Latvia’s Schengen visa approval rate stood at 88.50% in 2024, with 15,623 of 17,654 applications approved. While this is lower than Latvia’s historical average of over 97%, it still means nearly 9 out of 10 applicants receive a visa. Understanding these statistics can help you prepare a stronger application and set realistic expectations.
Latvia Visa Approval Rate by Year (2014-2024)
Latvia has consistently maintained high approval rates for Schengen visa applications. However, the numbers shifted significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical changes in the region.
| Year | Applications | Approved | Denied | Approval Rate | Rejection Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 207,185 | 205,789 | 1,396 | 99.33% | 0.67% |
| 2015 | 164,000 | 162,213 | 1,787 | 98.91% | 1.09% |
| 2016 | 165,814 | 163,537 | 2,262 | 98.63% | 1.36% |
| 2017 | 166,800 | 164,306 | 2,579 | 98.50% | 1.55% |
| 2018 | 161,709 | 157,711 | 3,374 | 97.53% | 2.09% |
| 2019 | 167,743 | 163,339 | 3,987 | 97.37% | 2.38% |
| 2020 | 30,134 | 29,630 | 827 | 98.33% | 2.74% |
| 2021 | 16,764 | 16,182 | 582 | 96.53% | 3.47% |
| 2022 | 21,140 | 19,030 | 1,989 | 90.02% | 9.41% |
| 2023 | 18,897 | 16,689 | 2,208 | 88.32% | 11.68% |
| 2024 | 17,654 | 15,623 | 1,908 | 88.50% | 10.81% |
Between 2014 and 2019, Latvia’s approval rate never dipped below 97%. The pandemic years (2020-2021) maintained high rates because only essential travel was processed. Since 2022, approval rates have settled around 88-90%, reflecting stricter scrutiny and changing applicant profiles.
Latvia Visa Approval Rate by Nationality (2024)
Approval chances vary significantly depending on your nationality. In 2024, Russian applicants had the highest approval rate at 96.09%, while Turkish applicants faced the steepest rejection rate at 79.12%.
| Country of Origin | Applications | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 4,976 | ~89% |
| Azerbaijan | 3,125 | ~83% |
| Kazakhstan | 1,917 | ~90% |
| Russia | 1,328 | 96.09% |
| Turkey | 1,303 | ~21% |
| United Kingdom | 1,073 | ~95% |
| Belarus | 1,051 | ~94% |
| India | 963 | ~85% |
| China | 646 | ~92% |
| United Arab Emirates | 451 | ~93% |
Turkish nationals faced the most challenging approval process in 2024, with nearly 4 out of 5 applications rejected. In contrast, applicants from Russia, the UK, and Belarus enjoyed approval rates above 94%. If you are from a country with historically lower approval rates, extra attention to documentation quality is essential. For more details on specific requirements, see our guide on Latvia visa requirements.
Why Latvia’s Approval Rate Dropped After 2022
Several factors contributed to the decline in Latvia’s visa approval rate from the high 90s to the current ~88%:
- Geopolitical changes: The Russia-Ukraine conflict drastically reduced applications from Russia and Belarus, which historically had very high approval rates. With those high-approval nationalities removed from the applicant pool, the overall rate shifted.
- Stricter document checks: Latvian consulates have increased scrutiny of supporting documents, particularly financial proof and travel insurance.
- New applicant profiles: As traditional applicant countries decreased, new nationalities with less established travel patterns began applying, leading to more cautious processing.
- Schengen-wide trends: The overall Schengen rejection rate rose to 14.56% in 2024 across all member states, not just Latvia.
How Latvia Compares to Other Schengen Countries
Latvia’s 88.50% approval rate in 2024 places it in the mid-range among Schengen states. Some countries have notably higher or lower rates:
- High approval countries: Estonia, Finland, and Iceland typically maintain rates above 90%.
- Lower approval countries: France, Spain, and Italy process far more applications but also have higher rejection volumes.
- Latvia’s position: As the 25th visa application recipient among Schengen states, Latvia handles a relatively small volume (17,654 applications in 2024), which means consular officers can dedicate more time per application.
Common Reasons for Latvia Visa Rejection
Understanding why applications get refused can help you avoid pitfalls. The most common rejection reasons for Latvia Schengen visas include:
- Insufficient financial proof: Applicants must show EUR 14 per day for stays under 30 days or a minimum of EUR 780 for longer stays.
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation: Missing hotel bookings, flight reservations, or gaps in the travel itinerary.
- Doubts about intention to return: The consulate must be convinced you plan to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires.
- Invalid travel insurance: The policy must cover at least EUR 30,000 and be valid across all Schengen states.
- Previous visa violations: Overstaying or working without authorization on a prior Schengen visa severely impacts future applications.
- Passport issues: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date and have at least 2 blank pages.
If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal. For guidance on the application process itself, read our step-by-step Latvia visa application guide.
Tips to Improve Your Latvia Visa Approval Chances
While no one can guarantee approval, these practices significantly improve your odds:
- Submit complete documentation: Double-check every required document against the checklist. Missing one item can trigger a refusal.
- Show strong ties to your home country: Employment letters, property ownership, family connections, and ongoing studies all demonstrate your intention to return.
- Provide clear financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3-6 months showing consistent income and sufficient funds.
- Book refundable travel arrangements: Flight and hotel bookings that you can cancel if needed, while still proving your travel intent.
- Apply early: Submit your application at least 15 days before travel, but no earlier than 6 months. Rushed applications often have gaps.
- Be honest in your interview: Consular officers are trained to detect inconsistencies. Stick to facts.
- Consider professional help: If your case is complex (previous rejection, unusual travel purpose), an immigration consultant can help present your case.
For details on visa fees and processing times, visit our Latvia visa fee guide and processing time overview.
Latvia Work Visa and Long-Stay Visa Approval Rates
The statistics above focus on Schengen short-stay (Type C) visas. Latvia’s national long-stay (Type D) visa and work permit approval rates follow different patterns:
- D visa (national visa): Used for work, study, family reunification, and long-term residence. These are processed by Latvia’s Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) rather than embassies.
- Work permits: Latvia requires a separate work permit for most non-EU workers. Approval depends heavily on labor market demand and employer sponsorship quality.
- Success rates for work visas are generally lower than tourist/business visas because additional criteria apply, including labor market testing and employer qualifications.
If you are considering working in Latvia, explore our Latvia work visa guide for detailed requirements.
FAQs About Latvia Visa Success Rate
What is the current Latvia visa approval rate?
The Latvia Schengen visa approval rate was 88.50% in 2024, with 15,623 of 17,654 applications approved. This is lower than pre-pandemic rates of over 97% but still represents a strong approval rate compared to many other Schengen countries.
Which nationality has the highest Latvia visa approval rate?
Russian applicants had the highest Latvia visa approval rate in 2024 at 96.09% of 1,328 applications approved. British and Belarusian applicants also enjoyed approval rates above 94%.
Which nationality has the lowest Latvia visa approval rate?
Turkish applicants faced the lowest approval rate in 2024, with approximately 79% of applications rejected. Applicants from Turkey should pay extra attention to documentation completeness and financial proof.
Is Latvia visa hard to get?
Latvia’s 88.50% approval rate means roughly 9 out of 10 applicants succeed. It is not considered exceptionally difficult compared to other Schengen countries. The key is submitting complete, consistent documentation and demonstrating strong ties to your home country.
Has Latvia’s visa approval rate changed since COVID-19?
Yes. Before the pandemic (2014-2019), Latvia maintained approval rates above 97%. Since 2022, the rate has settled around 88-90%. This shift is largely due to geopolitical changes that reduced applications from high-approval nationalities like Russia and Belarus, combined with stricter document verification.
Can I reapply after a Latvia visa rejection?
Yes, you can reapply after a rejection. There is no mandatory waiting period. However, you should address the specific reasons cited in your refusal letter before reapplying. Simply resubmitting the same application without changes will likely result in another refusal.
How does Latvia’s approval rate compare to the Schengen average?
The overall Schengen rejection rate was 14.56% in 2024 (85.44% approval). Latvia’s 88.50% approval rate is slightly above the Schengen average, making it one of the more accessible consulates for visa applicants.
Does applying through VFS Global affect my approval chances?
No. VFS Global is an authorized outsourcing partner that handles document collection and biometrics. The actual visa decision is made by Latvian consular officers, not by VFS. Your approval chances are the same whether you apply directly at an embassy or through VFS Global.
