The new visa waiver program for Europe’s Schengen Area will be arriving later than expected. The latest announcement from the European Union (EU) has stated that the ETIAS system will now be launched in 2025 instead of 2024. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been in the works for several years. It
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Latvia
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In 2025, the European Union will introduce ETIAS, a new Travel Information and Authorisation System. ETIAS will become a requirement to travel to Latvia and most European countries. Once available, you will be able to find more information on this website. The European Union official website is https://european-union.europa.eu/, and a specific ETIAS website will soon be launched.
Latvian ETIAS Visa Waiver Information
ETIAS Latvia, due to be introduced in 2025, is an electronic visa waiver that will allow eligible citizens to travel to Latvia and all countries in the Schengen passport-free zone.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is not a Latvian visa. It is a waiver for nationals of countries that enjoy visa exemption for Latvia. Visitors from these countries will simply have to register online with ETIAS before traveling to the country.
The ETIAS visa waiver for Latvia was approved by the European Parliament in 2016 and will take around 4 years to implement. The function of the electronic system is to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers and identify any potential threats to Schengen Area security, with the aim of strengthening European borders.
The European visa waiver for Latvia is a multiple entry travel authorization that permits the holder to travel to Latvia and the Schengen Area multiple times. It allows a total stay of 90 days with each entry to the Schengen Area and is valid for a total of 3 years from the moment of approval, meaning there is no need to apply for every trip to Latvia.
Eligible citizens are able to complete the simple ETIAS application form for Latvia online, which only takes a few minutes to complete with personal, passport, and travel information. It is also necessary to answer a few security-related questions in order to submit the ETIAS Latvia application form and receive an approved ETIAS for Latvia via email.
Those who apply for the ETIAS to Latvia are able to visit the Schengen Area for purposes of tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit. To visit Latvia for other purposes, it is necessary to contact a Latvian Embassy or Consulate for further information.
Highlights
Valid for multiple entries
Stay 90 days with each entry
Total validity of 3 years
Travel for business, tourism, medical treatment or transit
What is Necessary?
Passport valid for a minimum of 3 months from intended entry
Information about the trip (country of first intended entry)
Current email
Debit/credit card
ETIAS Requirements for Traveling to Latvia
In order to submit a Latvia ETIAS application, it is first necessary to meet the requirements for an ETIAS for Latvia.
Latvia ETIAS visa waiver requirements involve the applicant:
- Having an eligible passport valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of arrival in the Schengen Area.
- Providing credit or debit card details to pay the ETIAS for Latvia fee.
- Supplying a current email address at which to receive the approved visa waiver.
After receiving the approved Latvian ETIAS at the email address provided during the application, travelers will be able to print a copy to present to transportation carriers and at Schengen Area border control. However, this is not expected to be mandatory, as the approved ETIAS will be electronically linked to the holder’s passport.
Because of this, travelers with dual nationality should make sure the passport used to complete the ETIAS application is the same one that the applicant will later use to travel to Latvia and the Schengen Area.
ETIAS requirements for Latvia also state that if the applicant’s passport expires during the validity of the ETIAS, it will be necessary to submit a new ETIAS for Latvia application.
The European Commission may announce further ETIAS Requirements for traveling to Latvia closer to the 2025 launch date of the electronic system. These will be published on this site once made available.
List of ETIAS eligible countries for Latvia
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Georgia
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macau
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Timor Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- United Kingdom
Complete List of ETIAS Countries
Country policy
Latvia Visa Policy
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Check below which type of visa for Latvia you need according to your nationality.
How Long does it Take to Apply for an ETIAS for Latvia?
The standard processing time for an ETIAS Europe visa waiver for Latvia has not yet been announced and will be published on this site once made available. The European Commission has stated that in some cases it may take as little as a few minutes for an ETIAS Latvia to be successfully processed, but that it may take longer in others.
It is expected that applicants will be able to submit an ETIAS Latvia application from 3 months before the intended date of entry to Latvia and the Schengen Area.
Applicants are advised to apply up to a maximum of 72 hours before their planned arrival date, in order to allow sufficient time for the ETIAS to be approved.
It is expected that it will only take applicants a few minutes to complete the online form for an ETIAS Europe travel authorization for Latvia with basic personal, passport, and travel information.
Those not eligible for the ETIAS for Latvia are required to apply for a Latvia Schengen visa. In order to submit an application, it is first necessary to make an appointment at the nearest Latvian diplomatic office.
Latvia Schengen Visa applicants are then required to download, print, and complete a Schengen visa application form for Latvia to take along to the appointment. It is also necessary to provide a range of supporting documentation depending on the intended purpose of the travel to Latvia and to pay the Latvian Schengen visa fee during the consular visit.
Schengen visa requirements for Latvia state that it is necessary to submit an application at least 15 days before the intended date of arrival in the Schengen zone. This is because the standard processing time for a visa is around 2 weeks from the date of the visa appointment.
However, in some cases, it may take longer to apply for a Schengen visa for Latvia. In certain cases it may take up to 30 days to process the visa, while extraordinary cases may take up to 60 days to process.
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▾FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Latvia Visa FAQ
What is the Latvia ETIAS visa waiver?
The Latvia ETIAS waiver is an electronic travel authorization expected to be implemented in 2025. It will allow eligible citizens to travel to Latvia and all Schengen Area countries for short stays.
How many entries does a Latvia ETIAS allow?
ETIAS Latvia allows the holder to travel to the Schengen Area multiple times during its 3-year validity.
Who needs the ETIAS visa waiver for Latvia?
In 2025, the ETIAS visa waiver for Latvia will become a mandatory requirement for all travelers who are visa-exempt for Latvia and Schengen Area.
Is Latvia ETIAS a single or multiple entry authorization?
The Latvia ETIAS is a multiple entry travel authorization that permits multiple entries to Latvia and the Schengen Area during its validity.
How do I apply for an ETIAS for travel to Latvia?
Eligible citizens will be able to apply for an ETIAS to travel to Latvia through a simple online application. A copy of the approved ETIAS will be sent to the applicant’s email address.
I made a mistake on my Latvian ETIAS application. How can I correct the details?
Applicants are advised to carefully check that all of the information provided on the Latvian ETIAS application is correct before they submit the form, as even small mistakes are expected to result in the refusal of the ETIAS.
Do I need an ETIAS for children traveling to Latvia with me?
Yes, all children under the age of 18 from visa-exempt countries will be required to have an individual ETIAS to travel to Latvia and the Schengen Area. It is necessary to submit a separate ETIAS authorization for each child.
What should I do after I receive my Latvian ETIAS?
After receiving the approved Latvian ETIAS at the email address provided during the application, travelers will be able to print a copy to present to transportation carriers and at Schengen Area border control. However, this is not expected to be mandatory, as the approved ETIAS will be electronically linked to the holder’s passport.
What happens if I get a new passport after I have received an ETIAS to Latvia?
If the holder of an ETIAS gets a new passport during the validity of the electronic visa waiver, it will be necessary to submit a new ETIAS application. This is because the ETIAS is electronically linked to the specific travel document used to complete the original application.
Is it possible to extend my ETIAS for Latvia?
The ETIAS for Latvia is valid for a total of 3 years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. After the visa waiver expires, it will be necessary to submit a new ETIAS application to continue to travel to Latvia and the Schengen Area.
What should I do if I have made a mistake on my ETIAS Latvia application?
Applicants are advised to carefully check the information provided on the ETIAS Latvia application is correct before submitting the form, as even small mistakes are expected to result in the refusal of the visa waiver.
How can I renew my ETIAS Authorization for Latvia?
In order to renew the ETIAS Authorization for Latvia, it will be necessary to submit a new application online from outside of the Schengen Area.
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