For UK citizens, Latvia eVisa business requirements differ from what many expect: Latvia does not issue a standalone eVisa. The term refers to an Electronic Pre-fill Visa (EPV) online form completed before an in-person consular appointment. UK citizens do not need a Schengen visa for Latvia business trips lasting up to 90 days. The total application cost is approximately £130-160, with standard processing in 15 calendar days.
Last updated: 10 September 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gov.lv).
Do UK Citizens Need a Business Visa for Latvia in 2026?
UK citizens are visa-exempt for Latvia business stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day Schengen period. A valid passport suffices for entry. According to Article 5 of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 (Schengen Borders Code), third-country nationals must hold a travel document issued within the previous 10 years.
Permitted Business Activities
Without a Latvia business visa, UK citizens may conduct the following activities during their 90-day allowance:
- Attending business meetings and contract negotiations
- Participating in conferences and professional networking events
- Visiting trade fairs and exhibitions
- Conducting site visits and partner consultations
When You Actually Need a Visa
A Latvia business visa becomes mandatory when planned activities exceed the visa-exempt scope. The following require a national visa Type D or a work permit:
- Paid employment in Latvia
- Self-employment activity or freelance work
- Long-term assignments exceeding 90 days within the 180-day window
Short-term business travellers will need ETIAS (projected Q4 2026, €20, valid 3 years, free for under-18 and over-70). For most UK business travellers, ETIAS is the only entry authorisation needed; a Latvia business visa (Schengen C) is not required for stays under 90 days.
Latvia eVisa: What It Actually Is and How It Works in 2026
Latvia does not issue a standalone eVisa; the “eVisa” is the Electronic Pre-fill Visa (EPV) online form at mfa.gov.lv, completed before a mandatory in-person biometrics appointment. The final Latvia business visa is a physical passport sticker, not a digital document.
Complete the EPV online: enter personal data, choose “business” as travel purpose, upload passport scan, photo (35 x 45 mm, ICAO-compliant), insurance certificate, and invitation letter. A confirmation code is generated for your in-person appointment. Biometrics are still required.
| Feature | Latvia EPV (eVisa) | Schengen Type C Visa | ETIAS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Online pre-fill form | Physical passport sticker | Electronic travel authorisation (visa-waiver) |
| Fee | Free | €90 (~£80) | €20 (~£17) |
| In-person required? | Yes, biometrics mandatory | Yes, appointment at VFS/TLScontact | No, fully online |
| UK citizens need it? | Only if visa-required | Only if visa-required | Yes, once launched (projected Q4 2026) |
Latvia Business Visa Types: Which One Do You Need in 2026?
Latvia offers Schengen Type C visas for short business stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) and national Type D visas for long-term work assignments exceeding 90 days. The Latvia business visa discussed in this guide is the Schengen Type C.
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen Type C | Up to 90 days in 180-day period | Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations | EPV form + biometrics + invitation letter |
| National Type D | 90+ days | Work assignments, intra-company transfers | Work permit + residence permit application |
| ETIAS | 3 years (multiple entry) | Visa-waiver for visa-exempt nationals | Online application, €20 fee |
| Residence Permit | While valid | Long-term assignments exceeding 90 days | Employer sponsorship + PMLP registration |
ETIAS does not replace the Latvia business visa requirement if your planned activities exceed visa-exempt scope. A residence permit is required for assignments exceeding 90 days.
Core Documents: Invitation Letter, Passport, and Insurance
Latvia business visa applicants must submit a valid passport, a PMLP-registered invitation letter from the Latvian host, and travel medical insurance with a minimum €30,000 coverage including repatriation.
| Document | Specification | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid; issued within last 10 years | ≥3 months beyond Schengen departure; 2 blank pages |
| Photo | ICAO-compliant biometric | 35 x 45 mm |
| Travel insurance | Schengen-wide; includes repatriation | €30,000 minimum coverage |
| Invitation letter | Registered with PMLP; reference number required | Original preferred; certified copy accepted |
UK applicants should renew their passport at least 9 weeks before travel, per HM Passport Office processing times.
Business Invitation Letter (PMLP)
The host provides a signed letter (company letterhead, PMLP-registered) with entity name, registration number, applicant details, purpose, dates, accommodation, plus PMLP reference number. The PMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs) registration is a uniquely Latvian requirement for the Latvia business visa. Common mistakes: missing registration number, vague purpose, dates not matching flight itinerary.
Travel Medical Insurance
Insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses and include a repatriation clause. It must be valid across the entire Schengen area, not just Latvia. Failure to meet this threshold is a standard reason for Latvia business visa refusal.
Supporting Documents: Financial Proof and Business Purpose
Beyond core documents, Latvia business visa applicants should prepare bank statements, proof of accommodation, and a business purpose letter with supporting commercial evidence.
Proof of Funds and Accommodation
- Bank statements: 3-6 months, stamped, account holder name visible; minimum ~€100/day balance recommended
- Self-employed applicants: personal + corporate statements both required
- Accommodation proof: hotel reservation, corporate guesthouse letter, or host’s registered address confirmation. Must cover every night of the stay
Business Purpose Letter
A UK employer’s dispatch letter strengthens the Latvia business visa application and should include the employee’s name, role, travel dates, salary confirmation, and return commitment. Supporting commercial evidence varies by scenario:
- Trade fair: registration confirmation, exhibitor badge
- Partner meeting: partner company’s Latvian registration certificate, meeting agenda
- Conference: registration confirmation, invited-speaker letter (if applicable)
- Investment negotiation: letter of intent, partner contract draft
Applicants must also include a round-trip flight itinerary demonstrating intent to return to the UK.
Application Process: From EPV to Biometrics in 2026
The Latvia business visa application process requires completing the EPV form online, booking an in-person appointment, submitting biometrics, and paying the €90 consular fee plus a ~£30-40 service surcharge. Standard processing takes 15 calendar days.
6+ weeks before travel
Gather all documents; request invitation letter from Latvian host (PMLP registration takes time)
5 weeks before travel
Complete EPV form at mfa.gov.lv; select “business”, enter invitation reference number
4 weeks before travel
Book VFS Global or TLScontact appointment (London or Manchester)
3 weeks before travel
Attend biometrics; pay fees
2-3 weeks before travel
Await decision (standard 15 calendar days)
Step 1: Complete the EPV Online Form
Submit the EPV form at mfa.gov.lv. Required uploads: passport scan, photo (35 x 45 mm, ICAO), insurance certificate, invitation letter. Common errors: file exceeds upload limit, photo non-compliant, invitation reference number missing. A confirmation code is issued after submission.
Step 2: Book Your Appointment
Book through VFS Global or TLScontact. UK locations include London and Manchester. Bring originals plus the EPV confirmation code.
Step 3: Attend Biometrics Submission
All 10 fingerprints and a digital photo are taken in about 15 minutes. Biometric data is retained for 59 months; existing submissions within that window may waive re-collection.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay €90 (~£80) plus the ~£30-40 VFS surcharge by card at the appointment.
Step 5: Await Decision and Receive Your Latvia Business Visa
Standard processing is 15 calendar days; complex cases may take up to 45 calendar days. Track via the VFS portal. The passport is returned with the visa sticker by courier or collection.
Fees, Costs, and Processing Timeline in 2026
The total cost of a Latvia business visa from the UK is approximately £130-160, including the €90 consular fee, ~£30-40 VFS service surcharge, and ~£15-30 travel medical insurance. Standard processing takes 15 calendar days.
| Item | Cost (EUR) | Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consular fee (Schengen C, adult) | €90 | ~£80 | Non-refundable; varies with EUR/GBP exchange rate |
| VFS Global service surcharge | €35-45 | ~£30-40 | External service provider fee |
| Travel medical insurance (2-week cover) | €18-35 | ~£15-30 | Must cover ≥€30,000 + repatriation + Schengen-wide |
| Passport photo | €5-12 | ~£5-10 | 35 x 45 mm, ICAO-compliant |
| EPV form / online pre-fill | Free | Free | Submitted at mfa.gov.lv |
| SMS tracking alerts (optional, VFS) | €3-5 | ~£3-5 | Paid add-on service |
| TOTAL | – | ~£130-160 | Excluding travel to appointment and printing |
The €90 consular fee and ~£30-40 VFS surcharge are both non-refundable; exchange rate fluctuations affect the GBP total.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document gathering | 2-4 weeks (start early) |
| EPV form completion | 1-2 hours |
| VFS appointment booking | Book 4-6 weeks before travel |
| Appointment (including biometrics) | ~15 minutes |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days |
| Extended processing (complex cases) | Up to 45 calendar days |
| Total time from start to passport return | 6-10 weeks recommended |
Schengen 90/180-Day Rule for UK Business Travellers
The 90/180-day rule applies cumulatively across all Schengen states; a Latvia Type C visa stay counts toward this quota. UK business travellers planning multiple Latvia business visa applications in one year must monitor the rolling window carefully. Overstaying the 90-day limit, even by a single day, can result in fines, a Schengen-wide entry ban, and future visa refusal.
| Month (2026) | Trip | Days in Schengen | Cumulative in 180-Day Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Latvia, business meetings | 5 | 5 of 90 |
| June | Latvia trade fair (7) + Estonia partner visit (3) | 10 | 15 of 90 |
| September | Latvia contract signing (4) + Lithuania site visit (2) | 6 | 21 of 90 |
| Remaining allowance | – | – | 69 days |
ETIAS: What UK Business Travellers Need to Know in 2026
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a €20 visa-waiver authorisation valid for 3 years, projected to launch in Q4 2026. The EU has not set a confirmed launch date. ETIAS is comparable to the U.S. ESTA system.
For UK business travellers, ETIAS allows tourism, business meetings, conferences, and transit. It does NOT permit paid employment or long-term study. ETIAS does not replace the Latvia business visa requirement if your planned activities exceed visa-exempt scope.
Application is fully online prior to travel, with approval within minutes in approximately 95% of cases. Extended checks may take up to 96 hours; additional documentation requests up to 4 weeks. The €20 fee is waived for travellers under 18 and over 70. Dual EU citizens can enter using their EU passport to be exempt.
| Feature | ETIAS | Schengen Type C Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Visa-waiver for visa-exempt nationals | Visa for nationals requiring visa entry |
| Fee | €20 | €90 (adult) |
| Validity | 3 years (multiple entry) | Single/multiple (duration varies) |
| Max Stay | 90 days in 180-day period | 90 days in 180-day period |
| Application | Fully online | EPV online + in-person biometrics |
| Processing Time | Minutes (~95% auto-approved) | 15 calendar days (standard) |
| UK Need? | Will be mandatory once launched | Not needed for UK citizens (visa-exempt) |
FAQ: Latvia Business Visa Requirements in 2026
Do UK citizens need a business visa for Latvia in 2026?
No. UK citizens are visa-exempt for short-term business trips of up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen rolling period. ETIAS will become mandatory once launched (projected Q4 2026).
What is the Latvia eVisa, and how do I apply for it?
Latvia does not issue standalone electronic visas. The “eVisa” refers to the Electronic Pre-fill Visa (EPV) form at mfa.gov.lv, completed before a mandatory in-person biometrics appointment. The final visa is a physical passport sticker.
What documents do I need for a Latvia business visa application?
A valid passport (≥3 months validity, 2 blank pages), PMLP-registered invitation letter, bank statements (3-6 months, ~€100/day), travel medical insurance (€30,000 minimum), proof of accommodation, and a round-trip itinerary.
What must be included in a Latvia business invitation letter?
The host entity’s name and Latvian registration number, applicant’s full name and passport number, purpose of visit, exact dates, and accommodation provision. The host must register the invitation with PMLP and include the reference number.
How long does it take to process a Latvia business visa application?
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from biometrics submission. Complex cases may take up to 45 calendar days. Book your appointment 4-6 weeks before travel.
How much does a Latvia business visa cost in 2026?
The consular fee is €90 (~£80), plus a VFS Global surcharge of ~£30-40. Including insurance and photos, the total estimated cost is ~£130-160.
Do I need to give fingerprints again if I’ve applied for a Schengen visa before?
Biometric data is retained for 59 months. If you submitted fingerprints within this period for any Schengen state, you may not need a new biometric appointment.
How can I track my Latvia visa application status?
Use the VFS Global tracking portal at vfsglobal.com. SMS alerts are available as a paid add-on (~£3-5). If processing exceeds 15 calendar days, contact VFS Global first, then the Latvian consulate.
Can self-employed UK residents apply for a Latvia business visa?
Yes. Self-employed applicants must provide company registration documents, both personal and corporate bank statements, and a letter confirming business activities and the purpose of the trip.
What is the difference between a Latvia eVisa and a Schengen C visa?
Latvia does not issue standalone eVisas. The “eVisa” is the online EPV pre-fill step for the standard Schengen Type C visa. The final visa is a physical passport sticker. ETIAS (€20) is a separate visa-waiver authorisation.
