Published: 10 September 2026 | Last updated: 10 September 2026. Editorial note: This guide is maintained by our travel visa editorial team, which monitors Schengen visa processing data for UK applicants across all 29 member states.
Neither Latvia nor Lithuania offers a standalone “eVisa”: both require a standard Schengen Type C visa under the EU Visa Code (Regulation EC 810/2009). The consular fee is identical at €90 for adults, with refusal rates around 2 to 5% for both countries. Total UK application cost is £100 to £150 including VFS service fees and mandatory travel insurance. Processing takes 10-15 working days for both Latvia and Lithuania, placing them among the fastest and most accessible Schengen destinations for UK travellers.
Latvia eVisa vs Lithuania eVisa: No Such Thing Exists (But here’s What You Actually Need)
Neither Latvia nor Lithuania offers a standalone eVisa. Both use the unified Schengen Visa Code (Regulation EC 810/2009) for a single Type C short-stay visa valid for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The term “eVisa” refers to VFS Global’s online portal, not an electronic visa.
Schengen Visa Type C vs ETIAS vs “eVisa” myth
| Feature | Schengen Visa (Type C) | ETIAS | “eVisa” (myth) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exists? | Yes | Yes (Q4 2026) | No |
| Fee | €90 (adults) | €20 | N/A |
| For whom? | Visa-required nationals | Visa-exempt nationals (UK citizens) | N/A |
| Processing | 15 calendar days (legal) | Minutes (95% of cases) | N/A |
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), launching in Q4 2026 at a fee of €20, is a separate travel authorisation / visa waiver for visa-exempt nationals only. It is not a visa, not an eVisa, and does not apply to travellers who require a Schengen visa. The Entry/Exit System (EES), also rolling out in 2026, will collect biometric data at Schengen borders but does not replace the visa application process. UK passport holders visiting Latvia or Lithuania for short stays under 90 days will need ETIAS once operational, but Schengen visa applicants follow the standard consular process through VFS Global regardless. For official requirements, consult the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Lithuanian Migration Department.
How the Schengen Visa Application Process Works in Latvia and Lithuania
Latvia and Lithuania follow identical Schengen Visa Code steps (Regulation EC 810/2009): online form, document submission, biometric capture, and decision within 15 calendar days.
Complete the online application form
Via the VFS Global portal for Latvia or Lithuania.
Assemble required documents
Passport with minimum 3 months validity beyond planned departure and 2 blank pages, colour photo (35 x 45 mm, white background), flight and accommodation bookings, bank statements, and travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage including repatriation.
Book a biometric appointment and pay the visa fee
€90 for adults (or €45 for children aged 6-11) plus the VFS service surcharge at a centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Attend in person
For fingerprint and photograph capture. If your fingerprints are already stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) within the last 59 months, the biometric exemption applies and personal attendance may not be required.
Receive a decision
Within the legal standard of 15 calendar days, with passport collection by courier or in person.
Where to Apply in the UK: Latvia vs Lithuania Visa Centres
UK applicants submit Latvia and Lithuania Schengen visa applications through VFS Global centres in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. Verify exact addresses, opening hours, and current booking lead times on the VFS Global website before scheduling an appointment, as availability shifts seasonally.
| Centre | City | Latvia | Lithuania |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFS Global | London | Yes | Yes |
| VFS Global | Manchester | Yes | Yes |
| VFS Global | Edinburgh | Yes | Yes |
Cost Comparison: Latvia vs Lithuania Schengen Visa Fees in 2026
Latvia and Lithuania Schengen visas cost the same €90 consular fee for adults (€45 for children 6-11, free under 6). Total UK expenditure rises to £100-150 after VFS surcharges (£25-50) and mandatory travel insurance (£10-30). Beyond the €90 fee, add VFS service fees and travel insurance (€30,000 minimum coverage including repatriation). Proof of funds: Latvia €30-50/day, Lithuania ~€40/day. For a 7-day trip, Latvia requires ~€210-350 in bank; Lithuania requires ~€280.
| Cost Item | Latvia | Lithuania |
|---|---|---|
| Consular fee (adults) | €90 | €90 |
| VFS service fee | £25-50 | £25-50 |
| Travel insurance (7-day policy) | £10-30 | £10-30 |
| Proof of funds required (7-day trip) | €210-350 in bank | ~€280 in bank |
| Estimated total out-of-pocket | ~£100-150 | ~£100-150 |
Both Latvia and Lithuania apply the EU Visa Code fee structure identically. The only cost variables between Latvia and Lithuania are the proof-of-funds thresholds, which update annually based on national regulations.
Processing Time: How Long Does a Latvia vs Lithuania Visa Really Take?
Latvia and Lithuania Schengen visas are typically processed within 10-15 working days, rising to 20-30 working days during the June-August peak season. Under the Schengen Visa Code (Article 23), the legal standard is 15 calendar days from submission, extendable to 45 calendar days during peak periods or when additional checks apply. Latvia consistently meets this window thanks to lower demand, while Lithuania mirrors that efficiency with comparable Baltic consular throughput.
| Destination | Standard | Peak Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | 10-15 working days | 20-30 working days | Low application volume |
| Lithuania | 10-15 working days | 20-30 working days | Low application volume |
| France | 15-30 working days | 4-6 weeks+ | Very high volume |
| Spain | 15-30 working days | 3-8 weeks | High volume |
| Germany | 10-20 working days | 2-4 weeks | Efficient but bureaucratic |
| Italy | 15-30 working days | 3-6 weeks | Inconsistent processing |
If your departure falls in July, apply no later than mid-April to account for both Latvia and Lithuania appointment wait times at VFS Global centres. Practical tip: book your biometric appointment at the Edinburgh VFS centre, where Latvia and Lithuania slots typically have shorter wait times than London during peak season.
Latvia vs Lithuania: Which Country Is Easier to Get a Visa For?
Refusal rates for both Latvia and Lithuania are approximately 2-5%, well below the EU average of around 15% due to low application volumes (typically 20,000-30,000 applications per year per country, according to Schengen Visa Statistics). Common reasons for refusal across all Schengen states include insufficient funds, an unclear itinerary, missing insurance, and an invalid passport.
| Country | Refusal Rate |
|---|---|
| Latvia | ~2-5% |
| Lithuania | ~2-5% |
| France | ~15-20% |
| Italy | ~15-25% |
| Spain | ~15-20% |
| Germany | ~5-8% |
Latvia and Lithuania share near-identical document requirements under the Schengen Visa Code. By preparing accurate bank statements and detailed travel plans, UK applicants can avoid these standard pitfalls for either destination.
Other Popular Schengen Destinations Compared: France, Spain, Germany and Italy
Latvia and Lithuania process Schengen visas faster and with lower refusal rates than France, Spain, Italy, or Germany from UK applications. All Schengen states charge the same €90 consular fee under the harmonised EU Visa Code. Compared to Latvia and Lithuania (10-15 working days), France and Spain routinely take 15-30 working days, while Germany takes 10-20 working days. Latvia and Lithuania also offer shorter appointment wait times at UK VFS Global centres than their higher-traffic counterparts.
| Destination | Fee | Processing Time | Refusal Rate | UK Appointment Wait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latvia | €90 | 10-15 days | ~2-5% | Shorter |
| Lithuania | €90 | 10-15 days | ~2-5% | Shorter |
| France | €90 | 15-30 days | ~15-20% | Longer |
| Spain | €90 | 15-30 days | ~15-20% | Longer |
| Germany | €90 | 10-20 days | ~5-8% | Medium |
| Italy | €90 | 15-30 days | ~15-25% | Longer |
Latvia and Lithuania offer the smoothest Schengen visa experience for UK applicants: lowest refusal rates, fastest processing, and shortest appointment queues. The 90/180-day rule applies identically regardless of which Schengen country issues the visa.
Do You Need a Third-Party eVisa Service? VisaHQ vs VFS Global vs eVisas.io
Editorial note: The following comparison is provided for informational purposes. We encourage readers to compare official VFS fees with private agencies before deciding.
VFS Global charges approximately £25-50 for Schengen visa processing of both Latvia and Lithuania applications, while private agencies like VisaHQ charge £80-160+ for optional document review and appointment management.
| Service | Fee | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| VFS Global | £25-50 | Official consular outsourcer. Form Filling, Premium Lounge, Courier. |
| VisaHQ | £80-160+ | Private agency. 7-minute online form. 99.6% first-time acceptance rate. |
| eVisas.io | Variable | AI + human review. Application time under 60 seconds. |
| Direct consulate | €0 surcharge | Minimal support, limited appointment availability. |
eVisas.io (Al Saffron Travel & Tourism LLC, Saffron Building, Shop #1-2-3, Behind Sony Jumbo Building, Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE) offers AI-assisted form review; contact details on their website. For both Latvia and Lithuania visa applications, use VFS Global for straightforward cases or a private agency for complex situations. Always verify the URL matches the official VFS or consulate site, as some unofficial websites mimic government portals.
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Latvia from the UK in 2026?
UK passport holders are visa-exempt for stays under 90 days but will need ETIAS (€20, Q4 2026). Non-UK passport holders require a standard Schengen visa.
Is there an eVisa for Latvia or Lithuania?
No. Neither Latvia nor Lithuania offers a standalone eVisa; both require the standard Schengen visa application through VFS Global or a consulate.
Which is cheaper, a Latvia or Lithuania Schengen visa?
Latvia and Lithuania Schengen visa costs are identical at €90 for adults. Differences arise only from VFS fees, insurance, and proof-of-funds thresholds.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa for Latvia vs Lithuania?
Latvia and Lithuania Schengen visas take 10-15 working days, extending to 20-30 working days during the June-August peak.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Latvia and Lithuania?
Latvia and Lithuania Schengen visa refusal rates are approximately 2-5%, among the lowest in the EU compared to the ~15% EU-wide average.
Can I apply for a Lithuania Schengen visa at a Latvia embassy?
No. Schengen applications go to the consulate of the main destination country or first point of entry. Use the designated Latvia or Lithuania VFS centre.
Do I need travel insurance for a Latvia or Lithuania Schengen visa?
Yes. Both Latvia and Lithuania require mandatory travel medical insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage including repatriation, valid across all Schengen states.
What are the proof-of-funds requirements for Latvia vs Lithuania?
Latvia requires approximately €30-50 per day; Lithuania requires approximately €40 per day. Verify current 2026 figures on mfa.gov.lv and migracija.lt before applying.
What is ETIAS and does it affect my Latvia or Lithuania visa application?
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt UK nationals (€20, Q4 2026). If you are applying for a Latvia or Lithuania Schengen visa, ETIAS does not apply to you.
Do I need to attend in person at the visa centre?
Biometric capture is mandatory for both Latvia and Lithuania, unless fingerprints are on file in the Visa Information System (VIS) within the last 59 months.
