Latvia entry requirements for Kazakhstan 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
Kazakhstan passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia in 2026. Apply at the Latvian embassy or consulate in your country of residence before you travel. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Kazakhstan passport holders need a Schengen visa for Latvia. Apply at the Latvia Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs portal. Processing takes 15 calendar days — submit at least 3 weeks before departure.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Latvia. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Riga Airport checks for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they scan the booking reference. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a notarized invitation letter from a host in Latvia. Border officers ask for this at passport control — a booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for stay | Carry evidence of at least €50 per day of stay — bank statements, cash, or a credit card. Latvia rarely checks this for visa holders, but have documents ready if asked. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days, especially in summer. Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules apply
A Latvian visa lets you travel to all 27 Schengen countries. But you must enter Latvia first (or spend the most days there) unless you have a multiple-entry visa.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and completed application form. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Latvian embassy or a designated visa application centre (like VFS Global) in your country of residence. Submit your documents, pay the fee, and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30–45 days during peak seasons or if additional checks are needed. Track your application online if available.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the visa validity dates and number of entries. If denied, you'll receive a reason and can appeal.
5
Travel to Latvia
At the border (Riga Airport or land crossing), present your passport with the valid visa. Be ready to show return ticket, accommodation proof, and travel insurance if asked.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
Latvia Work Visa (D visa for employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Latvia. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D visa for studies)
Up to 1 year, renewable annually
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized Latvian educational institution. Must show proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Latvia Investor Visa (D visa for business)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee + investment minimum €50,000
For entrepreneurs investing in a Latvian company. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €30 (~$33 USD) per day, max €300 (~$327 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Kazakhstan passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Latvia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state may transit without a transit visa.
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
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice. Tap water is safe.
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 08:30–17:00, Fri 08:30–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 44, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–17:00, Fri 08:30–16:00
Handles visa and residence matters for eastern Latvia.
Practical information for KZ 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 are transiting through a Latvian airport to a non-Schengen destination and staying airside, you generally do not need a transit visa. However, if you need to enter the Schengen area (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), you need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The exact duration is printed on your visa sticker. You cannot extend it beyond 90 days except in very exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency).
Yes, you can apply at the Latvian embassy in Nur-Sultan (Astana) or the consulate in Almaty. You must apply in the country where you legally reside. If you are in a third country, you may need to apply at the embassy of another Schengen country representing Latvia.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. Fees are non-refundable. Some visa application centres charge an additional service fee (around €20–30).
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. During peak season (summer) or if additional documents are needed, it can take 30–45 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
You will receive a written explanation. You can appeal the decision within 30 days to the Latvian embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Re-applying with stronger documentation (e.g., more proof of ties to Kazakhstan) is also an option.
If you stay in a hotel, they register you automatically. If staying with friends or family, your host must register your stay with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs within 3 working days of your arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines.
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.