United States entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Latvian passport holders need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter the United States for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. Apply online before you travel; this requirement is in effect for 2026.
Apply for United States eVisaOnly valid for Visa Waiver Program nationalities. Apply at least 72 hours before departure; approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ESTA (eVisa) authorizationYou must have an approved ESTA before you fly to the US; it is not a visa but a travel authorization. Required for visa-free entry | Latvian citizens must obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding. The application is online at the official ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) and costs US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization). Processing is often instant, but allow up to 72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip; it needs to be valid for half a year beyond your stay. Must be valid for 6 months beyond stay | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the United States. For a 90-day stay, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a ticket out of the US shows you plan to leave, which can help at check-in and border control. Not explicitly required but strongly advised | While US immigration does not always require proof of onward travel, airline staff may ask to see a return or onward ticket before boarding. It is recommended to have one to avoid delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou might be asked how you will pay for your trip; having a card or statement helps. Not required but useful | US immigration does not require a specific amount of funds, but you should be able to show you can support yourself during your stay if asked. Credit cards or bank statements are acceptable. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before you travel; you will do it on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Latvian citizens entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You will complete a customs declaration form upon arrival (usually electronic). | Not required |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
Overstaying your ESTA by even one day can get you banned from the US for years. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
Apply early, not at the airport
You cannot apply for ESTA at the airport. Do it online at least 72 hours before departure. The official site is esta.cbp.dhs.gov — avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and answer a few security questions. Pay the fee of US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization) with a credit card. Most applications are approved within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
2
Check in and board your flight
At the airport, present your passport and ESTA approval (printed or on your phone). The airline will verify your ESTA status electronically. You'll also need to show your return ticket.
3
Arrive at US immigration
After landing, follow signs to 'Foreign Passports' or 'Visitors'. You'll queue at a CBP officer booth. Hand over your passport and answer questions about your trip (purpose, length of stay, where you're staying). The officer may take your photo and fingerprints.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once admitted, collect your checked bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter the US.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Max stayUp to 6 months (granted at entry)
ValidityUsually 10 years (multiple entries)
Cost$185 (application fee)
Required for stays longer than 90 days or if you are ineligible for ESTA. Must apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader/Investor Visa
Max stayUp to 2 years (extendable)
ValidityIndefinite as long as status maintained
Cost$205 (application fee)
For Latvian nationals engaged in substantial trade or investment in the U.S. Requires a treaty country relationship.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years (extendable to 6)
ValidityUp to 6 years
Cost$190 (base fee) plus additional fees
For employment in a specialty occupation. Requires a U.S. employer sponsor and annual lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 6 years (3+3 renewal)
$460 USD (€425) filing fee + legal fees
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree. Employer-sponsored, annual cap applies. Allows eventual green card.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$350 USD (€320) SEVIS fee + $185 visa fee
For full-time academic programs at accredited US institutions. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT).
investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (green card)
$1,050,000 USD (€970,000) minimum investment
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. High capital requirement but leads to citizenship.
exchange visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 18 months (varies by program)
$220 USD (€200) visa fee + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research programs. Requires a designated sponsor. Often includes a two-year home residency requirement.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ESTA application feeIncludes authorization fee; payable online by credit card. | $21 |
| ESTA authorization feeIncluded in the $21 total; not charged separately. | $4 |
| ESTA application processing feeIncluded in the $21 total; not charged separately. | $17 |
| Visa waiver overstay fineIf you stay beyond 90 days, you may be fined and barred from future entry. | Varies |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%
Incomplete 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 United States
No transit visa needed
Latvian citizens do not need a visa for airside transit through U.S. airports if they have an approved ESTA or a valid U.S. visa. However, all travelers must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival, even if staying airside.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If you do not have an ESTA or a valid U.S. visa, you must obtain a C-1 transit visa before traveling.
- Crew members may require a D visa.
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in northeastern and upper midwestern states; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is highest in summer and early fall, especially in rural areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General risk from undercooked food; safe food handling is recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) District Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) file by mail; no walk-in service.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointments required for in-person queries; extensions by mail.
Practical information for LV travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, if you're visiting for tourism or business for 90 days or less, you only need an ESTA authorization. Apply online at least 72 hours before your flight. The cost is US$40.27 ($4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization).
Most applications are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply as early as possible — at least a few days before your trip.
If denied, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Riga. This requires an interview, costs $185 USD, and takes several weeks.
No, ESTA does not allow extensions. You must leave the US before 90 days. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel.
If you're connecting to another international flight and staying airside, you still need an ESTA or a visa. There is no transit exemption for Latvian passport holders.
Bring your valid passport, ESTA approval (printed or digital), return ticket, and proof of accommodation. It's also wise to have travel insurance details handy.
No. ESTA is only for tourism, short business meetings, or transit. You cannot take employment or enroll in a course of study. For work or study, you need the appropriate visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.