Disclaimer: This is an informational guide for tourists, not an official government website. Always verify requirements with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or VFS Global before applying.
Published: 10 September 2026 | Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. This article is reviewed quarterly to reflect changes in Latvian visa policy.
To apply for a Latvia eVisa online from the UK, register on the VFS Global portal, complete the electronic application form, upload your supporting documents, pay the €90 consular fee, and attend a biometrics appointment in person. Latvia issues no standalone digital eVisa: “eVisa” denotes the EPAS electronic pre-registration form; approved applicants receive a Schengen sticker in their passport. Process verified September 2026.
To apply for a Latvia eVisa online from the UK in 2026, register an account on the VFS Global portal, complete the electronic application form with your personal and travel details, upload the required documents (passport scan, photo, insurance), pay the €90 consular fee, and attend a biometrics appointment at a VFS centre. Processing takes approximately 15 calendar days under Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Article 23.
Do You Actually Need a Latvia eVisa? Eligibility for UK Travellers
UK citizens enjoy visa-free Schengen access, but non-EEA UK residents with a valid BRP must apply for a Latvia eVisa online.
If you hold a British passport, you can enter Latvia and the wider Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No electronic pre-registration or application form is required for tourism, short business trips, or cultural visits below this threshold.
Non-EEA nationals resident in the UK follow a different route. If you hold a valid UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you must apply for a Latvia eVisa online before your trip, submitting a copy of your BRP alongside evidence of valid UK leave to remain as part of your standard Schengen visa documentation.
Latvia issues a Schengen visa sticker, not a digital eVisa. The “eVisa” term refers to the electronic pre-registration form (EPAS) completed online before your in-person biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre. Once approved, a standard Schengen visa sticker is affixed to your passport.
Documents You Need Before Starting Your Latvia eVisa Application
A Latvia eVisa application requires seven core documents before you create your account on the portal.
- Valid passport – minimum 3 months validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and at least 2 blank pages.
- Digital passport-style photo – 35 × 45 mm, JPEG format, white background, no glasses or headwear (ICAO standards).
- Schengen travel insurance certificate – minimum €30,000 medical coverage including repatriation, valid across all Schengen countries for your entire stay (EU Visa Code Article 15).
- Flight itinerary – reservation or booking confirmation showing entry and exit dates.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel reservation or host invitation letter with full address.
- Bank statements – last 3 months, demonstrating sufficient financial means.
- BRP copy – for non-EEA UK residents, plus evidence of valid UK leave to remain.
Steps 1-3: Account Setup & Completing the Latvia eVisa Application Form
Create your account
Register on the VFS Global portal using your email, full name, and password. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the verification email before logging in.
Select your visa subtype
Start a new application and choose the correct short-stay subtype – tourist, business, cultural event, or transit. Unsubmitted drafts are retained for approximately 30 days; save your progress every 15 minutes.
Complete the application form
Fill in every section: personal information (name matching your passport exactly, including diacritics), travel details, accommodation, and employment data. Enter all dates in DD.MM.YYYY format. Available in Latvian and English.
Steps 4-6: Upload, Payment & Submitting Your Latvia eVisa Online
Upload your supporting documents
Attach passport scan, digital photo, insurance certificate, flight reservation, accommodation proof, and bank statements. Accepted formats: PDF and JPEG. Blurry scans or oversized files trigger upload errors.
Pay the visa processing fee
Consular fee: €90 adults, €45 children 6-12, free under 6. VFS service fee: approx. €20-40. Payment by credit or debit card through the VFS portal.
Review and submit
The portal generates a confirmation page with your reference number, barcode, and printable PDF summary. Once submitted, the application is locked. Contact VFS Global or the Latvian Embassy within 24 hours to correct errors.
| Category | Consular Fee | VFS Service Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (12+) | €90 | €20-40 |
| Children (6-12) | €45 | €20-40 |
| Children (under 6) | €0 | €20-40 |
What You Upload Online vs. What You Bring to Your Latvia eVisa Appointment
| Upload in the Portal | Bring to Your VFS Appointment |
|---|---|
| ✅ Passport scan (PDF or JPEG) | ✅ Original passport |
| ✅ Digital photo (35 × 45 mm, JPEG) | ✅ Printed application summary |
| ✅ Insurance certificate (PDF) | ✅ Printed insurance certificate |
| ✅ Flight reservation (PDF) | ✅ Original bank statements (if requested) |
| ✅ Accommodation proof (PDF) | ✅ BRP original + photocopy (non-EEA applicants) |
| ✅ Bank statements (PDF, last 3 months) | ✅ Passport-size photos (backup, if requested) |
Requirements may vary by VFS centre – always check your appointment confirmation email for your Latvia eVisa submission.
Book Your Biometrics Appointment via VFS Global for a Latvia eVisa
After submitting your Latvia eVisa application online, book a mandatory biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Under Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, staff collect 10-digit fingerprints and a digital photograph. The appointment typically lasts 10-15 minutes. Children under 12 and persons physically unable to provide fingerprints are exempt.
Processing Time & Tracking Your Latvia eVisa Application
The standard Latvia eVisa processing timeline runs 15 calendar days under Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Article 23, extendable to 45 calendar days for complex cases involving additional documentation requests or prior visa refusals.
Peak season runs from May through September, when higher application volumes slow processing. Apply at least 4 weeks before your planned departure, or 8 weeks if travelling during the summer months.
Use the VFS Global tracking portal to monitor your Latvia eVisa status across four stages: Received → Under Processing → Decision Made → Ready for Collection. If your status remains unchanged beyond 15 calendar days, contact VFS Global or the Latvian Embassy in London.
5 Mistakes That Delay Your Latvia eVisa – and How to Avoid Them
- Name mismatch: Your name must match your passport exactly, including Latvian diacritics (ā, ē, ī, ū, č, ķ, ļ, ņ, š, ž). Copy character-for-character from your passport’s Machine Readable Zone.
- Wrong date format: The portal uses DD.MM.YYYY (European format). Entering MM/DD/YYYY registers incorrect dates and triggers processing delays.
- Blurry or wrong photo size: Non-compliant photos (35 × 45 mm, JPEG, white background, ICAO) are auto-rejected. Check the full Latvia visa photo requirements before uploading.
- Wrong visa subtype: Selecting “business” instead of “tourist” changes the required documentation. Confirm the subtype matches your actual purpose of visit before submitting.
- Mismatched insurance dates: Your Schengen travel insurance must cover the entire stay plus at least 2 buffer days. Set the start date to your departure day and the end date to your return + 2 days.
After Your Latvia eVisa Is Approved – What Happens Next
After approval, the Latvia eVisa arrives as a visa sticker in your passport; verify validity dates and entry count before travelling.
You will receive an email notification, then either collect your passport from a VFS Global centre or receive it by registered post. Before you travel, inspect the visa sticker closely: confirm the validity dates, the number of entries (single or multiple), and the allowed duration of stay, which cannot exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.
At the Latvian border, carry a printed return flight confirmation, your hotel booking, and your travel insurance certificate. If your Latvia eVisa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter stating the reason. You can reapply immediately with corrected or additional documents – there is no formal appeal process for short-stay Schengen visa refusals.
FAQ – Latvia eVisa Application for UK Travellers
Can I apply for a Latvia eVisa online from the UK?
Yes. UK citizens and non-EEA residents with a valid BRP can apply for a Latvia eVisa online via VFS Global, then attend a UK VFS centre for biometrics.
How much does a Latvia eVisa cost for UK applicants in 2026?
Consular fee: €90 adults, €45 children 6-12, free under 6. VFS service fee: ~€20-40. Travel insurance is a separate cost.
What documents do I need to upload for a Latvia eVisa application?
Passport scan (3+ months validity, 2 blank pages), photo (35 × 45 mm, JPEG, white background), Schengen insurance (min €30,000), flight reservation, accommodation proof, 3-month bank statements; BRP copy for non-EEA applicants.
How long does it take to get a Latvia eVisa from the UK?
Standard: 15 calendar days (Reg. 810/2009, Art. 23). Complex cases: up to 45 days. Apply 4 weeks before travel; 8 weeks during May-September peak season.
Can I edit my Latvia eVisa application after submitting it?
No. Once submitted, the Latvia eVisa application is locked. Contact VFS Global or the Latvian Embassy within 24 hours for corrections.
Do I need an appointment for a Latvia eVisa if I apply online?
Yes – hybrid. Complete the form online, then attend a VFS centre (London, Manchester, Edinburgh) for biometrics (10 fingerprints + digital photo) and original documents. Appointment: 10-15 minutes.
Is a Latvia eVisa the same as a Schengen visa?
The Latvia eVisa refers to the EPAS electronic pre-registration form for a Schengen short-stay visa. You receive a standard Schengen visa sticker in your passport – not a digital travel authorisation.
What happens if my Latvia eVisa application is rejected?
You receive a refusal letter with the reason. You can reapply immediately with corrected documents. No formal appeal exists for short-stay Schengen visa refusals.
Can non-EEA nationals with a UK BRP apply for a Latvia visa from the UK?
Yes, with a valid UK BRP and valid leave to remain. Submit a BRP copy and UK visa validity evidence alongside standard documents required to apply for a Latvia eVisa online.
How do I track my Latvia eVisa application status?
Log in to the VFS Global tracking portal. Your Latvia eVisa progresses through four stages: Received, Under Processing, Decision Made, Ready for Collection.
