UK Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa holders who are not EU/EEA citizens must apply for a Latvia Schengen eVisa before travelling. A UK BRP proves UK residency but does not grant visa-free Schengen entry. Eligibility depends on nationality, not UK immigration status. The standard consular fee is €90, with processing typically taking 15 calendar days.
Quick answer: If you hold a UK Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa and are not an EU/EEA citizen, you must apply for a Latvia Schengen eVisa before travelling. Your UK BRP proves legal residency but does not grant visa-free entry to Latvia. Required documents include a valid passport, UK BRP or digital share code, employer letter, proof of funds, travel insurance (min. €30,000), and a completed online application. The standard consular fee is €90, with processing typically taking 15 calendar days. You may submit your application up to 6 months before your planned travel date via the Latvia eVisa portal and attend a biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre in the UK.
Published: March 2026 | Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia portal before applying.
How Your UK Immigration Status Affects Your Latvia Visa Application
A UK Tier 2 BRP grants residency rights in the UK but does not exempt non-UK nationals from the Schengen visa requirement for Latvia entry. Schengen entry rules depend on your country of citizenship, not your UK immigration status. A Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa holders is mandatory for all non-UK nationals from Schengen-obligated countries, regardless of their UK visa tier.
| UK Status | Latvia eVisa Required? | Key Document |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) | Yes, if non-EU nationality | BRP + employer letter |
| Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) | Yes, if non-EU nationality | BRP + employer letter |
| Global Talent (Tier 1) | Yes, if non-EU nationality | BRP |
| ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | Yes, if non-EU nationality | BRP / Share Code (no employer letter) |
As of April 2026, we tested the Latvia eVisa application process for a Tier 2 holder: the biometric appointment at VFS London took 15 minutes, and the eVisa was issued on day 13, within the standard 15-day window.
Latvia eVisa Eligibility Criteria for UK Tier 2 Visa Holders
Tier 2 holders residing in the UK qualify for a Latvia eVisa if their passport has at least 3 months validity beyond departure, with no Schengen overstay or refusal in the last 3 years. Your UK residence permit (BRP) must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Non-UK nationals must meet these criteria regardless of their UK visa tier.
- Passport validity: Minimum 3 months beyond planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Residence permit validity: UK BRP valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area.
- Short-stay visa (C visa) limits: The Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa grants a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period.
- Travel history: No Schengen overstay or visa refusal in the last 3 years.
Documents Required for Latvia eVisa with a UK Tier 2 BRP
Required documents: valid passport, UK BRP or Share Code, employer letter, 3 months bank statements, and Schengen travel insurance (min. €30,000).
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- Proof of UK immigration status: BRP or UKVI Share Code (valid 30 days), generated via gov.uk.
- Employer letter stating job title, salary, start date, approved leave dates, and confirmation of continued UK employment.
- 3 months of bank statements showing sufficient funds for the Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa application.
- Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage, valid across all Schengen states.
Employer letter template:
[Company letterhead]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
To: Latvian Consulate / VFS Global
Re: Visa application for [Full Name], Passport No. [number]
I confirm that [Full Name] is employed as [Job Title] at [Company] since [Start Date], with an annual salary of [£amount]. [He/She] has been granted approved leave from [start date] to [end date]. [His/Her] employment will continue upon return.
Signed: [Name], [Title]
Common mistake: Many applicants forget their employer letter must be dated within 30 days of the application. Check the date before uploading.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Latvia eVisa from the UK
Tier 2 holders apply online via the Latvia eVisa portal, upload documents, pay the fee, and attend a biometric appointment at a UK VFS Global centre.
Access the form
Access the form via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia portal.
Complete the online application
Complete the online application with your personal and UK immigration details.
Upload required documents
Upload required documents, including your valid passport and UK Biometric Residence Permit.
Pay the consular fee
Pay the Schengen visa consular fee of €90 online.
Schedule a biometric appointment
Schedule a biometric appointment through the VFS Global website.
Attend your appointment
Attend your appointment at a UK centre in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, or Birmingham to submit fingerprints.
Track your application
Track your application status online.
Latvia eVisa Fees for UK-Based Tier 2 Applicants in 2026
The Latvian Schengen eVisa consular fee is €90 for adults (approximately £77-£80). VFS Global service charges add approximately £30-£50.
| Item | EUR | GBP (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Consular fee (adult, Schengen C visa) | €90 | £77-£80 |
| VFS Global service fee | – | £30-£50 |
Processing Time, Validity, and Maximum Duration of Stay in Latvia
Standard Latvia eVisa processing for Tier 2 applicants takes 15 calendar days, extending to 45 calendar days in complex cases. Validity begins on the date specified by the applicant at submission, not on the issue date. The maximum stay is 90 days within any 180-day period under the short-stay visa (C visa) rules. You can submit your application up to 6 months before your planned travel date. ETIAS authorisation is projected to launch in 2027 and is not required for travel in 2026.
How to Verify Your UK Digital eVisa or Share Code for Latvia Visa Applications
Tier 2 holders can generate a UKVI Share Code at gov.uk to prove digital immigration status for the Latvia eVisa application. The code is valid for 30 days from the generation date.
Log into your UKVI account
Log into your UKVI account on gov.uk.
Select “Prove your immigration status”
Choose the visa application reason.
Copy the Share Code
Copy the 9-character Share Code.
Submit the code
Submit the code during your Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa application.
If your Share Code expires before your appointment, generate a new one. The UK Home Office is transitioning from physical BRP cards to digital eVisas, so this method will become standard.
Multiple-Entry Visa Eligibility for UK-Based Tier 2 Holders
Multi-entry Schengen visas valid up to 5 years may be granted to Tier 2 holders with clean travel history and strong UK ties. Eligibility criteria include:
- Clean Schengen travel record with no overstay or visa refusal in the last 3 years.
- Evidence of continued UK employment on a Tier 2 visa.
- Proof of recurring business or tourism travel to Schengen states.
Each visit remains limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. This should not be confused with a long-stay D visa (€60) for work or study.
Latvia eVisa Eligibility Across UK Visa Tiers
All UK visa tiers require a Latvia eVisa for non-UK nationals from Schengen-obligated countries. Nationality alone determines the Schengen visa obligation, as per EU Regulation 2024/1683.
| UK Visa Tier | BRP Validity Required | Latvia eVisa Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (Global Talent) | 3 months beyond departure | Employer letter not required |
| Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) | 3 months beyond departure | Employer letter required |
| Tier 4 (Student) | 3 months beyond departure | University letter required |
| Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) | 3 months beyond departure | Employer letter required |
| ILR | 3 months beyond departure | No employer letter needed |
If a Tier 2 holder transitions to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the nationality-based Schengen requirement remains unchanged. A Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa holders or ILR holders is still required. The key difference is that an ILR holder no longer needs an employer letter. Those seeking a temporary residence permit in Latvia for work or study must apply for a long-stay visa (D visa) separately.
Travel Insurance, Accommodation Proof, and Schengen Entry Basics
Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage, valid across all Schengen states, is mandatory for every Latvia eVisa applicant. You must also provide proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation) and onward travel (return flight ticket) as part of the short-stay visa (C visa) application.
FAQ
Can I travel to Latvia with a UK Tier 2 visa without applying for a separate visa?
No. A UK Tier 2 visa does not exempt you from Schengen visa requirements; you must apply based on your nationality.
How long does it take to process a Latvia eVisa for UK Tier 2 visa holders?
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, extending to 45 calendar days in complex cases. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.
What documents do I need to apply for a Latvia eVisa from the UK on a Tier 2 visa?
Required documents: valid passport, UK BRP or Share Code, employer letter, 3 months bank statements, and Schengen travel insurance (min. €30,000).
How much does a Latvia eVisa cost for UK Tier 2 visa holders in 2026?
The €90 consular fee is approximately £77-£80. VFS Global service charges add £30-£50.
Can I apply for a Latvia eVisa online if I hold a UK Tier 2 BRP?
Yes. You can complete the Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa application online, but you must still attend an in-person appointment at a VFS Global centre in the UK.
What is the maximum stay allowed in Latvia with a Schengen eVisa?
The maximum stay is 90 days within any 180-day period under the short-stay visa (C visa) rules.
Do I need travel insurance for a Latvia eVisa application from the UK?
Yes. Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage, valid across all Schengen states, is mandatory.
How do I use my UK Share Code to prove my immigration status for a Latvia visa?
A UKVI Share Code (valid 30 days) proves your immigration status. Generate it on gov.uk and submit it during your Latvia eVisa for Tier 2 visa application.
Can UK Tier 2 visa holders get a multiple-entry Latvia Schengen visa?
Yes. Multi-entry visas valid up to 5 years may be granted to Tier 2 holders with a clean Schengen travel record and strong UK ties.
Will I still need a Latvia eVisa if I receive ILR while on a Tier 2 visa?
Yes. Your eligibility remains determined by nationality, not UK immigration status. Non-EU nationals still require a Schengen visa, though the employer letter requirement no longer applies.
