Applying for a Latvia visa requires completing an official application form and submitting it along with supporting documents. This guide walks you through every section of the form, explains the requirements, and helps you avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or rejections.
Where to Get the Latvia Visa Application Form
The official Latvia visa application form can be obtained through the following channels:
- Online via the VFS Global portal – the most convenient method for most applicants
- At a Latvian embassy or consulate – paper forms are available on-site
- Through a visa application centre – VFS Global or TLS Contact centres in your country
For short-stay Schengen visas (Type C), Latvia uses the standard EU visa application form. For national long-stay visas (Type D), a separate Latvian form applies.
Types of Latvia Visa Forms
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Use this form if your visit to Latvia is for tourism, business, family visits, or transit and lasts up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
Required for stays exceeding 90 days – for work, study, family reunification, or residence purposes.
Airport Transit Visa (Type A)
For travellers passing through a Latvian airport without entering the Schengen area.
How to Fill Out the Latvia Visa Application Form: Section by Section
Section 1: Personal Information
Provide your full name exactly as it appears in your passport. Include:
- Surname and first name
- Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY format)
- Place of birth and country of birth
- Current nationality and nationality at birth (if different)
- Gender
Section 2: Travel Document Information
Enter your passport details:
- Document type (ordinary passport, diplomatic, service)
- Passport number
- Date of issue and expiry date
- Issuing authority
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area and must contain at least two blank pages.
Section 3: Contact Details
Include your full residential address, phone number, and email address. These details must be current and accurate, as the embassy may contact you during processing.
Section 4: Purpose of Travel
Select the purpose that best describes your visit:
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting family or friends
- Cultural or sporting events
- Medical treatment
- Study or training
- Airport transit
- Other (specify)
Section 5: Intended Date of Entry and Exit
State your planned arrival and departure dates. The dates must align with your hotel bookings, invitation letters, or other supporting documents.
Section 6: Number of Entries Requested
Choose between:
- Single entry
- Two entries
- Multiple entry
First-time applicants typically receive single or double entry visas. Multiple-entry visas are more common for applicants with a strong travel history.
Section 7: Host Information in Latvia
Provide details of the person, hotel, or organisation hosting you:
- Full name and address of the hotel or host
- Phone number and email
- For business trips: company name and contact person
Section 8: Means of Subsistence
Indicate how you will finance your stay:
- Personal funds (specify monthly or total amount)
- Sponsorship by a host
- Pre-paid accommodation and transport
- Other
Section 9: Biometric Data
If you have not provided fingerprints for a Schengen visa in the last 59 months, you must do so at the application centre. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting.
Section 10: Declaration and Signature
Read the declaration carefully. Sign the form in the designated area. Minors must have the form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Documents Required with the Application Form
Attach the following to your completed form:
- Passport – valid for 3+ months beyond departure, with 2 blank pages
- Passport-size photos – two recent photos (35 x 45 mm), white background
- Travel insurance – minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, valid across the Schengen area
- Flight reservation – round-trip booking confirmation
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking or invitation letter
- Proof of financial means – bank statements from the last 3 months
- Cover letter – explaining your travel purpose and itinerary
- Visa fee payment – EUR 80 for adults, EUR 40 for children 6-12
Latvia Visa Application Form Fees
| Category | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Adults (Schengen visa) | 80 |
| Children (6-12 years) | 40 |
| Children (under 6) | Free |
| National visa (Type D) | 60-100 |
| VFS/TLS service fee | 20-40 |
Where to Submit the Completed Form
Submit your form and documents at:
- Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence
- VFS Global centre – Latvia uses VFS Global for visa applications in many countries
- TLS Contact – available in select countries
Some countries require appointments booked in advance through the VFS Global website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete fields – leave no sections blank; write “N/A” if not applicable
- Wrong passport number – double-check all document numbers against your passport
- Mismatched dates – ensure travel dates on the form match your bookings
- Missing signatures – an unsigned form will be rejected immediately
- Outdated photos – photos must be taken within the last 6 months
- Insufficient funds proof – provide clear, stamped bank statements
Processing Time
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days from the date of submission. In some cases, this can be extended to 45 days if additional documentation is required. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Latvia e-Visa vs Traditional Visa
Latvia, as a Schengen member state, follows the standard EU visa process. While there is no standalone “Latvia e-visa” system, the EU is rolling out the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visa-exempt travellers and the EU Digital Visa system for online applications, expected to modernise the process in the coming years.
Currently, all visa applications must be submitted in person at an embassy, consulate, or visa application centre due to biometric data collection requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download the Latvia visa application form as a PDF?
Yes. The form is available for download on the VFS Global website and on the official website of the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA).
Do I need to fill out the form in English?
The form can be completed in English, Latvian, or the official language of the country where you are submitting the application.
Can someone else submit the form on my behalf?
In most cases, you must appear in person for biometric data collection. However, some visa application centres allow authorised representatives to submit paperwork on your behalf after you have provided biometrics.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You will receive a written explanation for the refusal. You may appeal the decision within 30 days or submit a new application with corrected documentation.
Is there an interview requirement?
An interview is not standard for all applicants but may be requested at the discretion of the consular officer.
