Latvia Tourist Visa (Schengen) from India 2026 - Eligibility, Requirements & Fees | Global Visa Internationals
What is a Latvia Schengen Visa?
A Latvia Tourist Visa is your gateway to Europe. As a member of the Schengen Area, holding a valid Latvia visa allows you to travel freely to 28 other European countries—including France, Germany, and Switzerland—without separate documentation.
For travelers seeking a Europe tourist visa from India in 2026, Latvia is an excellent choice. It offers a straightforward entry point with clear rules, often making it easier to secure than visas for more crowded Western European nations.
Types of Latvia Visas for Indian Citizens
Short-Stay Tourist Visa (Type C)
The most common Latvia visa for Indian citizens. It is ideal for holidays, sightseeing, and visiting friends, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
Mandatory if you are passing through the international zone of Riga International Airport without entering the country.
National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
For stays exceeding 90 days (e.g., study or work). Note that the Latvia visa application form and process for this category differ from the tourist visa.
Latvia Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements
To successfully apply for a Latvia visa in 2026, you must meet these non-negotiable criteria:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date.
- Indian Residency: You must be a legal resident currently living in India.
- Hello Verify Registration: **Crucial Step:** Unlike other Schengen states, the Latvia Embassy India requires a mandatory document pre-check via the "Hello Verify" portal.
- Financial Stability: You must meet the specific Latvia visa financial requirements, proving you have sufficient funds for your entire trip.
Documents Checklist for Latvia Schengen Visa
Incomplete documentation is the top reason for refusal. Use this checklist to ensure your Latvia Schengen visa documents are in order:
| Document | Specific Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Form | Completed online, printed, and signed by the applicant. |
| Hello Verify Confirmation | Proof of successful document upload (Unique to Latvia). |
| Photographs | Two recent photos (35x45mm, matte finish, 80% face coverage). |
| Travel Insurance | Valid travel insurance for Latvia with minimum coverage of €30,000. |
| Flight Itinerary | Round-trip flight itinerary for visa showing entry/exit from the Schengen zone. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Confirmed hotel bookings or an OCMA-approved invitation letter if staying with a host. |
| Financial Proof | 3 months' bank statements (stamped) and ITR slips for the last 2 years. |
| Cover Letter | A detailed cover letter for Latvia visa explaining your trip purpose and itinerary. |
Where to Apply Latvia Visa?
The Embassy of Latvia has outsourced visa collection to VFS Global. You generally cannot apply directly at the embassy.
You must visit the nearest center to submit your application. Centers handling the Latvia visa from India are located in major metros including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
How to Apply Latvia Visa: Step-by-Step Process
Follow this guide to navigate the Latvia visa process smoothly:
Step 1: Complete Hello Verify Registration
Before booking a slot, register on the Hello Verify portal. This pre-check is mandatory to ensure your eligibility before you visit VFS.
Step 2: Fill the Application
Complete the official online form. Ensure no errors, as they can lead to rejection.
Step 3: Book VFS Latvia Appointment
Once verified, log in to VFS Global to schedule your VFS Latvia appointment. Slots can fill up fast during summer.
Step 4: Submit & Biometrics
Visit the center to submit documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints). You can also opt for SMS Latvia visa tracking services here.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fees
Pay the necessary Latvia visa cost via cash or card at the center.
Latvia Visa Fees in Indian Rupees (2026)
| Applicant Category | Visa Fee (EUR) | Visa Fee (INR) Approx.* |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | €90 | ₹8,190 |
| Children (6-12 years) | €45 | ₹4,095 |
| Children (Below 6) | Free | Free |
*Exchange rates fluctuate. VFS Service charges and Hello Verify fees are additional.
Latvia Visa Processing Time India
Standard Processing: ~15 working days.
Peak Season (May-Sept): 30-45 days.
To avoid delays, we recommend you apply for Latvia visa online (start the process) at least 1 month prior to travel.
Minimum Bank Balance for Latvia Visa
Latvia is affordable compared to other EU nations.
Legal Requirement: Approx. €14 per day of stay.
Recommended Balance: To ensure approval, maintain a closing balance of ₹1.5 - ₹2 Lakhs per person for a standard 10-day trip.
Common Latvia Visa Rejection Reasons
- Hello Verify Failure: Skipping the document pre-check step.
- Visa Shopping: Applying to Latvia but having a flight itinerary that shows you spending more time in France or Italy.
- Insufficient Funds: Bank statements that do not meet the daily financial requirement.
- Unclear Purpose: A vague cover letter or lack of confirmed accommodation.
Why Choose Global Visa Internationals?
As expert Latvia visa agents, GVI helps you navigate the complex Schengen rules.
We handle the technical upload process to ensure your pre-check is cleared instantly.
We craft travel plans that align with Latvia tourist visa requirements.
Our team drafts professional letters to explain your profile to the Visa Officer.
Ready to visit the Baltic gem?
Start Your Latvia Visa ApplicationFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to get Latvia visa from India?
Getting a Latvia visa from India is straightforward but has a unique twist. First, you must clear the 'Hello Verify' document check online. Once approved, you book a VFS appointment, submit your biometric data, and show proof of funds (approx. ₹2-3 Lakhs). Want to avoid the headache of online verifications? Global Visa Internationals can handle the entire Hello Verify process for you.
2. How to get Latvia visa?
To get a Latvia visa, you generally need to apply for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C). You'll need a valid passport, travel insurance, flight reservations, and proof of accommodation. The process involves submitting these documents to the embassy or VFS center in your country. If you are in India, let GVI guide you for a higher success rate.
3. How to apply Latvia visa online?
You can fill out the application form online on the official Latvian authorities' website. However, Indian citizens cannot complete the entire process online; you must physically visit a VFS center for biometrics after your 'Hello Verify' check is cleared. Need help filling the form without errors? We are just a call away.
4. Can I apply for Latvia visa online?
Partially, yes. You fill the form and complete the document verification online. But for the visa sticker to be placed in your passport, a physical visit to the visa center is mandatory. It's not a fully digital E-Visa like some other countries.
5. How to check Latvia visa status?
Once you submit your application at VFS, you will get a reference number. You can use this on the VFS Global website to track your passport. If you apply through Global Visa Internationals, we keep checking the status for you and update you immediately on WhatsApp.
6. How much is Latvia visa fee?
For adults, the embassy fee is €90 (approx. ₹8,200) and for children (6-12 years), it is €45. Apart from this, there are VFS service charges and the Hello Verify fee. If you want a clear breakdown of the total cost in Rupees, contact our Bangalore team today.
7. Can I enter Latvia with Schengen Visa?
Absolutely! A valid Schengen visa issued by any member country allows you to enter Latvia, provided you haven't exceeded your 90-day limit. Ideally, your first point of entry should be the country that issued the visa, but visiting Latvia later is perfectly fine.
8. What is Latvia visa?
It is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to enter, stay, and travel within the Republic of Latvia. For tourists, it is a 'Schengen Visa' that opens the door to 29 European countries. Planning a trip? Let GVI simplify the paperwork for you.
9. What is Latvia Golden Visa?
The 'Golden Visa' refers to Latvia's residence-by-investment program. By purchasing real estate or investing in a business in Latvia, non-EU citizens can get a temporary residence permit. It's a popular route for investors seeking EU residency.
10. Why does Latvia offer a retirement visa?
Latvia offers residence permits to retirees to attract financial capital and boost the local economy. However, this is strictly regulated and requires proof of a substantial pension income. If you are just looking to visit for a holiday, a Tourist Visa is the right choice.
11. How to Latvia visa?
If you are wondering how to go about the process, simply start by gathering your documents (Passport, Bank Statement, Photos). Then, contact a trusted consultant like Global Visa Internationals in Bangalore to handle the appointments and forms for you.
12. Latvia which visa?
If you are going for a holiday, choose the 'Type C Tourist Visa'. For business, select 'Type C Business'. For studies or work longer than 90 days, you need a 'Type D National Visa'. Confused about which one fits? Call us, and we will advise you.
Ready to start your journey?
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