Latvia Visa Guide: Eligibility, Documents & Process for Indians

Procuring a Latvia Visa

Overview

Latvia is home to dense forest and beaches. The unique scenic setting of the country and the natural beauty of forest and beaches leads to a good influx of tourists. Majority of the tourists visit the nation in search for tranquillity as well as adventure. In addition to being an excellent tourist destination, it is also a growing hub for businesses. Furthermore, Latvia has an educational system that is developing at a fast rate and is attracting numerous foreign students. The country is also a destination for numerous adventure sports enthusiasts.

Why is Latvian Visa Needed?

The visa allows you to the nation of Latvia. It is not possible for you to visit the nation if you do not have a visa. However, you can apply for Schengen visa to visit Latvia for a short duration.

Latvia Visa Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for a Latvian visa are dependent on the purpose, nature and duration of your visit. There are primarily two types of visa:

Schengen Visa:A stay of 90 days in a six-month duration is allowed under the Schengen visa. Furthermore, you will also be allowed to stay and visit other Schengen states as the visa is allotted for all Schengen states. Additionally, there will be no restrictions on the number of times you are allowed to enter or visit any of the Schengen States. Therefore, the Schengen Visa issued for both single entries but also for double and multiple entries.

National Visa: This type of visa differs from the Schengen visa as it is only issued for a stay of 91 days to 180 days for the nation of Latvia. There can be numerous reasons for the issuance of the National Visa. These include but are not limited to Seasonal worker, researcher, guest researcher, short-term worker, volunteer and student among others.

Transit Visa:The difference between a transit visa and the two types of visas mentioned above is that it is not issued for a long duration. The transit visa is commonly issued only for maximum a few days. The reason is to facilitate the travel of any passengers travelling to or from any of the Schengen states.

Majority of the eligibility requirements are common for Schnegen visa and National Visa. The primary difference is found in the requirement of documents. They are dependent on the reasons for your visit. The reasons for visiting Latvia can include but are in no way limited to:

Transit : It is for travellers who need to stop in the Latvian region in order to board a flight, ship, boat or train out of Latvia.

Tourism :The most common and popular reason for visiting Latvia is tourism. The beauty of the nation is such that it attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world.

Visiting Friends or Family :If your family members or friends are legally dwelling or are citizens of Latvia or any of the Schengen regions, then your reason of visiting the nation will be to visit them. Still, you will be required to present a referral letter from your family member or friend in Latvia. You will also need to provide a referral letter at the time of the visa application process.

Business : The reason for visiting Latvia can be for business. If you are employed by companies and organizations that operate in Latvia or the government of Latvia, then you need a business visa. The approval of the application for such visas is sometimes shortened but it depends on the organization that is sponsoring your visit to Latvia.

Medical reasons : Medical visas are issued to individuals who want to visit Latvia for medical purposes.

Study Purposes : If you are applying or have been selected to an educational institution in Latvia then you require an educational visa. The duration of the visa is dependent on the course and the institution in question.

Other Purposes :You can also have other reasons for visiting Latvia. However, you will need to mention the reason when you are applying for the visa.

Latvia Visa Application Process

How to Apply for Latvian Visa:

A Latvian visa can be attained easily compared to visas for other countries such as the US. The first step is to determine the eligibility requirements for a Latvian visa. The eligibility of the visa will be dependent on the nature and purpose of your visit. You will need to submit your applications to Latvian visa application centres. You will not be able to send your application through courier or post.

You should not that your visa application will not be processed at the visa application centres. They merely facilitate the process of collecting the visa and help you in booking the appointment. Your visa application will be processed by the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi. Furthermore, you appointment will also be held at the embassy.

The second step involves filling the application with all the required information along with any other documents required with the application.

The third step is to submit the application to the application centre.

The fourth centre involves booking an appointment before you submit your visa application.

Your appointment will be held at the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi. You will need to appear in person for the appointment.

Lastly, you will receive a receipt for the services and fees charged during the process. DO ensure to carry all the originals of your documents.

Where to Apply for Latvia Visa?

The visa application can be directly submitted at the Embassy; however, you should submit it at the following centres:

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How to Book Appointment?

To book an appointment, you should follow the following steps:

First step: Fill the application and attach all the required documents.

Second Step: Submit the application online at the Joint Schengen Visa Application Centre

Third Step: Book the appointment from the visa application centre.

Important note:Your interview will be at the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi, not at the visa application centre. You should not miss your appointment. If you do miss your appointment, then another appointment cannot be considered for at least 24 hours. Even then, it will depend on availability

Nobody is allowed to accompany you to the interview, but exceptions can be made for the following reasons:

• If you are under the age of 18
• If you need assistance due to a disability or health reasons.

How to Check Status of Latvia Visa

You can check the status of your visa application here. However, you should wait a period of at least 15 days for the application to be processed by the Embassy of Latvia.

Latvia Visa Document Requirements

Documents Required for Latvia Visa application

The documents required for a Latvian Visa application are the same for every type of visa. The only major difference in the requirement of documents will be for a tourist visa. The following documents are required:

In addition to the above document requirements, some of the requirements would vary on the purpose of the visit.

Latvia Tourist Visa

What is Latvia Tourist Visa?

The tourist visa is issued if you want to visit the nation of Latvia for tourism.

Duration of Latvia Tourist Visa

Since tourist visa falls under the Schengen visa, the duration for the visa would be 90 days. It allows you to visit other nations of the Schengen region. It can be issued for single and well as multiple entries.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Latvia Tourist Visa

The eligibility criteria and the application process for a tourist visa are slightly different compared to other types of visa. You will need to present some different documents for a tourist visa.

Documents required for Latvia Tourist Visa

The documents required for a Latvian visa are:

• You will need to provide proof of accommodation in Latvia. It can be the hotel you are staying at, for the same you will need to contact the hotel or organizer of your tour.
• Evidence of your occupation back in India.
• If you are a student, then you will need to explain your status and provide a NOC from your institute in India.
• If you are self-employed, then you will need to produce a proof for the same. It can either be a letter from chartered accountants, lawyers, or a Confirmation from the Chamber of Commerce in case of business
• If you are employed at a company then a salary certificate for the three months preceding the application. Alternatively, you can also provide a NOC from the company allowing you to leave
• You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds
• ITR-V or acknowledgement of tax returns from the past three years.

Latvia Visa Fees

Fees for Immigrant Latvia Visas

The fee for Schengen Visa: A fee of Euros 60 is charged at the time of visa application. You will need to pay the sum in rupees. The rate of exchange will be dependent on the rate of the day of payment. There will be no fee for children who are below the age of 6 years. For children aged between 6 and 12, a fee of 35 Euros is charged.

The fee for National Visa:150 Euros is charged as the visa, and it is to be paid at the time of application. A fee of 75 Euros is charged for children under 6 years The fees mentioned above does not include the service charge that will be levied by the application centre for processing the application and providing service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of commonly asked questions while applying for visa.

Is it compulsory for me to get a Latvian Visa to travel in Latvia?

Indian citizens need to apply for a Latvian visa. If you have a Schengen visa then you can also enter Latvia without having to apply for a separate visa.

How can I apply for a Latvian Visa?

Your application has to be submitted to the Latvia Visa Application Center. Then you will have to book an appointment at the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi.

What should be mentioned in the cover letter to be submitted with my documents?

You are required to mention the reason of why you want to visit Latvia. If you intend to visit other states of the Schengen region, then you need to mention the reasons for the same as well.

Is it necessary to get travel insurance?

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