The official Latvia visa website is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) at mfa.gov.lv. It is the authoritative source for visa policy, consular contacts, and application guidance for travelers entering Latvia. Whether you need a short-stay Schengen visa or a long-stay national visa, the MFA portal provides the legal framework and procedural details you need before applying.
What Is the Latvia Official Visa Website?
Latvia does not operate a standalone e-visa system. Instead, all visa applications are processed through the Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad, with applications submitted via VFS Global centres or directly at embassies. The MFA website at www.mfa.gov.lv serves as the primary government portal for visa-related information.
The portal is available in Latvian and English. It covers:
- Visa types and categories (Schengen Type C, national Type D, airport transit Type A)
- Consular service contacts and embassy addresses
- Travel advisories and emergency assistance abroad
- Links to VFS Global for appointment booking
For a full overview of available visa categories, see our guide on Latvia visa types.
How to Navigate the MFA Portal
The MFA website is organized into several main sections. To find visa information, follow this path:
- Visit www.mfa.gov.lv/en
- Click on “Contacts” in the main navigation bar
- Select “Travel and consular services” from the submenu
This section contains general consular information including phone numbers, email addresses, and office hours for the Consular Department. The MFA Consular Department can be reached at:
- Phone: +371 67015905 (Monday to Friday, 9:00-17:00)
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Elizabetes street 57, Riga LV-1050
For detailed information about what documents you need before visiting, check our Latvia visa requirements page.
VFS Global: The Application Submission Platform
While the MFA sets visa policy, actual application submissions are handled through VFS Global, the official outsourcing partner for Latvian visa processing in many countries. VFS Global operates visa application centres worldwide where applicants submit biometric data and supporting documents.
What You Can Do on VFS Global
- Book a visa appointment online
- Download the Schengen visa application form
- Track your application status
- Access country-specific document checklists
- Pay visa and service fees
To learn how to book your slot, read our step-by-step guide on Latvia visa appointments.
Countries with VFS Global Centres for Latvia
| Region | Countries with VFS Centres |
|---|---|
| South Asia | India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal |
| Southeast Asia | Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Africa | Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey |
| Americas | Brazil, Mexico, Colombia |
If your country does not have a VFS centre, you apply directly at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate.
Online Application Process
Latvia follows the standard Schengen visa application process. There is no fully online visa issuance system. Here is how the process works:
- Determine your visa type – Short-stay (up to 90 days), long-stay (national D visa), or airport transit
- Gather documents – Passport, photos, travel insurance, financial proof, accommodation bookings
- Fill out the application form – The standard Schengen form, available on VFS Global and the MFA site
- Book an appointment – Via VFS Global or directly at the embassy
- Submit biometrics – Fingerprints are required unless provided in the last 59 months
- Pay fees – EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6-11, free for children under 6
- Wait for processing – Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days
For the full cost breakdown by nationality, see Latvia visa fee and Latvia visa cost from Pakistan.
ETIAS: For Visa-Exempt Travellers
Citizens of countries that do not require a Schengen visa (such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan) will soon need an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Latvia and other Schengen states. ETIAS is not a visa – it is a pre-travel registration system.
Key ETIAS facts:
- Valid for 3 years or until passport expiry
- Allows stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Costs EUR 7 for adults (free for under-18s)
- Applied for entirely online at the official ETIAS website
US citizens can read more in our guide on Latvia visa for US citizens.
Latvian Embassies and Consular Offices
The MFA portal also lists all Latvian diplomatic missions abroad. Major embassies with consular and visa sections include:
| Embassy Location | Country Coverage |
|---|---|
| New Delhi, India | India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal |
| Islamabad, Pakistan | Pakistan |
| Abuja, Nigeria | Nigeria, West Africa |
| Ankara, Turkey | Turkey, Middle East |
| Washington DC, USA | United States |
| London, United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Beijing, China | China |
Contact details for each mission are available under the “Missions” section of the MFA website. You can filter by continent and country to find the nearest embassy or consulate.
Tips for Using the Official Portal
- Language toggle – Switch between Latvian and English using the language selector in the top-right corner
- Search function – Use the site search to find specific visa topics quickly
- Mobile friendly – The site is responsive and works on mobile devices
- Consular alerts – Check the homepage for travel advisories and emergency notices
- No online applications – The MFA site does not process applications; use VFS Global for submissions
For tips on improving your approval chances, see our article on Latvia visa success rate.
FAQs About the Latvia Official Visa Website
Does Latvia have an online visa application system?
No. Latvia does not offer a standalone e-visa system. All visa applications must be submitted in person at a VFS Global centre or Latvian embassy/consulate. The application form can be downloaded online, but physical submission and biometric data collection are required.
Is the MFA website the same as VFS Global?
No. The MFA website (mfa.gov.lv) is the official government portal that sets visa policy and provides consular information. VFS Global is a private company contracted to handle application submissions on behalf of Latvian embassies. You need both: the MFA site for policy information and VFS Global for booking appointments and submitting applications.
Can I apply for a Latvia visa entirely online?
No. You can fill out the application form and book an appointment online, but you must visit a VFS Global centre or embassy in person to submit documents and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
What is the official website for Latvia visa information?
The official government source is www.mfa.gov.lv/en (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia). For application submissions, the official partner is www.vfsglobal.com.
How do I contact the Latvian Consular Department?
You can reach the Consular Department at +371 67015905 (Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00) or by email at [email protected]. The office is located at Elizabetes street 57, Riga LV-1050, Latvia.
Is there a Latvia ETA or e-visa for tourists?
There is no Latvia-specific ETA or e-visa. Visa-required nationals must apply for a standard Schengen visa. Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, etc.) will need ETIAS authorisation once it launches, which is an online pre-travel registration, not a visa.
