIAS will cost €20, be valid for 3 years, and process within minutes for 95% of applicants.
How long does it take to get a Latvia visa?
The standard processing time for a Latvia eVisa (Schengen visa) is 15 calendar days from the date of submission. In complex cases, this can extend up to 45 calendar days.
Can I travel to Latvia with a UK BRP?
UK BRP holders who are non-EEA nationals generally need a Schengen visa to travel to Latvia. A UK Biometric Residence Permit does not grant travel rights within the Schengen area. These travelers must apply for a Latvia eVisa through the Latvian e-service portal or VFS Global.
How much does a Latvia Schengen visa cost?
The government fee for a Latvia eVisa is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 11. Children under 6 are exempt from the fee. Additionally, VFS Global charges a service fee ranging from £25 to £40 for biometric collection and application handling.
What documents do I need for a Latvia visa application?
Every Latvia eVisa applicant needs a passport valid for 3 months beyond departure and issued within the last 10 years. You also need a completed application form, a biometric photo, a travel itinerary, travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 coverage, and proof of funds.
Do children need a Latvia visa?
Children of visa-required nationals need their own Latvia eVisa. The visa fee is €45 for children aged 6 to 11, and free for children under 6. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting requirements, but all applicants regardless of age must provide a photograph.
Can I extend my Latvia visa while in Latvia?
A Latvia eVisa can be prolonged only in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons. Visa extension requests must be submitted to the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) while you are still in Latvia. The State Border Guard is a separate authority responsible for border control, not for visa extensions. Overstaying risks fines and a Schengen-wide entry ban of 1 to 5 years.
What is the 90/180-day rule for Latvia?
The 90/180-day rule allows travelers to stay for a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen area. This rule applies to both visa-free UK travelers and those holding a multiple-entry Latvia eVisa. The limit is not counted per individual country.
Do I need a transit visa for Riga Airport?
UK citizens do not need an Airport Transit Visa for Riga Airport. However, certain visa-required nationalities may need a Category A transit visa if they remain in the international transit zone. Leaving the transit zone requires a full Latvia eVisa or Schengen short-stay visa.
Revision history
- 2026-09-10: ETIAS launch remains indicative Q4 2026, not yet operational.
- 2026-09-10: Corrected FAQ – visa extensions handled by PMLP, not State Border Guard.
- 2026-09-10: Verified €90/€45 fee schedule against Latvian MFA.
