Latvia Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Latvia, a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant capital city, Riga. As a member of the Schengen Area, Latvia is part of a zone comprising 29 European countries that have abolished border controls and established a common visa policy.

• Yes, Indian citizens require a Schengen Visa to enter Latvia.

• Schengen Visa allows travel to Latvia and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Tourist Visa (Uniform Visa Type C):

• For travel, tourism, or visiting family/friends.

• Activities: Sightseeing, leisure, visiting family/friends, and short-term language courses.

• Business Visa (Uniform Visa Type C):

• For business meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and establishing business relationships.

• Activities: Meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and business-related events.

• Transit Visa (Uniform Visa Type C):

• For passing through Latvia to another country.

• Note: Normally not required for airport transits if you don’t leave the international area.

General Requirements:

• Valid Passport:

• Issued within the last 10 years.

• Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

• With at least two blank pages.

• Filled Application Form:

• Download from the official website of the Embassy or Consulate of Latvia (or the Schengen country representing Latvia's interests in India).

• Fill, print, and sign.

• Recent Photos:

• 2-3 photos as per the Schengen specifications (35x45mm, light background, recent).

• Travel Insurance:

• Covering at least €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses, including repatriation for medical reasons, and evacuation for medical reasons or in the event of death.

• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans:

• Showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area.

• Proof of Accommodation:

• Hotel reservation.

• Rental agreement.

• Letter from the host with their ID/passport.

• Proof of Financial Means:

• Bank statements showing sufficient funds (approximately €93 per day for the entire stay in the Schengen Area).

• Employment Letter or Student ID (if applicable):

• To justify the purpose of stay and ties to India.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of the Visit:

• For Tourism:

• Detailed travel itinerary.

• Proof of hotel booking or confirmation of other accommodation.

• For Business:

• Invitation from the Latvian company.

• Documents from the Indian company (e.g., certificate of registration, tax returns).

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

5.1 Check the Official Website: Verify the Latest Requirements and Guidelines

• Why: Ensure you have the most current information.

• How:

• Visit the Official Website:

• Latvian Embassy or Consulate in India: www.mfa.gov.lv/en/india (if available) or the Schengen country representing Latvia's interests in India.

• European Union's Official Government Website for Schengen Visas: https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen/borders-schengen_en.htm

• Verify:

• Visa requirements for Indian citizens traveling to Latvia.

• Any recent updates or changes in the application process.

5.2 Prepare Your Documents: Ensure All Required Documents Are Complete and in Order

• Why: To avoid delays or rejection due to incomplete applications.

• How:

1. Gather All Necessary Documents (as outlined in Section 4 of this guide).

2. Ensure Documents Meet the Requirements:

• Validity (e.g., passport validity, insurance coverage).

• Completeness (e.g., fully filled application form, all required attachments).

3. Organize Your Documents:

• In the order specified by the embassy/consulate, if any.

• Typically: Application form, passport, photos, then supporting documents.

5.3 Fill the Application Form: Download, Fill, Print, and Sign

• Why: To provide personal and travel information.

• How:

1. Download the Application Form:

• From the official website of the Latvian Embassy or Consulate in India.

• Ensure it's the latest version.

2. Fill the Form:

• Online (if possible) and then print, or Manually with a black pen.

• Complete All Sections that apply to your situation.

3. Sign the Form:

• By Hand (not digitally, unless the embassy/consulate specifies otherwise).

• Date the form next to your signature.

5.4 Book an Appointment (if required)

• Why: To secure a submission date for your application.

• How:

1. Check the Embassy/Consulate's Website:

• To see if an appointment is necessary for submitting your application.

2. Book Your Appointment:

• Online: Through the embassy/consulate's official website or a designated visa application center's website.

• Phone/Email: If online booking is not available, contact the embassy/consulate directly for guidance.

3. Prepare for Your Appointment:

• Ensure all documents are ready as per the checklist.

• Double-check the appointment details (date, time, location).

5.5 Submit Your Application

• Why: To formally lodge your visa application.

• How:

1. Attend Your Appointment:

• Bring all required documents.

• Be prepared to provide biometric data (if required).

2. Submit in Person:

• At the designated embassy/consulate or visa application center.

• Ensure you receive a submission confirmation.

3. Submission Through a Representative (if allowed):

• With a Letter of Authorization.

• Verify this option is accepted by the embassy/consulate beforehand.

5.6 Pay the Visa Fee

• Why: To cover the processing cost of your visa application.

• How:

1. Check Accepted Payment Methods:

• On the embassy/consulate's official website.

• Cash, Credit/Debit Card, or Bank Transfer (if specified).

2. Pay the Fee:

• Correct Amount: As per the embassy/consulate's guidelines (currently €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years).

• Receipt: Ensure you receive a payment receipt.

5.7 Provide Biometric Data (if required)

• Why: As part of the Schengen Visa application process.

• How:

1. Check if Biometrics are Required:

• For first-time applicants or if your biometric data is not in the VIS (Visa Information System).

2. Provide Fingerprints:

• At the embassy/consulate or designated visa application center.

• Ensure all fingers are scanned correctly.

Schengen Visa Fee:

• Adults: Currently €80 (subject to change).

• Children from 6 to 12 years old: €40.

• Children under 6 years old, family members of EU/EEA citizens, and in some other cases: Exempt from the visa fee.

Payment Methods:

• Cash.

• Credit/Debit Card (as accepted by the embassy/consulate).

• Typical Processing Time: 15 calendar days.

• Maximum Processing Time: Up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

• Status Update:

• Check with the embassy/consulate or visa application center.

• Online tracking (if available).

• Collection in Person:

• At the embassy/consulate or visa application center where the application was submitted.

• Collection Through a Representative:

• If allowed by the embassy/consulate, with an authorization letter.

• Check Your Visa:

• Ensure all details are correct.

Reason for Denial:

• Provided in a letter.

Appeal Process:

• Follow the instructions in the denial letter.

• Submit an appeal within the specified timeframe.

• Travel Documents:

• Valid passport.

• Schengen Visa (if required).

• Border Controls:

• Ensure you have all necessary documents.

• Be prepared to explain the purpose and duration of your stay.

• Schengen Area Rules:

• Do not overstay your visa.

• Respect the 90/180-day rule.