Latvia entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Swiss passport holders can visit Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit. This applies from 2026 onward. Ensure your passport meets the entry requirements before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Latvia. Since Latvia is in the Schengen zone, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries — not just Latvia. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen zone | Immigration at Riga Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen area within 90 days. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air check this before boarding. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from a friend with their address ready. I've been asked for this at Riga passport control twice in the last year. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Latvia can ask for proof you have enough money for your stay. The official guideline is roughly €100 per day. A bank statement or credit card with a decent limit works. I've never been asked for this as a Swiss passport holder, but it's in the rules. | Recommended |
Schengen area rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen area. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all 27 Schengen countries. If you've already spent time in France or Germany earlier in the year, that time counts toward your 90-day limit.
Border checks may be random
While internal Schengen borders are normally open, Latvia may conduct random checks near the borders with Russia and Belarus. Always carry your passport when travelling near those borders.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave, gather your passport, return ticket, accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Save digital copies on your phone and print backups.
2
Arrive at Riga Airport or border crossing
At Riga International Airport (RIX), follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' queue. For land borders from Estonia or Lithuania, you'll go through Schengen exit/entry checks.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly: purpose of visit (e.g., tourism), length of stay, where you're staying.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before you walk away. Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmations handy for the duration of your trip.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Required for stays over 90 days or if visa-free is not used; apply at Latvian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For Swiss nationals with a job offer in Latvia. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For Swiss nationals enrolled in a Latvian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
digital nomad visa
Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
€80 (approx. $87 USD) application fee
For remote workers with income from outside Latvia. Requires proof of employment and minimum monthly income of €2,500.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90/180-day limit incurs fines; severe cases may lead to deportation. | €14 per day (approx. $15 USD), max €1,400 (approx. $1,500 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not applicable; apply at Latvian embassy. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; valid for up to 5 years with 90-day max per visit. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Stay extensionVisa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave Schengen area after 90 days. | Not applicable |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Latvia
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa for Latvia, as Switzerland is part of the Schengen area. You can transit freely through any Latvian airport.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Ticks in forested areas can transmit this virus; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Also tick-borne; common in rural areas. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but ensure food is properly cooked to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Riga
Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA)
Čiekurkalna 1. līnija 1, Riga, LV-1026
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa and residence permit issues; bring all original documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Regional office for eastern Latvia; appointments recommended.
Practical information for CH travellers
Country basics
CapitalRiga
LanguageLatvian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Latvia.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Swiss citizens can enter Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit. This applies to all Schengen countries, not just Latvia.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended for tourism. If you need to stay longer (e.g., for work or study), you must apply for a national visa or residence permit before you travel. Contact the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP) for details.
You may be denied boarding or entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced at Latvian borders. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, for stays under 90 days, no registration is required. If you stay longer than 90 days (with a visa or permit), you must register your address with the PMLP within 30 days.
Overstaying can result in a fine (typically €100-300), a ban from the Schengen area for up to 5 years, and deportation. Border control tracks your entry and exit dates via stamps and the Schengen Information System.
Yes, there are no internal border checks within the Schengen area. You can drive or take a bus from Estonia, Lithuania, or Poland without showing your passport. However, keep your documents ready in case of random checks.
Yes, you need proof that you will leave the Schengen area within 90 days. An onward ticket to a non-Schengen country (e.g., UK, USA, or Switzerland) works. A bus or train ticket is fine if it shows the date and destination.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.