Latvia entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. You must apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or visa application center before you travel. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvia embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days — submit your application well in advance. The visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from Schengen area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Latvia enforces the 3-month validity rule strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa application and at border control | Immigration officers at Riga Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready — a bus or train ticket to another Schengen country also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry with you | Hotel booking confirmations, hostel reservations, or a letter of invitation from a host in Latvia. Immigration may ask for this during the visa interview or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry with you | Bank statements, credit card statements, or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. Latvia does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but having at least €50–€70 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Schengen visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak season. Do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Visa covers all Schengen countries
A Latvian-issued Schengen visa allows you to travel to any of the 27 Schengen countries (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just enter Latvia first if it's your main destination.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and proof of employment or leave.
2
Submit your visa application
Apply at the Latvian embassy or a designated visa application center (like VFS Global) in Sri Lanka. You must apply in person — no online-only option for Schengen visas. Book an appointment in advance.
3
Pay the visa fee
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (about 28,000 LKR). Reduced fee of €40 for children 6–12. Free for children under 6. Pay at the center — cash or card accepted.
4
Attend the interview
At your appointment, submit documents, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and answer a few questions about your trip. The interview is usually brief — 10–15 minutes.
5
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can extend to 30–45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
6
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport from the application center or have it couriered. The visa sticker will show the validity dates and number of entries allowed.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national 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)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For employment with a Latvian employer. Requires a work permit and job offer. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Latvia Student Visa (D Visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a recognized Latvian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
business visa
Latvia Business Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For entrepreneurs or investors starting a business in Latvia. Requires a 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) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional fee for visa application center services. | ~€30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €20 (~$22 USD) per day, max €1,000 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lanka 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 are exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa from a Schengen member state are exempt.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-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 repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; 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) Riga Branch
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. Appointments recommended.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
18. novembra iela 44, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles immigration matters for southeastern Latvia.
Practical information for LK 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
No. Latvia does not offer visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days. If additional documents are requested or background checks are needed, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 (approx. 28,000 LKR). Children aged 6–12 pay €40. Children under 6 are exempt. Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
Yes. Latvian authorities typically require evidence of at least €50–€100 per day of your stay. Bank statements from the last 3 months showing sufficient balance are standard.
No. The Schengen visa is not extendable for tourism. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from the Schengen area.
You apply at the Latvian embassy in New Delhi, India, or through a designated visa application center (like VFS Global) in Colombo. Check the embassy website for the exact address and appointment booking.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the embassy that issued the refusal. There is no guarantee of reversal, so address the reasons given in the rejection letter.
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.