If you are planning to visit Latvia from Dubai you may be required to have a Latvia visa from Dubai. The visa requirements though don’t apply for Emirates because UAE passport holder is allowed to travel to any Schengen country visa free.
The visa requirements apply to Dubai residents and it also depends on your nationality. Therefore if you are an expatriate living in Dubai and you pan to visit Latvia you ought to know if you need to obtain the Latvia visa or not.
In this article, we have everything you need to know about Latvia visa from Dubai from who needs to apply for the visa, the requirements, and the application process to best things to do in Latvia.
Latvia is a wonderful country with all you need for an enjoyable visit, including breathtaking beaches, old castles, lush green forests, and so on. It is also an adventurer's paradise, with a variety of outdoor activities and water sports.
The requirements to have a visa when travelling to Latvia depend on your nationality. You can travel to Latvia without a visa if:
If you are a citizen of countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with Latvia or Schengen countries you must apply for a visa to visit Latvia.
You can travel to Latvia without a visa for a short term purposes if you are national or passport holder from the countries below:
| Albania | Israel | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Andorra | Japan | Saint Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Kiribati | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Argentina | Kosovo | Samoa |
| Australia | Macau | San Marino |
| Bahamas | Malaysia | Serbia |
| Barbados | Marshall Islands | Seychelles |
| Brazil | Mauritius | Singapore |
| Brunei | Mexico | Solomon Islands |
| Canada | Micronesia | South Korea |
| Chile | Moldova | Taiwan |
| Colombia | Monaco | Timor Leste |
| Costa Rica | Montenegro | Tonga |
| Dominica | New Zealand | Trinidad and Tobago |
| El Salvador | Nicaragua | Tuvalu |
| Georgia | North Macedonia | Ukraine |
| Grenada | Palau | United Arab Emirates |
| Guatemala | Panama | United States of America |
| Honduras | Paraguay | Uruguay |
| Hong Kong | Peru | Vanuatu |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Vatican City | Venezuela |
The types of Latvia visas are categorized per the reason you want to visit the country. The types of Latvia visas are:
You can for this visa when your reason for visiting Latvia is fun, business, or medical treatment. This visa is also referred to as Schengen visa because you can use it to visit other Schengen countries.
Transit visa is required for travelers transit through Latvia to a third destination but have to make layover to catch another flight. You are not required to leave the airport transit area enter the country.
The long term visas are mean to allow foreigners in Latvia and allow them to stay more than 90 days. You can apply for long term visa according to the reason you want to stay in the country. For instance if it to study apply for Latvia study visa or work apply for work visa.
When applying for a Latvia visa here are the mandatory visa you are required to submit:
You are supposed to fill in an application form online and then print it. You are supposed to fill-in all the spaces with correct details.
The pictures should be recent, not more than 6 months ago and follow Schengen visa photo requirements.
Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date you depart Latvia. Also, the passport should have at two blank pages.
The travel insurance must be valid in Latvia and other Schengen countries and must cover €30,000.
In your letter should in details explain the reason of visiting Latvia
Submit a confirmed or booked flight itinerary; it should have travel dates and flight number.
You have to submit documents showing you have arranged where you will be staying when you arrive in Latvia. It can be a hotel reservation or letter of invitation.
You can submit a marriage certificate if you are married or divorce papers
The documents you submit to show you have enough money to cover your expenses when staying in Latvia should at least show you can spend €14 a day according to the Latvian Immigration Law.
Submit a copy of valid UAE visa residency at least 3 months from expiry date of the requested visa/ when you exit Latvia.
Below are the steps to follow and apply for Latvia from Dubai. Our visa experts will assist throughout the application process.
Contact visa consultant via WhatsApp
Gather and submit all required documents
Pay the visa and consultation fees
The consultant will assist you fill out the visa application form
Reviewing of all the submitted documents
Booking appointment at the Latvia embassy
Attend the appointment and submit your visa application, biometrics and also attend the interview if you are required to
The embassy with start to process your visa
Receive notification once the visa is processed
The cost for Latvian visa is as follows:
| Latvian Short-Stay Visa | 90 Euro |
| Latvian Long-Stay Visa | 60 Euro |
| For children aged 6-12 | 45 Euro |
| For children under the age of six | Free |
| Latvian Transit Visa | 80 Euro |
The processing of Latvia visa takes approximately 15 working days. The processing sometimes gets delay and will have to wait up to 60 days. Some of the reason which causes processing delay is when you submit your application without all required documents, there is a long waiting line, etc.
You should at least submit your Latvia visa application at least 3 months before the intended travel day. That way you will have enough time to plan your trip after the visa is approved.
Website : http://www.mfa.gov.lv/aae
Email : [email protected]
Phone number : +971 244 732 67
Postal address : Embassy of Latvia, Villa 24, Sector West 36, Plot no 84A, Al Bateen Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
When you visit Latvia there are several things which you can do and get to explore the natural beauty and historical richness. Although this country is small, you can spend days touring different parts of the country and doing a lot of things.
Below we have done research and listed the best things to do in Latvia not matter your preferred experience.
Riga Old Town is one of the best places to visit in Latvia. You can spend the day explore this charming town which is filled with historic buildings, beautiful squares and cobblestone streets.
When strolling around the town you will get to notice building built in unique architecture design like the Gothic churches, medieval buildings, and examples of Art Nouveau.
You can get to catch stunning view of the city when you get to the House of the Blackheads and climb St. Peter’s Church tower.
Gauja National Park is one of the top parks which to visit in Latvia. The park is beautiful but is more stunning when the trees turn shades of orange, red and yellow.
At the park you can embark on hiking adventure and there are hiking trails which led to the gorgeous Gauja Valley. You can hiking by bike or go by foot.
Located at Riga gulf of the Baltic Sea, Jurmala is a popular international tourist resort. It one of the perfect places to spend your vacation in Latvia because it is a recreation place.
What make Jurmala famous are long sandy beaches, wooden summer cottages, and spas. Turits choose to spend even weeks at this place because this the seaside resort town offers a blend of natural beauty and architectural charm.
Summer season tourist flocks in this place for beach activities and during the offseason for a peaceful spa retreat.
Cēsis town is one of the major places tourist visit for leisure activities in both summer and winter. The town is pleasant, wide-open town surrounded by nature trails. This town was famous cultural center both during the National Awakening and the first independence.
If you would like to learn about this town history you ought to visit Cēsis Museum. The museum occupies the Medieval Castle, Cēsis Manor, the New Castle and Coach House.
Today tourist visits this town not only for leisure activities but also to explore the Cēsis castle. The castle is a fortified monastery that is chalky white in color and was used as a Livonian Order power base.
The smithy in the castle offers more information on ancient Latvian jewelry, and the Master of Applied Arts hosts a unique program on experimental archaeology.
Situated in Sigulda, Tarzan Adventure Park is among the top attractions in Latvia for of all ages who love outdoor activities and exhilarating adventures. The park provides a range of mental and physical challenges for guests, including zip lines and obstacle courses.
The park also offers mountain biking, paintball, and archery as additional activities. Hiking in the park with a guide is another option for you to discover the area's abundant forests and scenery.
Is an interview mandatory when applying for a Latvia Schengen visa?
No, it is not a must you be required to attend an interview when applying for Latvia visa from Dubai. The embassy may or may not require you to attend the interview. The interview is a must in case there are discrepancies in your application.
Is travel insurance mandatory to get a Latvia visa?
Yes, travel insurance is one of the mandatory requirements when applying for Latvia visa.
Can travel to other Schengen countries with a Latvia visa?
Yes, with Latvia visa you can use it to enter any country in Schengen area zone, Latvia is part of the Schengen Area.
What can I do if my Latvia visa application is rejected?
After your visa application is rejected you can either appeal the decision within stated time line or reapply after addressing the reasons for rejection.
Do I need to provide biometric data for a Latvia visa application?
Yes, you will be required to provided biometric data, fingerprints and a photo) when applying for Latvia visa.
