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Latvia Visa for Indian Citizens: Step-by-Step Application 2025

 

Planning a European holiday that’s calm, beautiful, and culturally rich? Latvia is one of Europe’s most underrated gems, offering medieval towns, serene beaches, scenic forests, and stunning architecture. But before Indian travellers board a flight to Riga, the first requirement is obtaining a Latvia Visa. Since Latvia is a Schengen member, a short-stay visa allows Indians to visit other Schengen nations too—making it a great choice for holidaymakers, business travellers, or those visiting family.

This complete 2025 guide explains the Latvia Visa process, types, documents, fees, processing time, and a full step-by-step application method. If you are planning a Europe trip, this guide is extremely useful as the Latvia Schengen visa rules are strict, and proper documentation increases visa approval chances.

Understanding Latvia Visa from India

A Latvia Visa from India is mandatory for Indian passport holders because Latvia does not offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens. Since it is a Schengen country, applicants must apply for a Latvia Schengen Visa through a VFS centre or the Latvian consulate.

Types of Latvia Visa for Indians

To apply correctly, choose the right visa category:

  1. Tourist Visa For leisure, holiday trips, sightseeing or cruise travel.
  2. Business Visa For meetings, conferences, trade events, company visits, or seminars.
  3. Visit Visa For visiting family or friends living in Latvia or EU.
  4. Student Visa For long-term studies, exchange programs, or higher education.
  5. Transit Visa For connecting flights through Latvia’s international airports.

Short-stay visas (Type C) allow up to 90 days stay within 180 days in Latvia and other Schengen countries.

Documents Required for Latvia Visa

Indian travellers must prepare proper documentation to avoid delays or rejection. The standard Latvia Visa requirements include:

  • Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity + 2 blank pages)
  • Filled and signed visa application form
  • Passport-size photos (Schengen standards)
  • Confirmed round-trip flight tickets
  • Hotel booking / accommodation proof
  • Travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
  • Bank statements for last 6 months
  • Income tax returns
  • Employment proof / Business proof
  • Cover letter explaining purpose of travel and itinerary
  • NOC letter from employer (if working)
  • Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)

For students: admission letter from Latvian university + financial proof
For business travellers: invitation from Latvian company + business registration proof

How to Apply for Latvia Visa From India – Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a clear and simple application process that works in 2025:

Step 1 – Choose Your Visa Type

Select whether you need a tourist, business, visit, student, or transit visa.

Step 2 – Fill Visa Application Form

You can fill the Latvia visa form online via the official portal or embassy website.

Step 3 – Book an Appointment with VFS

All Latvia Visa from India applications are submitted at VFS Global centres. Select your nearest city – Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, etc.

Step 4 – Collect All Required Documents

Prepare your passport, bank proof, travel insurance, itinerary, photos, and supporting papers.

Step 5 – Visit VFS Centre for Biometrics

Submit documents and provide fingerprints/biometrics. Children under 12 are exempt from biometrics.

Step 6 – Pay Visa Fee

Visa fee – approx €80 for adults and €40 for children
VFS service charges apply separately.

Step 7 – Track Your Application

You can track the status using your application reference number.

Step 8 – Receive Your Passport

Once approved, you can collect your passport from VFS or request courier delivery.

Latvia Visa Processing Time

Normally, the processing time is between 10 to 15 working days, but during peak travel season it can extend to 3–4 weeks. Apply at least 30 days before travel.

Reasons for Latvia Visa Rejection

To avoid refusal, be careful about:

  • Fake or unreliable itineraries
  • Insufficient bank balance
  • Missing documents
  • Incorrect application details
  • No proof of return to India

Make sure documents are genuine, clear, and consistent.

Latvia Visa Fees 2025

<table>
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>
                <p>
                    <span><strong>Visa Type</strong></span>
                </p>
            </th>
            <th>
                <p>
                    <span><strong>Fee</strong></span>
                </p>
            </th>
        </tr>
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    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>
                <p>
                    <span>Short Stay Schengen Visa</span>
                </p>
            </td>
            <td>
                <p>
                    <span>€80 (₹7,200 approx)</span>
                </p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>
                <p>
                    <span>Children 6–12 years</span>
                </p>
            </td>
            <td>
                <p>
                    <span>€40 (₹3,600 approx)</span>
                </p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>
                <p>
                    <span>Children below 6</span>
                </p>
            </td>
            <td>
                <p>
                    <span>Free</span>
                </p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
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(Note: VFS charges and travel insurance are additional.)

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory?

Yes. Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is compulsory for Latvia and other Schengen countries. It must cover medical emergencies, hospital care, and repatriation.

Tips to Increase Latvia Visa Approval

  • Apply with strong financial documents
  • Book confirmed flights and accommodation
  • Provide detailed travel itinerary
  • Avoid mistakes in the application form
  • Show stable employment or business proof
  • Attach previous travel history (if any)

Why Choose Latvia?

Latvia is a beautiful Baltic country with medieval castles, beaches, forests to explore, and vibrant nightlife. Riga, Jurmala, Liepaja, Ventspils, and Sigulda are popular tourist attractions. Holding a Latvia Visa also allows entry to 26+ Schengen countries, making it a perfect gateway to Europe.

Conclusion – Apply Latvia Visa from India Easily

A Latvia Visa is simple to obtain when documents, application forms, and financial proof are clear. Whether you are travelling for tourism, business or family visits, follow the correct steps through VFS, and complete your application on time. With the right paperwork and planning, approval chances remain high.

If you are planning a Europe holiday, starting with Latvia is a smart choice because of its affordability, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and easy connectivity to neighbouring countries.

Apply Latvia Visa from India today and get ready for a memorable European journey.

👉 Want to see full details? Click here to view the complete Latvia Visa

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