If you are planning to visit Latvia on holiday / vacation / any short stay purpose, you will need to apply for a short-stay Latvia Schengen visa. In this article you find details regarding Latvia Schengen visa for US green card holders, Visa requirements, Latvia visa fees, where to apply, how to apply for Latvia Schengen visa for green card holders in US many more things.
If you have travelled to the Schengen Area, Latvia is one of the great place to visit and It is member of the Schengen Union. Riga, the capital, is an excellent place to start because there is so much to see and do around. Madona is surrounded by breathtaking natural Scenery. Latvia will thrill you no matter what you do.
And as we are Schengen visa consultants, we help you to get your Latvia Schengen visa in easy way, in case if you find difficulty to apply. Take consultation for Latvia Schengen visa for US green card holders with us.
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Do US citizen require a Latvia Schengen Visa to visit?
No. US citizen don’t need Latvia Schengen visa to visit. They can visit Latvia and other Schengen nation without visa. Since US has an agreement with the EU (European Union) which enables visa-free travel for US citizens throughout the EU, in which Latvia is also included.
And US citizens can stay stay up to 90days without visa. They should not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period, for short stays such as tourism, business, cultural or sports events, short term studies or medical treatment.
If they want to longer duration, then US citizens need to Apply for a National (D) Visa to visit Latvia as well as other Schengen area.
May, 2025 onwards, US citizens will have to register for ETIAS before travelling to visit Latvia.
Do US Green card holders require a Latvia Schengen Visa to visit?
It’s depends on what kind of passport you are holding. If you are a US Green Card holder and planning to visit Latvia. So you can apply for Latvia Schengen visa Based on passport which you hold.
If you are holding a passport of a country which has a visa liberalization agreement with the EU then you don’t have to apply for Latvia Schengen visa otherwise you need to apply for Schengen visa to enter Latvia.
For Example, let’s assume that you are a US Green Card holder but your home country is India. then, you will have to get a Schengen Visa for Latvia. The only reason is that applicants from India can’t visit Latvia or any other Schengen Area without a Schengen visa, Because India does not have visa liberalization with the EU.
ETIAS Latvia for US Citizens
US citizen don’t need visa to visit Latvia or any other Schengen country Because US has a visa liberalization agreement with the EU. But May, 2025 onwards, US citizens will have to register for ETIAS before travelling to visit Latvia.
ETIAS is an electronic travel permit that will let all people from countries that don’t need visas to travel in the Schengen area without having visa. Americans / US citizens, soon will have to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Latvia.
In other words, you don’t need to get a different travel permit for each Europe country you plan to visit. With ETIAS, American tourists can go to Latvia also can visit neighboring countries Estonia and Lithuania.
Who can Apply for Latvia Schengen Visa in US?
Check below details to know who can able to apply for Latvia Schengen visa from US..
- If you are planning visit only Latvia, then you need to apply for Latvia Schengen visa.
- If you are planning to visit Latvia as well as other multiple Schengen countries. Then you can apply for Latvia Schengen visa, if you want spend most of your time in Latvia.
- If you are planning Latvia as well as other multiple Schengen countries and want to spend equal days in all countries, then you can apply for Latvia Schengen visa if and only if your first entering country will be Latvia.
- You are an US citizen who has been denied visa-free access into Latvia or any other Schengen nation in the past.
- You are green card holder in US, then you need to obtain a visa in order to enter the Latvia or any other Schengen Area. You must be a legal permanent resident of the United States. After leaving the Schengen area, your residence must be valid for another three months.
Types of Latvia Schengen Visas for US Residents and Green Card Holders
- Latvia Transit Visa : You need to get a transit visa if visitors who has planned to stop in the Latvian area before getting on a plane, ship, boat, or train leaving Latvia can use it.
- Latvia Tourist Visa : The main reason most people go to Latvia is for vacation, to see the sights, or to see family and friends who live there. Then you can get a Latvian tourist visa for a maximum period of 90 days.
- Latvia Visitor visa : You can apply for visitor visa, If you are going to Latvia to see / visit family or friends who officially stay there or are citizens of Latvia or any of the Schengen areas, you will be there to see them.
- Latvia Business visa : If you are planning to visit Latvia for business purposes. A business visa is required if you work for a Latvian company or organization, or the Latvian government.
- Latvia Diplomat visa : you need diplomat visa for official visits by government officials or national groups.
- Latvia Medical visa : Individuals who wish to visit Latvia for medical reasons must get a medical visa.
- Latvia Student Visa : If you are applying or have been accepted to a Latvian educational institution, you will have to apply for a Latvia Student visa.
- Latvia visa for Sports, Cultural or Film Crew : If you are planning to visit Latvia for attending a sport, cultural events or filming a movie, Then you must obtain a sports visa / cultural visa.
- Latvia Spouse Visa : If you have planned to visit Latvia to join your spouse who either is a citizen or has a work permit for.
What are the Documents Required for Latvia Schengen Visa for Green Card Holders in US?
Gather all required documents needed to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Latvia in US:
1. A valid passport or a valid travel document:
Yo need submit valid passport or travel document which has been issued within the last 10 years which should have at least two blank pages for visas and should valid for at least 3 months after the visa’s expiration date.
2. Latvia visa Application form:
You can download the Latvia visa application form here. And it has to be completed and signed and you need to fill the application form with accurate details.
3. Two Recent Photographs:
You need to submit the two recent passport sized photographs. Please get more information regarding Latvia Schengen visa photograph Specification here
4. Travel medical insurance:
A minimum of 30,000 Euros in travel medical insurance should cover the duration of your entire trip. Please keep in mind that your insurance policy should cover all your medical, hospital, and repatriation expenses. Get more information on Travel Medical insurance here.
5. Cover letter:
You need to submit the cover letter which also called as visa letter, this letter will explain your purpose of the trip to Latvia, how long you have planned to stay and many more. Get more information about cover letter for Latvia visa here
6. Proof of residency:
You need to submit original and copy of a valid US alien registration card or green card, or valid US resident visa. The US residency permit or visa must be valid for at least three months
7. Invitation Letter:
You need submit copy of invitation by the relative/friend residing in Latvia, inviting you to visit. For get more information about Invitation letter for visa here.
8. Proof of accommodation in Latvia:
You need prove that you have place to stay in Latvia by providing the hotel reservation, or hostel bookings or Invitation letter from invitee that you are going to stay with the inviting party..
9. Flight Itinerary or Flight round trip ticket or ticket reservation:
You need to prove that how long you are going to stay in Latvia or any other Schengen country by providing your round trip flight tickets or your flight itinerary. Get more information about Flight Itinerary here.
10. Proof of subsistence:
Bank account transaction information over the last three months; credit card and turnover printouts wage letter from the employer.
11. Proof of financial means:
You need submit the proof that you have enough money which will cover your whole trip.
- Bank account statement or Credit card statement
- Sponsorship letter
- A combination of both
12. Proof of civil status:
Need to submit certificate of marriage and birth certificate of your children.
13. Proof of Income:
Depending on your employment or student status, you will have to provide the required documents to support your Latvian Schengen visa application:
- if you are an employee:
- Most recent pay stub.
- Latest 6 month your bank statements.
- A letter from your current employer or a company by stating your job title, start date and your yearly income and approved time off.
- ITR (Income Tax return) Certificate.
- For self-employed:
- Copy of your company / business license;
- Proof of previous economic activity.
- Latest 6 month bank statement of your company
- company Income Tax return Certificate.
- For retired:
- proof of pension benefits or other regular and sufficient income
- Or Latest 6 month bank statement
- Financial dependent:
- Last joint Income Tax Return or joint bank statements
- Sponsorship Letter
- if you are minor:
- birth certificate and written consent of your parent / guardian
- Written permission from parents or guardians, notarized, to travel abroad.
- Parents or guardians sign the Belgium Schengen visa application form.
- One parent must be there, and the other parent must write permission for the application to be made in his or her place.
- If you are a Student or Researchers
- A certificate from the receiving institution / University by attesting to the duration and intent of the visit Belgium
- Certificate from Home institution / University on enrolment.
- If you are not staying in a hotel, then confirm your accommodations by providing the name, address, and phone number of the lodging facility.
- a letter which should states that all costs are covered, if applicable.
14. Supporting documents
- If you are visiting Family or Friends in Belgium:
- Invitation letter: Invite letter from a friend or family member, along with a copy of their ID or residency permit. If the person is related to you, then you need include legal proof of family ties, such as birth certificates.
- Proof of confirmed accommodation: If you are not staying at any hotel or any hostel, then you need to submit name, address, and phone number of where you are going to live.
- If you are visiting for business purpose:
- A letter of invitation from the business partner
- reference letter proof from your current employer
- If you are not staying in a hotel, then confirm your accommodations by providing the name, address, and phone number of the lodging facility.
- a letter confirming that all costs are covered, if applicable.
Travel Medical Insurance For Latvia Schengen Visa for Green Card Holders in US
Green card holders or third party country nationals must submit the travel medical insurance which is very important document to get Latvia Schengen visa. The Travel Medical insurance should cover at least 30,000 EUR in medical care or emergency hospital stays in case of sickness. It should cover all Schengen Area countries. As well as it should cover any costs that come up with sending someone back home for medical reasons.
If you are from third country, and you have planned to visit Latvia once or twice, then you must show proof of travel medical insurance that covers your whole stay.
If you are a US citizen, you don’t need a Schengen visa to visit Latvia or any Schengen nations, but we advice you to still take travel insurance because medical costs can be high for tourists.
In case, if you want to stay in Latvia for a long stay, like for Work or studying purpose, then you must need health insurance instead of travel insurance.
Your insurance must also cover other countries that you plan to visit (if any) . Know more about Travel Medical insurance for Latvia Schengen visa here.
Flight Itinerary for Latvia Schengen Visa for US Green Card holders
It can be risky if you take fully paid flight tickets before your visa gets approved. Instead of that we help you to create dummy flight itinerary or will book dummy flight tickets for your Latvia Schengen visa purposes, once your visa gets approved then you can pay the fee and book the actual flight tickets.
The main purpose of a travel itinerary is to provide the following information about your trip. Such as:
- Your main purpose to visiit Latvia like backpacking, honeymoon, to visit friend/relative, for attending a trade fair or event
- Validity period of your visa. If you have planned your trip for 7 days, then your visa will have a validity of 9 days from the trip start date.
- Whether you need to a Single entry or multiple entry visa or not. For Example : You have planned to visit London during your Europe trip, then you need to have a multiple entry visa otherwise you will not be allowed to re-enter Schengen area).
- Arrival and departure from the Schengen area
- Departure and arrival to the United States of America
You can know more about flight itinerary for Latvia Schengen visa.
Cover Letter For Latvia Schengen Visa for Green Card Holder
Cover letters are an important part of applying for a Latvia Schengen Visa. You need to learn how to write this cover letter properly, it could make the difference in whether or not the visa is granted.
The Cover Letter is a key requirement for Schengen Visa applications. In this cover letter, you should explain more about yourself, your holiday and when you plan to go back to your home country. It gives consular staff at the Embassy or Consulate quick rundown of your travel history, including times of travel, jobs, and other information.
Know more about cover letter for Latvia Schengen visa.
How to Apply for Latvia Schengen visa for Green card holder in US?
Check out the this step by step guide to apply for Latvia Schengen visa in US for Green card holder:
- Identify your visa type: You need to select the right visa for your trip
- Complete your visa application: Download the Latvia visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring it with you to the VFS Visa Application Centre.
- Gather the mandatory Latvia visa required documents.
- Book your visa appointment: You should select nearest Visa Application Centre based on your jurisdiction and Schedule your appointment to get your Latvia Schengen Visa.
- Pay your Visa fees: you will need to pay your visa application fee.
- Visit a Visa Application Centre: You need to submit your Latvia visa application form along with the required documents at the Visa Application Centre in person.
Track your application: When the VFS Visa Application Centre has received and processed your decision, you will be notified by email.
Where to apply for Latvia Schengen visa for Green Card Holders in US?
You can apply for Latvia Schengen visa at embassy or Consulate or VFS visa application center. The Latvian Embassy/consulate in the US (United States of America) has begun working with VFS Services (USA) Inc. on Latvia visa applications. Foreigners applying for Schengen visas will be able to submit their Latvian visa applications to any of the 6 VFS Services.
How to Book an appointment for Latvia Schengen visa for Green card holders in US?
Once after completing your visa application form, you must schedule an appointment to submit your Latvia visa application at a VFSGlobal Visa Application Centre. You will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment once you have Scheduled your appointment for your Latvia Schengen visa.
If you are applying for Latvia Schengen visa for your family or group, then you must schedule separate appointments for each member of the family or group. You can create once account in VFS and Schedule up 5 appointment. And please note that all family or group member will not get visa appointments on same day, it may vary.
What Happens at the Visa Application center On The Day Of The Appointment For Latvia Visa For Green Card Holders ?
Steps need to follow on the day of Visa appointment:
- You have to reach visa application center in person 15 min before your visa appointment.
- Children under 18 years has to visit VFS Visa Application Centre along with their parent/guardian.
- You need to submit all necessary documents without missing any.
- If you are not able to attend your appointment on scheduled day, you can reschedule the visa appointment within 24 hours of the original appointment date.
- You need to submit your fingerprints and a photograph at the VFSGlobal visa application center, which is called biometric information collection.
- The processing of your Latvia visa application cannot be done without submitting your biometric information.
- They will capture your facial and fingerprint scan.
- Your digital photograph needs to show your whole face. Should not wear anything for religious or moral reasons which will cover your face, you can’t wear sunglasses, colored glasses, or a hat.
- You need not to submit biometric data, If you have applied for a Schengen Visa in last 59 months.
- Kids who are under 12 years, need not to submit biometric data.
When to apply for Latvia Schengen visa in US?
We advice that you should apply as early as possible. Latvia Schengen visa applications has to be lodged not earlier than 6 months before the start of the intended visit.
How long does it take for my Latvian Schengen visa to be Approved ?
According to Article 23 of the Visa Code, diplomatic/consular missions must make a decision on a Latvia visa application within 15 calendar days of its submission.
In some exceptional circumstances, that processing time for Latvia Schengen visa may be extended up to 45 calendar days. In some extreme cases, it may take up to 60 calendar days.
What is the cost of Latvia visa for green card holders in US?
The Latvia Schengen visa fees for a applying in the United States are:
- Cost for Adults is – 80 EUR.
- For kids under 6 years is – FREE
- For kids aged between 6 to 11 years is 40 EUR.
- Airport Transit Visa – 80 EUR
- for Nationals of Albania, Armenia, Azrebaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Georgia ,Moldova, Montenegro, Russian Federation, Serbia, Ukraine, Kosovo is – 35 EUR
- For US residents holding a Gambia passport is – 120 EUR.
- VFS Services Charge – 37 EUR