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Latvia

Latvia Visa Guide for Indians

he capital of Latvia – Riga – the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Baltic States – was founded in 1201. With its handsome integration of medieval and contemporary architecture, Riga is considered the world’s best collection of the Art Nouveau.Although Latvia is a small country located on the Baltic Sea, it has ancient traditions and a long history dating back to early 9,000 BC. Latvia is an interesting travel destination because of its wide range of leisure and business travel opportunities.You can enjoy your trip to Latvia in different ways – city sightseeing tours in Riga historical centre, romantic travel in SPA hotels all over the country, or family holiday in the guest houses on the countryside of Latvia.

 

About Latvia Visa

To enter Latvia, people from most nations will need a permit. However, nationals of other Schengen countries and the visa-exempt nations will not require a permit to enter. Whatever the reason for your visit, there are visas based on these. Latvia, being a part of the Schengen region issues the Schengen category. As a result, you can visit any of the Schengen countries with a Latvia visa. However, if you are issued with an LTV (Limited Territory Visa), you can only visit the countries that are mentioned on your sticker.

 

Procedure to Apply for Latvia Visa

The Latvia visa application is done mainly online. The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia has outsourced the visa application to VACs (Visa Application Center). However, before starting the process, you must ensure that you are eligible for the category you are applying for. If you are not eligible for a particular category, you must apply for the type you are eligible for. The process can be done as follows -

  • The first step involves acquiring all the required documents for the specific type.
  • Proceed to visit the website of the Embassy of Latvia in India and fill in the Latvia Schengen visa application form online.
  • Proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India. You can do this online through their portal, or by calling them.
  • Visit the appointment with the documents, application confirmation, and fees in person. 

 

Types of Latvia Schengen Visa 

Based on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay, the Latvian permits can be classified as follows -

Short Term Visa: This is also known as the Latvia Schengen visa, this type is issued for a short period of time of 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose behind the visit, these can further be classified as the following:

  1. Tourist Visa: This is for people whose main purpose for the visit is to take part in tourist activities such as sightseeing, leisure activities, adventure activities, and so on.
  2. Business Visa: This permit allows you can travel to Latvia to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, etc.
  3. Visit Visa: This type of visa is issued for people who have been invited to visit their family members or friends living in Latvia.
  4. Cultural visa: This is for people who are visiting to take part in cultural events.
  5. Study Visa: This type is issued for individuals who are visiting Latvia to take part in short term studies, training, research and other educational activities for a short period.

Long Term Visa: This is more commonly known as the national visa, and is issued for periods longer than 90 days. Based on the purpose, these can also be classified as the following-

  1. Work Visa: This is granted for people who are entering the country to take part in employment.
  2. Study Visa: This is issued for students entering Latvia to take part in academic activities that last longer than 90 days.
  3. Family Reunion Visa: This type is for people who are visiting their family living in Latvia and staying with them for a long period.

 

Checklist for Latvia Visa

The following are the list of documents you would need to apply for the Latvia visa from India. However, these are only general documents. Depending on the specific type, you will need particular documentation.

  • A valid passport
  • Covering letter stating the details of the visit
  • Travel itinerary
  • Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
  • Proof of occupation/employment/student status
  • Financial documents to show proof of funds to support the stay.

 

Photo Specifications

  • Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
  • Colour: Coloured
  • Head must occupy the central position
  • Must be captured within the last 3 months
  • Background: Solid, plain white or grey
  • 80% face coverage
  • Neutral expression
  • Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
  • Headgears - only for religious reasons
  • Facial hair - permitted

 

Latvia Visa Processing Time

The time for processing depends on a large number of parameters such as the number of entries, the type of the visa, the volume of applications at the embassy, and so on. In normal cases, you can expect it to be processed in about 10 days. However, these can increase depending on the factors mentioned. As a result, it is advised that you apply for the permit well in advance.