Latvia entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Hungarian passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, you may travel to Latvia and the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period — no visa paperwork needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Hungarian passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Latvia. Since you're entering the Schengen zone, the 90/180-day rule applies across all 29 Schengen countries — Latvia doesn't count separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Immigration at Riga Airport will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Budget airlines check this before boarding — have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or an invitation letter from your host in Latvia. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your stay. Officers at Riga Airport rarely check this for Hungarian passport holders, but it's smart to have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
Schengen zone rules apply
Your 90-day allowance covers all 27 Schengen countries combined. If you spend 30 days in France and 30 in Germany, you only have 30 days left for Latvia. Use the Schengen calculator online to track your days.
Overstaying is serious
Even one day over your 90-day limit can result in a fine (up to €300) and a re-entry ban. Set a reminder on your phone a week before your allowed stay ends.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Riga Airport or border crossing
You'll land at Riga International Airport (RIX) or cross by land from Estonia, Lithuania, or Russia. At RIX, follow signs to 'Non-EU Passports' — even though you're visa-free, you still use that lane.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and boarding pass (or e-ticket). The officer will scan your passport and may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly and briefly.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
If requested, show your return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of funds. Keep them in a folder or on your phone. Most Hungarian passport holders are waved through without extra checks.
4
Receive entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp before walking away — it shows how long you're allowed to stay (usually 90 days). Keep your passport safe.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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 1 year
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free limit; apply at Latvian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Convenient for frequent travellers; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (approx. $109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa for employment)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Latvian educational institution. Must show proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and accommodation.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if applicable)Visa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave Schengen area. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying may result in fines and entry bans. | ~€30 per day (approx. $33 USD), max cap varies |
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
Hungarian passport holders do not need a transit visa for Latvia as they are visa-free for the Schengen area.
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; use repellent and check for ticks after outdoor exposure.
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) – Riga Branch
Čiekurkalna 1. līnija 1, Riga, LV-1026
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring all original documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA – Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Serves eastern Latvia; appointments recommended.
Practical information for HU 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
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Latvia. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, count those days too.
No, the visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa (type D) at the Latvian embassy before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, there is no arrival declaration requirement for Hungarian citizens. You simply enter and leave within your allowed stay.
You may be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before traveling. Minor damage like a small tear might be okay, but significant damage can cause problems.
No, the visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa or residence permit. You cannot start any paid activity without it.
You must carry your passport or a copy of it. Police can ask for ID. A digital copy on your phone is usually accepted, but a physical copy is safer. Keep the original in your hotel safe.
No, entry is free. There are no visa fees or arrival taxes for Hungarian passport holders. You just need to cover your own travel and accommodation costs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.