🇱🇻Latvia Visa for American Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Visa-free90 days max stay

No — American passport holders do not need a visa for Latvia. Entry is visa-free for up to 90 days as of 2026.

90 days in any 180-day period. Also covered by bilateral visa waiver agreement. Employment/paid activities not permitted.

mfa.gov.lv ↗

Entering Latvia on an American passport

→ Travel with just your valid American passport. No visa or prior application needed.
→ See the exact document checklist for American applicants — only needed if you apply for a longer-stay visa.

Latvia visa documents for American applicants

No visa documents are needed for a short visit — American citizens enter Latvia with just a valid passport. If you apply for a longer-stay visa, these are the exact documents required, by visa type, from the official visa application centre.

touristFamily and Friends Visit

touristBusiness Visit

touristTourist Visa

- All visa applicants must know that each visa application must include the original of each document and their photocopies, as listed on the website. - All visa applications presented will be carefully examined by our visa officer. However, we wish to draw you attention that if you do not submit all the requested documents (originals with their photocopies) the visa will be denied. No exemption will be made. For that reason we do advise you to prepare your visa application package very carefully in order to avoid any delays. - A completed and signed online application form (epak.pmlp.gov.lv ↗); must be submitted. - Click Here (PDF checklist ↗) for checklist Documents required for applying a Schengen visa for travel to Latvia: - a valid travel document which has been issued within the previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa; - a completed and signed ONLINE APPLICATION FORM. The computer completed application form has to be printed out, signed (at the end of the application form) and submitted to the Embassy. In case several persons (minors or a spouse) are covered by the same travel document, individual application forms must be filled in and signed by the persons concerned; in case of minors must be signed by the parental authority or the legal guardian. Minors at least 15 years old may file and sign the visa application themselves; - 1 passport-size recent (not older than 6 months) color photo (35mm x 45mm) with a light background, including the entire face, without head-dress. Requirements for the quality of the passport photo can be found here; - an insurance policy valid in Schengen countries with a coverage of at least 50.000 USD for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The insurance policy should cover medical, hospital and repatriation costs. Further information regarding insurance policy can be found here; - the application fee is 80 EUR. For the citizens of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and Ukraine the fee is 35 EUR. Information on visa fee waiver policy can be found here. Supporting documents: - proof of legal residence in the USA. Original of valid US alien registration card (permanent residence permit, green card) or valid US resident visa. The US residence permit or visa should be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from the territory of the Schengen Member States; Holders of B1/B2 visa must apply for a Schengen visa in their country of origin or permanent residence. - purpose of entry – - Family/friends/private visit - Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see link; - Business/Conference - Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see link. Original signed invitation letter from business partner in Latvia (including all the necessary information, see link; - Tourism – - Complete travel itinerary (round trip tickets from the USA – flight reservation on with booking reference number with applicant’s name and clear details of travel dates and flight numbers and also other transportation details (bus tickets, rental car details) when travelling from one country to another within the Schengen area. - Confirmed hotel reservation with address and telephone matching with flight dates. If you are planning several visits or visit other Schengen countries hotel bookings must be produced for all visits. - If the trip is arranged by a tour operator, booking of the trip and itinerary with specifying hotels, dates and contact details. Please note that Latvia must be the main destination of your trip (the country where you will be spending the most number of days). - if travelling on business of a private visit – proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or an invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs if staying with the inviting party); - if travelling on business of a private visit – means of transportation (round trip ticket or ticket reservation); - sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay (records of bank account transactions in the past 3 months; credit card together with turnover printouts; letter from employer regarding salary); - for students F-1 visa holders – a copy of proof of enrollment F1. NOTE! Minors (children under the age of 18) - in addition to the above requirements Birth Certificate/proof of legal guardianship has to be presented and copy submitted. Both parents consent has to be submitted if minor is traveling alone. Visa application should be received at the Embassy at least 15 business days before the intended visit and no earlier than 6 months prior.

touristCultural Visit

touristMedical Treatment Visit

transitAirport Transit

Show all 8 visa-type document checklists

otherLong Stay (D) Visa

Click here for more information Please be advised, all our VFS Visa Application Centers have additional services (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) available as listed to assist applicants with application submission process.

transitSeafarers

via VFS Global ↗

Other Latvia visa categories (10)

These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to Latvia. Eligibility varies by visa type — some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.

Long-Stay Visa with Right to Employment (Type D)

Allows foreign nationals to reside and work in Latvia for a specific employer, subject to a State Employment Agency opinion.

365 days~$97

Visa sticker endorsed with one of: 'THE RIGHT TO WORK WITH A SPECIFIC EMPLOYER', 'THE RIGHT TO WORK 20 H PER WEEK', 'VOLUNTARY WORK', or 'THE RIGHT TO WORK WITH NO RESTRICTIONS'. Employer must obtain State Employment Agency opinion before submitting invitation. Minimum subsistence: EUR 1,815/month (general employment). Application in-person at Latvian embassy/consulate abroad. Also possible as short-stay Type C visa for employment not exceeding 90 days in 180.

Apply here ↗

Seasonal Work Visa (Type D - Seasonal)

Permits foreign nationals to engage in temporary employment during peak seasons in specific sectors of the Latvian economy, primarily agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

180 days~$97

Visa sticker marked 'SEASONAL WORK'. Maximum 180 days within a 12-month period (seasonal worker provision). Minimum financial resources: EUR 1,815/month (general employment); EUR 1,516–EUR 1,990/month for agriculture/forestry/fishing depending on subsector. Application via paper form downloadable from pmlp.gov.lv; submitted at Latvian embassy/consulate.

Apply here ↗

Long-Stay Visa for Remote Work (Type D)

Enables third-country nationals employed by an OECD-registered employer or self-employed in an OECD country to reside in Latvia while working remotely.

365 days~$97online

Minimum gross monthly income EUR 4,213 (2.5x Latvia's average monthly gross salary). Employees must show minimum 6 months employment with current employer. Health insurance required with minimum EUR 42,600 liability coverage valid in Latvia and all Schengen states. No right to local employment in Latvia. Application via e-form at epak.pmlp.gov.lv. Page last updated 11 February 2026.

Apply here ↗

Long-Stay Visa for Study (Type D)

Allows foreign nationals to reside in Latvia for the purpose of studying at an accredited Latvian educational institution.

365 days~$97

Long-stay national visa (Type D) issued for study purposes. Students attending short programs under 90 days may use a Schengen short-stay Type C visa (with fee exemptions for students/pupils on educational visits). Fee EUR 90 for long-stay visa (children under 12 exempt). Required documents include enrollment confirmation. Students staying longer than 1 year typically require a residence permit rather than a visa. EU Directive 2016/801 applies to researchers; fee exemptions apply for scientific research visits.

Apply here ↗

Long-Stay Visa for Family Reunion (Type D)

Allows family members of Latvian citizens or legal residents to enter and reside in Latvia pending a long-term residence permit.

365 days~$97

Type D national long-stay visa issued for family reunification purpose. Applicants typically transition to a residence permit after entry. Fee EUR 90. Application submitted at Latvian embassy/consulate with supporting family relationship documentation.

Apply here ↗

Diplomatic/Official/Service Visa

Issued to foreign diplomatic and official passport holders visiting Latvia on official government or diplomatic business.

90 daysmultiple entry~$0

Many diplomatic/service passport holders are visa-exempt under bilateral agreements (see conditional_access). Where not exempt, diplomatic visas are issued fee-free through diplomatic channels (Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Ministry of Foreign Affairs) for official visits. Standard Schengen short-stay limits apply unless a longer-term arrangement is in place.

Apply here ↗

Long-Stay Visa - Other Purposes (Type D)

Covers any lawful long-stay purpose not falling under employment, study, remote work, or family reunification - including medical treatment, voluntary work, and cultural activities.

365 days~$97

Catch-all Type D national visa category. Includes voluntary work (visa sticker endorsed 'VOLUNTARY WORK'). Medical stays, cultural exchange, and other long-stay purposes handled under this category. Fee EUR 90 standard; children under 12 exempt. Subsistence minimum EUR 780 for stays over 30 days. Applied at Latvian embassy/consulate. Latvia does not issue a specific medical or retirement visa - these purposes are covered by the general long-stay Type D visa.

Apply here ↗

EU Blue Card (Residence Permit for Highly Qualified Employment)

Enables third-country nationals with higher-education qualifications (or equivalent professional experience) and a qualifying Latvian employment contract to live and work in a highly qualified job in Latvia.

multiple entry4-10d processing~$108

Residence permit issued for up to 5 years to attract highly qualified employees. Requires a higher-education qualification from a programme of 3+ years (or, in some fields, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience) plus an employment contract meeting the salary/subsistence threshold - officially published as EUR 1,916/month, reduced to EUR 1,532/month for professions in short supply under Cabinet Regulation No. 108. State fee EUR 100 (approx USD 108) for a 10-working-day review or EUR 200 for a 4-working-day expedited review. Blue Card is not annulled if unemployment does not exceed 3 consecutive months. Salary thresholds are updated periodically by Cabinet regulation. Official pmlp.gov.lv page last updated 22 April 2022.

Apply here ↗

Working Holiday Visa (New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme)

For New Zealand citizens aged 18-30 to spend a working holiday in Latvia, holding a residence and work permit while employment remains casual and secondary to the holiday purpose.

365 days~$173

Based on the bilateral 'Treaty of the Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Government of New Zealand regarding the Working Holiday Scheme'. Open only to New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 30 inclusive; does not apply to dependants. Annual quota of 100 New Zealand citizens. Grants a residence permit and work permit for up to one year; employment must be casual/incidental, not the main purpose of the visit. State fee EUR 160 (approx USD 173). Applicant must show sufficient funds for the initial stay (approx EUR 780) plus the cost of return travel (or hold a return ticket). Application filed at an Embassy of Latvia with passport copy, completed questionnaire, photo and proof of fee payment; on arrival the holder must present a valid New Zealand passport and health insurance covering hospitalisation and repatriation for the whole stay. OCMA (PMLP) decides within 30 days. This is Latvia's only working holiday agreement currently in force.

Apply here ↗

Long-Stay Visa / Residence Permit for Researchers (Scientific Research)

For scientists and researchers carrying out research work in Latvia, either under EU researcher mobility from another Member State or under a hosting/scientific cooperation agreement with a Latvian scientific institution.

365 days15-60d processing

Implements EU Directive 2016/801 on the entry and residence of researchers. A scientist who holds a long-term visa or temporary residence permit for research issued by another EU Member State and who plans research work in Latvia for more than 180 days (together with accompanying family members) can obtain a long-stay Type D visa, issued for up to one year (standard D-visa processing 15 days, up to 60 days if further checks are needed). For longer stays a temporary residence permit is issued to researchers invited by a Latvian scientific institution listed in the register of scientific institutions under a research cooperation agreement, granted for the duration of the cooperation plan up to a maximum of 5 years. The fee may be reduced or waived for scientific research visits under Directive 2016/801; otherwise the standard EUR 90 (approx USD 97) D-visa fee applies. See also the EU Immigration Portal 'Researcher in Latvia' page (home-affairs.ec.europa.eu).

Apply here ↗

Latvia visa for American citizens — FAQ

Do American citizens need a visa for Latvia?

No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

How long can American citizens stay in Latvia?

American passport holders can stay in Latvia for up to 90 days per entry under the current visa-free arrangement.

What documents do American citizens need for Latvia?

A valid passport is all American citizens need for a short visa-free visit (up to 90 days). If you apply for a longer-stay visa, Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.

Related visa requirements

For American citizens

Visa for Latvia