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A Simplified Guide to Latvia Visa for Indian Travellers

Last Update: 08-08-2024

Latvia Visa for Indian

⚡ Quick Summary

Do Indians need a visa to visit Latvia?

Yes, Indians need a Schengen visa to visit Latvia.

Processing time

10 to 12 days

Fees

  • Visa fee - ₹ 7,100 (€ 80) 
  • VFS fee - ₹2,242

Validity

180 Days

Stay duration

90 Days

How to apply?

Apply through VFS Global visa application centres in India

Documents Required

  1. Visa Application Form
  2. Passport
  3. Photograph
  4. Travel Health Insurance
  5. Proof of Accommodation
  6. Round-trip Flight Reservation
  7. Proof of Sufficient Funds - Bank Statement
  8. See the detailed list below

Introduction

For Indians wanting to go to Latvia, understanding the nuances of obtaining a Latvia visa is essential. From Latvia visa processing time to fees, documentation requirements, and the overall application process, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless travel experience. 


In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of obtaining a Latvia visa for Indians, offering insights and tips to simplify the journey and make your Latvian travel dream a reality. 


Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents


  1. Types of Latvia Visas for Indians
  2. Latvia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
  3. Photo Specifications for Latvia Visa for Indians
  4. Latvia Visa Application Process for Indians
  5. Latvia Visa Application Centres in India
  6. Latvia Visa Fees for Indian Applicants
  7. Latvia Visa Processing Time for Indians
  8. Latvia Visa Validity and Extension Process for Indians
  9. How to Track the Latvia Visa Status for Indians
  10. Conclusion
  11. FAQs

Do Indians Need a Visa to Visit Latvia?

Yes, Indians need a visa to visit Latvia. As Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area, Indians are subject to Schengen visa requirements when traveling to Latvia for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. This visa permits a stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day timeframe in the Schengen Region.

Schengen Visa Policy Update

  • The EU has introduced a new Schengen visa policy for Indians in 2024. As per the new rules
  • If an Indian national has used two Schengen visas within the past three years, they are eligible to receive a two-year multiple-entry Schengen visa. 
  • Moreover, upon this two-year visa expiring, applicants with valid passports would be able to obtain a five-year visa. 

Types of Latvia Visas for Indians

For Indian citizens intending to visit Latvia, several types of Latvia visas are available depending on the purpose and duration of the visit. These include:


  1. Short-stay Schengen Visas (Type C): These visas are meant for tourism, short business trips, family visits, medical treatment, or participation in short-term cultural events.
  2. Long-Term Visas: These visas include Student visas, Residence Permits, and Employment Visas and allow for stays in Latvia exceeding 90 days. Applicants applying for a Long Term Visa don’t have to apply through VFS Global. They need to go directly to the Latvia Embassy in India.
  3. Airport Transit Visa: This visa is required by people who need to transit through a Schengen airport en route to a non-Schengen destination and who will not leave the international transit area of the airport. Please note that Indians don’t need an Airport Transit Visa for Latvia. An airport transit visa allowing to stay in an international transit zone is required for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka or foreigners holding travel documents issued by the aforementioned countries.   

Latvia Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Below is the list of all documents required for applying for a Latvian visa

Visa Application Form

Completed online, printed, and signed by the applicant.

Passport

  • Issued within the last 10 years.
  • Should be valid for at least 3 months after the intended return.
  • Must have at least 2 blank pages.
  • Copies of the identification pages and the pages that contain information about previously issued visas.

2 Colour Photographs

  • White background.
  • Dimensions:  35mm x 45mm.  
  • Should be taken in the last 6 months.

Travel Health Insurance

  • Minimum coverage of € 30,000.
  • Must remain valid during the entire stay in Schengen territory + 15 days of ‘grace period.’ (Know about the grace period in the sections below)
  • Should cover the costs of emergency medical treatment in case of and even repatriation in case of death.

Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel booking reservation with proof of payment directly from the hotels. 
  • Social booking platforms are NOT permitted.

Flight Reservation

Roundtrip flight reservation with proof of payment.

Proof of Financial Adequacy

Bank Statement (3 months)- stamped & signed by the bank with a bank certificate.

Other Documents

If the Applicant is Employed

Last 3 months' pay slips.

If the Applicant is Self-Employed

Certificate of Registration of the company.

If the Visit is Sponsored

Bank statement 3 months, salary slips or certificate of business registration.

If the Applicant is Retired

  • Pension statement for last 3 months.
  • Proof of regular income generated by ownership of the business.

If the Applicant is a Minor

  • Copy of passport of parents. If not applicable, the minor’s birth certificate and parents’ ID cards.
  • If a minor is travelling without both parents/legal guardians - notarized consent of both parents or legal guardians 
  • If a minor is travelling with one parent - notarized consent of the other parent, except in cases of the parent having sole custody or guardianship - the proof of which should be attached.

Additional documents if the applicant is applying for a Business Visa:

Approval of Business Invitation by Latvian Government

  • Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
  • The invitation should be dated not later than 6 months before the application date.

Invitation Letter From Inviting Company or Organization

Should confirm the applicant's identity, the purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training or business-related events); and the period and place of intended stay.

Cover Letter from Employer

This should also confirm the applicant's identity, the purpose of the journey (meetings, conferences, training or business-related events); and the period and place of intended stay.

Prepaid Hotel Booking

Hotel booking is not required if the accommodation is included in the Invitation.

Additional documents if the applicant is visiting friends and family

Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs

  • The invitation should be dated not later than 6 months prior to the application date. 
  • Certificate proving the existence of family relations, if the applicant is visiting relatives. 
  • Marriage certificate, if the applicant is married and cannot provide evidence of marital status in the passport; copy of the ration card, if applicable

Additional documents if the applicant is applying for an Airport Transit Visa

  • Visa or other entry permit for the third country of destination
  • Documents about the onward journey to the final destination after the intended airport transit

Photo Specifications for Latvia Visa for Indians

  • The photo should not have been used previously in the passport.
  • The background should be white or off-white.
  • It should printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)
  • The photo should be recent - not more than 6 months old.
  • Dimensions: 3.5 X 4.5 cm.
  • Face should be in focus and should take up to 80% of the photograph
  • Sunglasses are not permitted. 
  • Headwear - Only allowed if worn for religious reasons.

 Photo dimensions for Latvia visa for Indians

Latvia Visa Application Process for Indians

When travelling to more than one Schengen country, remember to submit your application with the Embassy of the country where you will be staying the longest. In case of equally long stays, apply with the Schengen country where you arrive first. If you plan on travelling to a country outside of the Schengen Region (for example the UAE or the UK), apply for the other visa first, before applying for the Schengen visa.


Indians need to submit their visa application to VFS Global - the official visa partner of the Latvian government. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying for your short-term Schengen type ‘C’ Latvian visa through VFS Global-


Step 1: Identify Your Visa Type

The first step is to determine the right visa for your trip. For tourism apply for a tourist visa, for business trips, apply for a business visa, etc. These are all categorised under Schengen type ‘C’ visa. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and know your documentation requirements, the fee required for your visa, etc. All your documents should be in English. 


Step 2: Fill out Your Visa Application Form

Collect all the required documents for your visa application form and fill out the Latvia Visa Application Form online, print and sign it. 


Step 3: Book Your Appointment With VFS Global

Schedule an appointment at the Latvia VFS Visa Application Centre to submit your visa application. You need to apply in person (including babies and children). If travelling in a group, book an individual appointment for each group member. Upon successfully scheduling your appointment, VFS will send you an email confirming the same. 


Step 4: Pay Your Fees

Pay your Latvian visa fee. A Schengen visa costs around € 80 for people above 12 years of age. VFS has additional charges for their services. If you download the form to print and bring to the Visa Application Centre, payment will be made at the time of your appointment.


You can pay the Latvia visa fee at the visa application centre.


Step 5: Visit the VFS Visa Application Centre

Submit your printed application form and documents at the VFS Global office. Also, pay the fee (if not paid online). You will also have to submit your biometrics here.


Step 6: Collect Your Documents Back 

Once the visa authorities have decided on your Latvia visa application, you can collect your documents back from them. You can either collect the documents in person or avail of their courier services at an additional price. 


You will need the Original ICR & Copy of Govt ID Proof for collecting your documents in person.


Your immediate family members (i.e. parents, children, siblings, or spouse) and Representatives of a company can also collect the documents on your behalf. 


Third parties need to carry the following documents-

  • Photocopy of Govt. ID card of all applicants
  • Original ICR
  • Authorization Letter from the applicant. In the case of a company representative, the letter needs to be on the letterhead of the company and the representative should also carry their official ID card.

In case an applicant loses their ICR, they need to come in person for the collection of their passport from the counter.


In case, your application is rejected, you can appeal against the decision or reapply your visa application.


A long-term Latvian visa needs to be directly applied at the Latvian Embassy.

Latvia Visa Application Process for Indians

List of Latvia Embassy in India

LocationAddressPhone & e-mail

Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi

B8 Anand Niketan, 110021 New Delhi

Tel: +91 11 49859100 Email: consulate.india@mfa.gov.lv

Honorary Consul in Bengaluru

No. D-10, 2nd floor, "DEVATHA PLAZA", No. 131, Residency Road, Bengaluru-560 025

Tel: +91 80 22297913 Email: balan.lvconsul@gmail.com

Honorary Consul in Chennai

Khivraj complex II, 2.floor, 480, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai 600035

Tel: 91 44 24340252; +91 44 24340254 Email: nrami.nr@gmail.com

Honorary Consul in Mumbai

Seahorse Ship Agencies Pvt Ltd Seahorse House, Adi Marzaban Street, Ballard Estate Mumbai - 400001

Tel: +91 22 6633 8837 Email: avinashbatra.lvconsul.mumbai@gmail.com

Latvia Visa Application Centres in India

Here is the complete list of VFS Visa Application Centres for Latvia in India

LocationWorking Hrs. (Mon-Fri)

Ahmedabad

09:00 - 17:00

Bengaluru

09:00 - 14:00

Chandigarh

09:00 - 15:00

Chennai

08:00 - 15:00

Colombo

08:00 - 14:00

Goa

08:00 - 15:00

Hyderabad

08:00 - 13:00

Jalandhar

09:00 - 15:00

Kochi

09:00 - 13:00

Kolkata

09:00 - 14:00

Mumbai

10:00 - 14:00

New Delhi

09:00 - 16:00

Pune

08:00 - 14:00

Latvia Visa Fees for Indian Applicants

The Latvia visa fee for Indians depends on the type of visa they’re applying for.


Here is what a short-term Latvia visa will cost Indians (i.e., Schengen visa for tourism, attending business conferences, visiting friends & family, etc.)-

FeeAmount

Visa fee for 12+ year olds

₹ 7,100 (€ 80)

Visa fee for 6 - 12 year olds

₹ 3,500 (€ 40)

Visa fee for below 6 year olds

0 (no visa fee)

VFS service charge (applicable to all age groups

 ₹2,242

Note

Effective June 11, 2024, the visa fee for those above 12 years will rise to € 90 or ~₹8,200. For children between 6 to 12 years, this fee will rise to € 45.

Long-term Latvia visa fee for Indians

Visa TypeAmount

Employment Visa, Residence Permit, & Student Visa

₹ 5,300 (€ 60)

VFS service charge

₹ 2,242

Do note the below points in the context of Latvia visa fee for Indians -

  • Latvia visa fees for Indians is non-refundable.
  • The Latvia visa fees for Indians are also subject to change without any notice based on foreign exchange fluctuations.
  • Additional charges will apply if you decide to avail of services such as video conferencing, SMS & courier service, premium lounge at the VFS visa centre, etc.

Latvia Visa Processing Time for Indians

The Latvia embassy in India usually takes 10-12 working days after the visa application reaches them from the VFS centres to process your short-term Schengen visa applications. In exceptional cases, it may take 30 days to process the application. 


Please aim to apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvia Embassy as early as possible. You can submit Schengen applications as early as 6 months before your journey.


Long-term visas such as Student Visa, Employment Visa, and Residence Permit can take 15 days instead of the usual 10. If the authorities want to scrutinise your application further this period may increase to 60 days.

Latvia Visa Validity for Indians

A short-term Schengen visa for Latvia allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a ‘180-day + 15 days grace period.’ 

What is the Grace Period?

The validity period (180 days) of a visa includes an additional ‘ 15 days of grace period. This means that, when issuing such a visa, 15 days are added to the period of validity The foreign national may enter or leave the territory of the Schengen states within the entire period of validity indicated on the visa, but they may stay for as long as indicated in the “duration of stay” section on the visa sticker. Let's say, a foreign national has indicated in their visa application that they would like to enter the Schengen area on 1st Feb and leave on 10th Feb, with a total duration of stay of 10 days. The visa issued will have a period of validity from 1st Feb to 25th Feb (i.e., from 1st Feb to 10th Feb + 15 days = 25th Feb). This means that the foreign national can enter and leave the country within the given period, i.e., from 1st Feb to 25th Feb. The number of days of the visit remains unchanged, i.e. 10 days.

Latvia Visa Extension Process for Indians

Schengen visa extensions are possible in exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure situations or unexpected events. Applicants must submit extension requests before their visa expires, providing valid reasons and supporting documentation. Each case is evaluated individually by Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.

How to Track the Latvia Visa Status for Indians

  • Visit VFS Global’s Latvia visa tracking page. The screen will look as shown in the screenshot above. Input the details asked for, reference number, and last name. Enter Captcha and hit ‘Submit.’
  • You may also connect with VFS Global on their helpline number - 022-67866025 or email them at info.latviain@vfshelpline.com, after the Latvia visa processing time has passed, i.e., after 10-12 days of submitting your visa application.

Tracking Latvia Visa Applications for Indians

Conclusion

Getting a Latvia visa as an Indian is a lengthy process, typically requiring essential documents, including a completed application form, passport, photos, proof of travel arrangements, accommodation, financial means, and insurance. The processing time varies but generally takes around 10 to 12 days. Fees are applicable and may vary based on visa type and processing speed. It's essential to apply well in advance of your travel date to allow for processing and potential delays. 


It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and procedures for a Latvia visa for a smooth visa application experience. 


Wishing you safe travels to Latvia! Bye!

FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria for a Latvia visa for Indians?

To obtain a Latvia visa as an Indian citizen, you need a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, and sometimes a letter of invitation or sponsorship. You also need to provide proof of ties to India to demonstrate your intention to return after your visit.

How can Indian citizens track the status of their Latvia visa application?

Indians can check the status of their Latvia visa application using VFS Global’s online tracking system. Visit the VFS Global tracking page, input the application number and last name and hit submit.

Can Indian citizens extend their Latvia visas?

Latvia allows visa extensions in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters, humanitarian crisis, or force majeure situations. Extension requests must be made before the visa expiration date, and applicants must provide valid reasons along with supporting documentation. Each case is assessed individually by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in Latvia.

What is the validity period of a Latvia Schengen visa for Indian citizens?

A Latvia Schengen visa for Indian citizens has a validity period of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

How early should Indian citizens apply for a Latvia visa before their travel date?

Indians can apply as early as 6 months to get their Schengen visa for Latvia. Hence, the sooner you apply, the better it is. Since Latvia visa processing can take up to 10 to 12 working days, apply at least 2 weeks in advance of your intended travel date. 

What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry Latvia visa for Indians?

A single-entry Latvia visa for Indian citizens allows entry into Latvia (and other Schengen countries, if applicable) only once during the visa's validity period, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Once you exit the Schengen area, the visa becomes invalid.

In contrast, a multiple-entry Latvia visa permits entry into Latvia (and other Schengen countries, if applicable) multiple times within the visa's validity period, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe. This means you can enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times until the visa expires, as long as each stay does not exceed the maximum duration allowed (usually 90 days within a 180-day period)

Do Indians need an Airport Transit Visa for Latvia?

Indians don’t need an Airport Transit Visa for Latvia. An airport transit visa allowing to stay in an international transit zone is required for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka or foreigners holding travel documents issued by the aforementioned countries.

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