Latvia entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UK passport holders can visit Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This covers tourism, business meetings, and short-term study. No visa is needed for stays under 90 days in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Schengen area | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Latvia (and the entire Schengen zone). Latvia enforces this at the border — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to a non-Schengen country. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from a friend/host with their address and contact number. A simple booking confirmation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your trip. Latvia does not publish a fixed amount, but having around €50–€70 per day in cash or a bank statement on your phone is a safe bet. Credit cards are widely accepted. | Recommended |
Schengen Area rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all Schengen countries. Keep track of your days using the Schengen calculator.
Overstaying is serious
Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine, deportation, or a re-entry ban to the entire Schengen Area. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga Airport or land border
At Riga International Airport (RIX), follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU citizens. Join the queue for 'All Passports' or 'Non-EU' lanes. Have your passport and any supporting documents ready.
2
Present your passport to the border officer
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your identity, scan your passport, and may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return ticket. Answer clearly and honestly.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, the officer stamps your passport with the entry date and the number of days you're allowed to stay (usually 90). Check the stamp before walking away.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then walk through 'Nothing to Declare' if you have no goods to declare. You're now in Latvia.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For those who need to stay beyond visa-free limits or have been denied visa-free entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year (typical)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple visits; must still respect 90/180 rule.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For UK nationals with a job offer from a Latvian employer. Requires work permit approval. Allows residence and work in Latvia.
Apply student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D Visa for Studies)
1 year, renewable annually
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For UK nationals enrolled in a full-time program at a Latvian university. Requires proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
Apply family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For UK nationals with a spouse or close family member who is a Latvian resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine is €1,400 (approx. $1,500 USD). Overstays may also lead to entry bans. | €14 per day (approx. $15 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, but allows multiple entries within validity. Requires justification. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
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
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Latvian airports, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the Schengen area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Ticks in forested areas can transmit TBE; vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Ticks also carry Lyme disease; check for ticks after hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene is good; risk is low for most travellers.
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–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
For visitors in eastern Latvia. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for GB 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. UK passport holders can enter Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism, business, or short-term study.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen Area rule. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (D visa) before your 90 days expire.
Your valid passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation for your first night, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone.
Not strictly required for visa-free entry, but strongly recommended. Medical costs in Latvia can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
You may be denied entry. Border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before travelling if it's close to expiry.
No. Visa-free entry does not permit paid work. You need a work visa or residence permit for any employment. Business meetings and conferences are fine.
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.