Latvia entry requirements for Philippines 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
Filipino passport holders need a visa to enter Latvia. Apply at the Latvian embassy or a Schengen visa application center before your trip. This rule applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa at the Latvian embassy or consulate | Philippine passport holders need a Schengen visa before traveling to Latvia. Apply at the Latvian embassy or authorized visa application center in your country of residence. Processing takes at least 15 calendar days, so submit your application well in advance.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for visa stamps. Latvia enforces the 3-month validity rule strictly at the border. Airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel required | Immigration officers at Riga Airport ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. This applies to all Schengen entry points. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Latvia. Border officers may ask for this during the visa application process and at entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Have bank statements or cash showing you can cover at least €50 per day for your stay. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it's part of the Schengen visa requirements. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
You cannot enter Latvia without a valid Schengen visa. Application processing can take 15 days or more, so start at least a month before your trip. Walk-up visa applications at the border are not possible.
Schengen area rules apply
Latvia is part of the Schengen zone. A Latvian visa allows you to travel to other Schengen countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy) for up to 90 days total. But you must enter Latvia first if it's your main destination.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed Schengen visa application form, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, bank statements, and any other supporting papers. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Book an appointment at the Latvian embassy in Manila or the nearest Schengen visa application center (e.g., VFS Global). Submit your application in person, pay the fee (approx. €80 for adults), and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Processing typically takes 15 calendar days.
3
Wait for visa decision
After submission, your application is processed. You may be called for an interview. Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check the validity dates and number of entries.
4
Travel to Latvia
When you arrive at Riga Airport (RIX) or any Schengen border, present your passport with the visa. The border officer may ask for your return ticket, accommodation proof, and insurance. Answer clearly and confidently.
Download Latvia Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines 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. Must apply at Latvian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (subject to approval)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Requires strong travel history and justification.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Latvian Work Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For employment in Latvia. Requires a job offer and work permit from the Latvian authorities. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Latvian Student Visa (D visa)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For full-time study at a Latvian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For family members of Latvian residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsorship.
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 (if applicable)Additional fee charged by visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global). | Varies by application center |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying Schengen visa-free period. Maximum cap may apply. | €30 per day (~$33 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
Philippines 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 visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsRiga International Airport (RIX)
Health & vaccines for Latvia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common in winter months. Annual vaccination advised.
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 08:30–15:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents.
Daugavpils
OCMA Daugavpils Branch
Vienības iela 13, Daugavpils, LV-5401
Mon–Thu 08:30–16:30, Fri 08:30–15:00
Regional office for visa-related matters.
Practical information for PH 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 and staying in the international transit area without entering the Schengen zone, you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to pass through passport control (e.g., changing airports or leaving the transit area), you will need a Schengen visa. Check with your airline.
Standard processing time is 15 calendar days from the date of application. This can extend to 45 days if additional documentation is needed. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned travel.
No, the Schengen visa does not allow extensions for tourism or business. You must leave the Schengen area before your visa expires. For longer stays, you would need a national visa or residence permit, which requires a separate application.
A valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by any Schengen state allows you to enter Latvia for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). Just ensure your visa is still valid and covers the dates of your trip.
You apply at the Embassy of Latvia in Manila or through the designated visa application center (often VFS Global). Check the embassy's website for the latest appointment booking and fee details.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal the decision within a specified period (usually 30 days) or reapply with stronger documentation. Common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to your home country.
Yes, border officers may ask to see evidence that you have enough money for your stay. The recommended amount is at least €50–€100 per day. Bank statements, credit cards, or cash are acceptable.
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.