Latvia Visa Guide for Indian Citizens Complete Application Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to travel to Latvia. It’s your nationality that really matters for Latvia visa rules, not whether you live in the UK or somewhere else. You’ll have to submit your application at the VFS Global center in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata.
Riga, Latvia
Historic Old Town
Jurmala, Latvia
Baltic Sea Beach
Sigulda, Latvia
Gauja National Park
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Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for Latvia Visa from London with an Indian Passport?
If you're an Indian citizen living in the UK and want to apply for a Latvia visa, you'll need to meet certain UK residency requirements first.
UK Residency Requirements
- ✓ You must hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or residence visa; you can't apply if you're only on a visitor visa.
- ✓ Your UK residence permit should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Latvia, preferably with some extra validity beyond your travel dates.
- ✓ From my experience, it is better to have 6 months valid afterwards to reduce the risk of rejection.
Basic Eligibility Criterias
- ✓ There's no strict age limit, but applicants under 18 might need parental consent.
- ✓ Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Latvia.
- ✓ The visa application must clearly state the purpose of your visit, which should fit Latvia's visa categories like tourism, business, or family visit.
Who Cannot Apply
People currently holding only a UK visitor visa or those without valid UK residence status can't apply for a Latvia visa from the UK. Also, if you have unresolved immigration issues or are banned from the Schengen area, your application will likely be refused.
Documents Checklist for Latvia Schengen or Work Visa Application for Indian Nationals in UK
ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Passport: Make sure your passport’s valid for at least three months after you plan to leave Latvia. It needs to have at least two blank pages for stamps. Don’t use a passport that’s damaged, close to expiry, or missing pages it’s a common reason for rejection. Always include a clear photocopy of your passport’s biometric page and any previous Schengen visas if you’ve held any.
Visa Application Form: Complete the Schengen or work visa application form for Latvia. Double-check: signatures, dates, and consistent information with your other documents. Mistakes here can hold things up or even lead to a refusal.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-size photos, meeting Schengen photo standards (white background, no glasses, neutral expression).
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
- Flight Bookings: You need to show proof of onward and return flights typically a reservation or itinerary is fine. Don’t buy actual tickets until you know your visa is approved, since visas aren’t guaranteed.
Accommodation Proof: Hotel reservations for your stay or a letter from a host if you’re staying with friends or family. If you send a fake or tentative accommodation, it’s an easy way to get refused.
- Travel Insurance: Schengen-compliant travel insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid for the full stay in Latvia and the entire Schengen area. Forgetting to include this, or submitting a policy that doesn’t meet all requirements, is a frequent error.
STATUS DOCUMENTATION
- UK Residence Permit (BRP) or visa: You must be legally resident in the UK, with a BRP or valid UK visa covering at least one month past your planned departure from Latvia. Expiring UK status is one of the top reasons for rejection.
- Employment or Student Status: If you’re working, provide an employment letter (on company headed paper, recent, signed) and recent payslips. Students need a letter from their school or university confirming enrolment and attendance. Failing to get up-to-date, original letters makes the process harder.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Financial Proof: Recent bank statements (usually last three months), showing enough funds for your trip and stay. Vague or redacted statements, or insufficient balance, aren’t accepted.
- Family Documents (if relevant): If you’re travelling with family, include marriage or birth certificates. All non-English documents must have certified translations uncertified translations are often rejected.
- Cover Letter: Not mandatory, but a short cover letter explaining your travel plans can help. Don’t forget to keep your explanation clear and consistent with your travel docs. Remember, missing signatures, inconsistent info across your documents, or submitting expired paperwork are the most common mistakes people make. Take time to check each requirement rushing leads to simple errors that can delay or derail your visa application.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Latvia Visa from London for Indian Passport Holders
Follow these steps if you want to handle the application yourself
Online Application
Start by heading to the France-visas.gouv.fr website where you'll complete your Latvia visa application form. It's pretty straightforward, though you'll need to be patient with the interface.
Appointment Booking
Once that's done, book your appointment through TLScontact's London center. Try to book well in advance - slots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. There's usually a service fee involved.
Document Preparation
Get all your documents organized before your appointment day. Make sure translations are certified and you've got copies of everything - trust me, it saves headaches later on.
Appointment Day
Head to the TLScontact center in London (they've got locations in central London areas). You'll go through security, document verification, and biometric collection. The whole process typically takes about an hour, sometimes longer if it's busy. Arrive a bit early to account for any delays.
Tracking & Collection
After submitting, you can track your application status online using the reference number they provide. Your passport will either be returned by post or you can collect it from the center - depending on what option you chose during booking.
Travel
Remember to travel within the validity dates shown on your visa and keep all supporting documents with you when flying - immigration officers sometimes ask for additional paperwork at the airport.
Latvia visa processing time and fees for Indian nationals applying from the UK
Processing Timelines
For Indian nationals applying for a Latvia visa from the UK, the standard processing time is typically around 15 calendar days. However, during peak travel seasons like summer holidays or around major European events this can stretch a bit longer, sometimes up to 30 days. So, it's good to keep those busy periods in mind if you want to avoid last-minute stress.
Visa Fees
The standard Latvia Schengen visa fee for Indian citizens applying from the UK is €80, which is roughly £70. This fee applies to most applicants aged 12 and over. For children between 6 and 11 years old, the fee is reduced to €40 (about £35). Keep in mind, these fees are paid in euros, so slight fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the exact pound amount you pay.
Service Fees
When applying through TLScontact, which handles visa submissions for Latvia in the UK, you'll need to factor in their service charge. This is around £20-£30 on top of the visa fee. TLScontact also offers optional extras like prime time appointments for faster or more convenient scheduling, but these come at an additional cost. If you want to track your application, TLScontact provides an online tracking system so you can check progress without calling or visiting.
TIMELINE PLANNING: Since processing can vary, it’s best to apply about 6 to 8 weeks before your intended travel date. This window gives enough buffer to handle any unexpected delays, especially during busy months. Applying early also helps you secure your preferred appointment slot at TLScontact, avoiding the hassle of tight timelines.
Financial proof and accommodation requirements for Latvia visa applications by Indian citizens
Daily Financial Requirements
If you’re heading to Latvia from India, you’ll need to show you’ve got enough money for each day you plan to stay. The daily requirement ranges from €40 to €120 it depends on your accommodation type and whether you’ve prepaid for hotels or not. For example, if you’re staying 10 days and your accommodation is on the basic end, you’d need at least €400. It’s smart to add a little buffer, just in case your plans change or you end up spending more than expected.
Bank Statement Requirements
Latvia’s consulate typically asks for your bank statements covering the last 3 to 6 months. Don’t just include the summary make sure the statements show steady account activity and enough balance to cover your whole trip plus a safety net. If your account’s only had big deposits right before you apply, that can raise questions, so consistency matters.
Additional Financial Proof
Besides bank statements, you might need to show salary slips, recent tax returns, or employment letters. These help prove your regular income and financial stability. If you run a business or have other income sources, documentation for those can strengthen your application.
- We strongly recommend having at least £1,000 in your bank account for significantly better chances of visa approval
Sponsorship Options
If someone else is footing the bill say, a family member in Latvia you’ll have to provide sponsorship documents. This includes a formal invitation from your sponsor, copies of their ID, and proof of their financial means. Sponsorship is usually needed if your own funds don’t fully meet the requirements, or if you’re staying with someone local instead of at a hotel. Make sure all sponsor docs are clear and official, or your application might get delayed.
Top tips to increase Latvia visa approval chances for Indian passport holders
COMMON REJECTION REASONS
Incomplete financial documentation tops the list - most Indian applicants get denied because their bank statements don't show consistent income or sufficient funds. Missing travel insurance, unclear itinerary details, and weak ties to India also cause frequent rejections.
PREPARATION STRATEGIES
Start your application at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Organize documents chronologically and create a checklist - it's easier than you think to miss something important. Get your bank statements translated and certified, and make sure they cover the last 3-6 months consistently. Don't rush the process; embassy officials can spot hastily prepared applications.
SUCCESS TIPS
Strong employment letters work wonders - include salary details, leave approval, and return dates. Property ownership documents or family ties in India significantly boost your chances. Create a detailed day-by-day itinerary with hotel bookings and return flight confirmations. Many successful applicants also include a cover letter explaining their travel purpose clearly. Keep everything organized in a folder with tabs - presentation matters more than people realize. Double-check every form before submission because even minor errors can delay processing.
Latvia visa for Indian citizens FAQ: ETA rules, Schengen travel, exemptions, and more
Q: Do Indian citizens need a visa for Latvia, even if they live in London?
Yep, Indian nationals (including those living in London) need a visa to visit Latvia, no matter if it's for tourism, business, work pretty much any purpose. Latvia's not on India's visa-free list, so a Schengen visa's required. If you're applying from London, you'll be doing it through VFS Global, which handles Latvian visas on behalf of the embassy. - Double-check your travel plans and apply well in advance peak times can get busy.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for a Latvia Schengen visa?
You're going to need your valid passport (with at least six months left after your trip), a filled-out visa form, and recent biometric photos. Add travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), proof of where you'll stay, flight tickets, bank statements, and a cover letter explaining why you're visiting. If you're going for work, they'll ask for things like your contract and work permit, plus school and work certificates. - Organize your paperwork early and make sure you’ve got every document on the checklist.
Q: What’s the application process from London?
First, fill out the Schengen application form online. Get your documents together, then book an appointment at VFS Global in London. You'll need to show up in person to give biometrics, hand in documents, and pay the fees. After that, you can track your application and pick up your passport when it’s ready. - Arrive early for your VFS appointment; sometimes lines can get long.
Q: How long does it take and what does it cost?
Most applications take about 15 days from when you give your biometrics, but it could take longer if they need more info or it’s peak season. The standard fee is €80 and you’ll pay it at VFS. Service fees are extra. - Budget for all the fees upfront don't forget about potential add-ons.
Q: What are the financial requirements?
You’ll have to show you’ve got enough money to cover your trip, usually with bank statements or a sponsor letter. The rule of thumb is at least €14 per day of your stay, but showing a bit more is smart. - Make sure your bank statements are recent and easy to read.
Q: Is there anything new or extra I need to do in 2025?
Yes starting 1 September 2025, all non-EU visitors (including Indians) need to register online at eta.gov.lv at least 48 hours before arriving in Latvia. It’s separate from your visa and mandatory. - Don’t skip the ETA registration; missing it could mean you’re refused entry.
Expert Review & Official Sources
Expert Verification & Official Sources
This comprehensive guide has been reviewed and verified by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visa requirements and UK-based applications, on September 09, 2025.
All information is cross-referenced with official embassy sources and current immigration policies as of September 11, 2025.
We strongly recommend that you always check the official source: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/london