Latvia does not offer a paperless eVisa for UK travellers. You must book an in-person biometric Latvia eVisa appointment London at a VFS Global centre to obtain a standard Schengen Type-C visa, with a consular fee of €90 (approximately £77; check XE.com or your bank’s rate on the day of payment). Processing takes 15 to 45 calendar days, so plan well in advance.
Latvia does NOT issue paperless eVisas. The term “eVisa” in search queries reflects a common misconception. UK travellers must attend an in-person biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre for a standard Schengen Type-C sticker visa.
Does Latvia Offer an eVisa? Who Can Apply in the UK
Latvia issues only standard Schengen Type-C biometric visas – no paperless eVisa exists for UK-based applicants. A Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London requires an in-person visit for fingerprint capture and document submission.
Why ‘eVisa’ Is a Misnomer for Latvia
Latvia follows standard Schengen visa rules and does not issue a fully digital, paperless visa. Travellers must book a Latvia eVisa appointment at VFS Global London (the search term reflecting a common misconception) and attend in person to submit biometric data. Latvia issues three visa categories: Schengen C-type (short-stay, up to 90 days within a 180-day period), D-type (national long-stay), and transit visas.
Who Can Apply for a Latvia Visa in London
UK residents and non-UK nationals holding a valid UK residence permit can apply through VFS Global London. The Consular Section of the Latvian Embassy, located at
The Grove House, 248A Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JF, United Kingdom, handles only permanent UK residents registered in Latvia’s Fizisko personu reģistrs – not general Schengen visa applicants.
Further eligibility details are available at www.uk.mfa.gov.lv.
Latvia Visa Centre Locations in the UK
The VFS Global centre for Latvia is in London; book your slot on the VFS Global booking portal. Alternative centres accepting Latvia applications operate in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham – confirm Latvia-specific availability on the portal before travelling.
VFS Global London Centre – Address & Opening Hours
The London centre is appointment-only (no walk-ins). The address is confirmed at visa.vfsglobal.com during booking. It is inside the Congestion Charging zone; plan public transport or budget for the charge if driving.
Embassy vs. Consular Section vs. VFS Centre
London has three separate Latvian entities at three different addresses. Arriving at the wrong building invalidates your Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London – only the VFS centre handles visa intake and biometrics.
| Embassy | Consular Section | VFS Global Centre |
|---|---|---|
|
45 Nottingham Place, London, W1U 5LY
Phone: +44 2073120041 |
The Grove House, 248A Marylebone Road (entrance from Lisson Grove), London, NW1 6JF
Phone: +44 2077259212 (Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00) |
Address per visa.vfsglobal.com |
| Diplomatic representation only – does NOT process visa applications or consular services | Passports, eID cards, citizenship, consular certificates – by prior appointment, for permanent UK residents registered in Latvia’s Register of Natural Persons | Visa application intake, biometric enrolment, document forwarding to Latvian authorities |
Documents You Need & Biometrics for Your Latvia Visa Appointment
A Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London requires a valid passport (min. 2 blank pages, valid 3+ months beyond your stay), a 35 x 45 mm ICAO-compliant photo, and travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage. Missing paperwork will result in appointment cancellation.
- Valid passport – minimum 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months beyond planned stay
- Biometric photo – 35 x 45 mm, ICAO-compliant
- Travel insurance – minimum €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage
- Bank statements – covering the last 3 months
- Completed Latvia Schengen visa application form – submitted online before booking
- Appointment confirmation email – printed or accessible on your phone
- Additional supporting documents: employment letter, proof of accommodation, flight itinerary
Passport Validity & Photo Specs
Bring originals and copies of every document on A4 paper. If you upload files to the VFS portal before your Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London, each file must be ≤ 2 MB per the portal limit.
Biometrics: What Happens at the Centre
VFS staff capture all 10 fingerprints and a digital photo (ICAO standard). This 15-30 minute enrolment requires submitting your passport for processing.
Step-by-Step: How to Book a Latvia Visa Appointment at VFS Global London
Book at visa.vfsglobal.com by creating an account, selecting Latvia under Mission, choosing the London centre, picking an available slot, and paying the consular fee plus VFS Global service charge online.
Submit the online Latvia visa application before booking the VFS appointment. This links your reference number to the slot.
Go to visa.vfsglobal.com
Click “Book an Appointment” on the VFS Global portal.
Create a VFS Global account
Use your email address, password, and email verification.
Select the country of application
United Kingdom.
Select the destination under Mission dropdown
Latvia.
Select the visa category
Schengen Visa – Short Stay (Type-C, up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
Choose the VFS centre location
London.
Select an available date and time slot
From the calendar. Slots release on a rolling basis, typically between 09:00 and 11:00 London time.
Enter applicant details
Full name, passport number, travel dates, and contact information.
Review and pay the visa fee
€90 (approximately £77 – check current exchange rate at payment) plus the VFS Global service fee online.
Receive a confirmation email
With your appointment details, reference number, and document checklist for the Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London.
When and How Latvia Appointment Slots Open
Latvia Schengen visa appointment slots at VFS Global London release on a rolling basis, with new slots typically appearing between 09:00 and 11:00 London time. Per the Schengen Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), applications may be lodged no earlier than 6 months before your travel date (EUR-Lex).
Availability tightens during summer and Christmas. For travel in 8 weeks, book immediately; 2 months, check daily at 09:00 GMT; 4 months, monitor weekly.
Tips for Securing a Slot
- Create your VFS Global account and submit the Latvia visa application form before monitoring for slots.
- Have your passport, travel dates, and all required documents ready – the portal session may time out.
- Check the portal between 09:00 and 11:00 London time, when new slots are most likely to release.
- Consider alternative VFS centres in Manchester, Edinburgh, or Birmingham if London slots are fully booked.
- Use a slot-monitoring tool such as Visa Catcher (free Telegram alerts, premium auto-booking) or Atlys (real-time availability checker for UK applicants) to receive notifications when slots open.
Cost Breakdown & Processing Times for Latvia Schengen Visa
See the table below for a full cost breakdown of a Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London.
| Item | Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular fee | ≈ £77 (€90) | Non-refundable; check current EUR/GBP rate |
| VFS Global service fee | Confirmed at booking | Charged per application |
| Travel insurance | £15-£40 | Min. €30,000 coverage |
| Total estimate | £100-£150 |
Payment methods accepted at the London centre are listed on the VFS Global booking portal during checkout.
Optional Premium Services at VFS Global
Add-ons for your Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London include courier passport return, SMS status updates, and Premium Lounge access with priority processing and document review assistance.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Processing takes 15-45 calendar days; straightforward applications are typically decided within ~15 days. You cannot lodge earlier than 6 months before departure.
| Travel Date | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks away | Book immediately |
| 10-12 weeks away | Book now; use slot monitoring tools |
| 4 months away | Monitor slots weekly |
| 6 months away | Prepare documents; slots open at 6-month mark |
Attending the Appointment: Rescheduling & Passport Return
The appointment lasts 15-30 minutes (allow 45-60 min with waiting). The flow: arrival → document check → fingerprints (all 10) → digital photo → passport submission. Your Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London requires bringing originals of all documents and your appointment confirmation.
How to Reschedule or Cancel
To reschedule or cancel your Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London, log in to your VFS Global account, select the appointment, and choose a new date or cancel. Do so at least 24-48 hours before the scheduled time; missed appointments may forfeit the €90 consular fee.
How You Get Your Passport Back
After processing (15-45 calendar days), your passport is returned by one of three methods: in-person collection at the centre (bring ID and receipt), standard courier via Royal Mail, or premium courier for faster delivery at an additional fee.
Common Mistakes When Booking a Latvia Visa Appointment London
- Confusing an eVisa with a paperless visa – Latvia does not offer a paperless eVisa; you must attend an in-person biometric Latvia Schengen visa appointment at VFS Global London for a standard Type-C sticker visa.
- Booking before submitting the online application – the Latvia visa application form must be completed and submitted online before you book; attempting to book without it produces an invalid booking.
- Bringing incorrect documents – an expired passport, missing travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), or unsigned form will cause rejection at the centre.
- Booking too late – processing takes 15-45 calendar days, so booking fewer than 8 weeks before travel is risky.
- Going to the Embassy or Consular Section instead of VFS – the Latvian Embassy at
45 Nottingham Place, London, W1U 5LYdoes not process visa applications; the Consular Section at
The Grove House, 248A Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JFhandles passports and citizenship only. Visa intake and biometrics are handled at the VFS Global centre.
- Ignoring passport validity – your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid 3+ months beyond your planned stay.
- Attending the wrong VFS centre – if you booked a London slot, go to the London centre; Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham are separate locations requiring separate bookings.
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. This is an unofficial information guide for travellers. Always confirm current requirements on the official Latvian Embassy portal (www.uk.mfa.gov.lv) and the VFS Global booking page before submitting your application.
FAQ: Latvia Visa Appointment London
Do I need to submit the Latvia visa application before booking the VFS appointment?
Yes, the application form must be completed and submitted online first. The VFS appointment is the second step.
How much does a Latvia Schengen visa cost in the UK?
The consular fee is €90 (approximately £77; check current exchange rate) plus the VFS Global service charge. Total estimated cost: £100-£150 including travel insurance.
Can I book a walk-in appointment at VFS Global London for Latvia?
No, all appointments are pre-booked via visa.vfsglobal.com. Walk-ins are not accepted.
How long does Latvia visa processing take after the VFS appointment?
Processing takes 15 to 45 calendar days. Straightforward applications are typically decided within ~15 days.
Where is the VFS Global London centre for Latvia visa?
The exact address is available at visa.vfsglobal.com when booking. It is separate from the Latvian Embassy (45 Nottingham Place) and the Consular Section (248A Marylebone Road, NW1 6JF).
Can I apply for a Latvia visa in Manchester or Edinburgh?
Yes, VFS Global operates centres in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. Confirm Latvia-specific availability on the VFS portal before booking.
What documents do I need for a Latvia Schengen visa appointment?
Valid passport (2+ blank pages, 3+ months validity beyond stay), 35×45 mm photo, travel insurance (min. €30,000), 3-month bank statements, completed application form, and appointment confirmation.
How do I reschedule or cancel my VFS Global Latvia appointment?
Log in to your VFS Global account, select the appointment, and reschedule or cancel. Do this at least 24-48 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting the consular fee.
