Latvia entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or consulate before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate | Ethiopian passport holders need a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia. Submit your application at the nearest Latvian embassy or consulate — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Start the process at least 4 weeks before your departure date.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Schengen | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after the day you leave the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years and contain at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen area | Border officers at Riga Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a notarized invitation letter from your host in Latvia. Keep a printed copy of your booking confirmation in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Latvian border guards can request proof you have at least €100 per day of your stay. Show recent bank statements, a credit card with sufficient limit, or cash in euros. | Recommended |
Visa Required — Apply Early
You cannot enter Latvia without a pre-approved Schengen visa. Start the application process at least 4 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
Travel Insurance Is Mandatory
For the visa, you need insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses for the entire Schengen area. Without it, your application will be rejected.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen Visa
Contact the Latvian embassy or consulate in Ethiopia (usually in Addis Ababa) to book an appointment. Submit your application, passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and bank statements. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6). Processing takes about 15 calendar days.
2
Wait for Approval
After submission, the embassy reviews your application. You may be called for an interview. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Collect it in person or via courier.
3
Travel to Latvia
Fly into Riga International Airport (RIX). At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask about your trip purpose and funds. Answer clearly.
4
Enter and Enjoy Your Stay
Once admitted, you can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Keep your documents handy in case of checks.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism. Must apply at Latvian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry. Requires proof of need for frequent travel.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires additional documentation and approval.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For individuals with a job offer from a Latvian employer. Requires work permit approval and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Latvia. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For family members of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and residence permit of sponsor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (if applicable)Additional fee charged by visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by application center |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying Schengen visa can lead to fines and future visa issues. | €30 per day (approx. $33 USD), max €300 (approx. $327 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders generally need an airport transit visa to change planes in Latvia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit are exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa for the UK, US, Canada, Japan, or Australia may be exempt in some cases.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Ethiopia).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Spread by ticks in rural areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is safe to drink.
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) – Riga Branch
Čiekurkalna 1. līnija 1, Riga, LV-1026
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA – Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 44, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for ET 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 = 0.88 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
If you're transiting through a Latvian airport and staying airside, you generally need an airport transit visa unless you hold a visa or residence permit from a Schengen country. Check with the embassy.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if more documentation is needed. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your trip.
No, the Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can lead to fines or a ban.
You can enter Latvia with a valid Schengen visa issued by any member state, as long as it's still valid and covers the period of your stay.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply at the embassy.
You'll need a completed application form, passport (valid 6+ months), 2 passport photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and a cover letter explaining your trip purpose.
No, you must obtain a visa before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival for Ethiopian passport holders at Latvian borders.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.