What you need for a trip to Latvia. For individual tourist trips. Do I need a visa to Latvia?
For those wishing to experience a foreign country, the presence of relatives there will be a big plus. This greatly simplifies the process of obtaining a sticker allowing entry. However, do not rush to buy tickets - a visa to Latvia for Russians by invitation has many subtleties and nuances that need to be taken into account.
Visitor visa
This type of permit is issued to persons wishing to visit relatives or close persons living in the visiting country. Typically, the validity of a visitor visa is limited to the dates indicated in the application form.
With Latvia's entry into the Schengen zone, Latvian diplomatic and consular missions abroad began to issue uniform or Schengen visas, valid on the territory of all Schengen countries. The maximum period of stay of a person with a Schengen visa in the Schengen area is three months within six months, starting from the first day of entry after crossing the external border of the Schengen area. This visa is only valid for stay in Latvia. It will also be valid for crossing the territory of other Schengen countries in order to reach Latvia.
The basis for the permission in question is an invitation. It can be issued by both a legal entity and individual. This invitation confirms that you will have a place to live during your trip and that your travel expenses will be paid.
Only a person with Latvian citizenship can be the guarantor of such a trip.
Accession to the Schengen Agreement provided Latvia with the opportunity to ensure that foreigners can obtain Schengen visas to travel to Latvia in places where Latvia does not have its own diplomatic and consular missions. Currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has entered into agreements with Germany, Hungary and France for visa representation in 21 countries.
Residents and work permits for researchers and students
Latvian migration legislation envisages simplified procedures for researchers, teachers and students. Participates in scientific cooperation with a Latvian institution included in the Register of Scientific Institutions for the period of time provided for in the scientific cooperation agreement, but not more than five years. In this case, a work permit is not required for third-country nationals; is a full-time student at educational institutions accredited in the Republic of Latvia for the period of study, but not more than one year. A work permit is issued to a full-time student if the work hours specified in employment contract, does not exceed 20 hours per week. In both cases, the national spouse, minor children of third countries and persons under guardianship also have the right to request a temporary residence permit for the duration of the temporary residence permit issued to the third country national.
Making an invitation
To complete the basic guest travel form, the host party must go to the local Citizenship and Migration Office. You need to have your passport with you, as well as the following information about the guest:
Full name (indicated in Latin);
floor;
nationality;
Date of Birth;
Place of Birth;
occupation and profession;
residence address in Latvia;
purpose of the trip;
Duration of the visit (exact dates are indicated).
Also after specified period a third-country national may request a residence permit again if the basis for requesting a residence permit remains valid. A work permit is also not required if a citizen of a third country based on an invitation educational institution or a scientific institution or an individual scientist in relation to scientific research or participation in the implementation of an educational program and the expected period of stay in the Republic of Latvia does not exceed 14 days.
If a citizen of member states of the European Union, states of the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation resides in Latvia for a certain period, he or she is issued a registration certificate. If he permanently resides in Latvia, a certificate of permanent circulation is issued.
Applying for a visa to Latvia by invitation also requires providing documented evidence of family ties with the invitee. You should also decide who will cover the costs of the trip. Moreover, only the costs of moving are taken into account, but also the finances that will be needed for the duration of your stay in the country.
If a family member of a Union citizen who is not a Union citizen resides in Latvia for a certain period of time, he or she is issued a residence permit for a family member of a Union citizen. If such a person permanently resides in Latvia, a permanent residence permit is issued.
If a Union citizen or his or her relative has established a legal employment relationship or is a self-employed person in the Republic of Latvia, a work permit is not required. The above documents are issued free of charge. Documents must contain a personal identification number, which is also necessary for tax and social security procedures!
The result of contacting the relevant department is a letter of invitation. The data that is important for the guest is the number of this letter. It is entered into the questionnaire during the preparation of documentation.
After receiving this number, you do not need to go to the Consulate immediately; wait 2-3 days. This is necessary so that the information is entered into the system, and so that employees of the Latvian representative office in the Russian Federation can see them. And remember that the invitation is valid for six months after its registration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Master's degree offered by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, available in English, Latvian and Russian, helps foreign citizens quickly find relevant information about entry and stay in Latvia, i.e. what documents are required and where application forms or documents can be obtained.
Documents for a visa to Latvia
Step by step, as requested, the user of the Entry and Residence Wizard provides information about the intended stay until last page does not summarize the requirements or application procedure for each specific case.
Documentation
To avoid any problems, it is necessary to prepare the documents correctly. This will determine whether a Latvian sticker will appear in your passport or not. The set of references is as follows:
Foreigner. Make sure that there are two pages without entries for the visa, and that the validity period does not expire for another 90 days after leaving Latvia;
photo;
Internal passport;
Invitation;
Confirmation of housing (if the inviting person does not provide this for you);
Insurance;
Duty payment receipt;
Proof that you have enough money if you are responsible for the travel expenses.
The above is an automated process based on the rules governing immigration as stated in the legislation of the Republic of Latvia and covers the most common scenarios based on the reason or purpose of residence. In very specific scenarios where the Entry and Residence Wizard cannot find the answer, visit the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs portal.
The office is the representative of Latvia in the European Migration Network. The State Employment Agency approves job offers. If you require further information or require personal assistance regarding a specific matter regarding General information about Latvia, please use our or contact.
If the Latvian citizens who invite you provide you with housing and bear all the costs of your visit, then they must provide financial documents.
Documents for a visa to Latvia by invitation require certain certificates from the person inviting you. Including, this is a photocopy of the passport, which is needed to confirm the Latvian citizenship of this person. You also need a photocopy of the document, which will make it clear what the relationship is between you and the person you are visiting.
How to obtain a “residence permit in Latvia”?
What is a “residence permit in Latvia”? What opportunities are available? Arrival and stay in Latvia for an unlimited number of days. Traveling to the Schengen area. To travel freely and stay in the Schengen area, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland for up to ninety days within 6 months. To be able to purchase and register a car in Latvia and travel throughout the Schengen area without paying customs duty. In Latvia have driver license, which can be used in member countries of the European Union. To be able to work in Latvia without the opportunity to work in other Schengen countries. Receive social guarantees for citizens. To be able to obtain a permanent residence permit in the European Union after 5 years. To be able to obtain Latvian citizenship in 5 years, which makes it possible to create visas on preferential terms when you travel to Canada, America, Australia or the UK.
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit
Purchasing real estate in Latvia, investing assets in the authorized capital of a Latvian company or making a deposit in one of the Latvian banks for a period of 5 years is an argument in favor of applying for the right to obtain a residence permit in Latvia. If the above criterion is met, an invitation is issued to complete all formalities. Requests from applicants for a residence permit in Latvia may vary significantly, depending on the investment and the citizenship of the investor. Who else can get a residence permit in Latvia without an investor? . Repayment deadlines for obtaining a residence permit in Latvia.
The cost of a visitor visa is 35 euros, if the consideration is not urgent. For urgent receipt of a visa stamp, you will need to pay 70 euros. The time for rendering a verdict regarding your application is 10 days. If you are in a hurry, the decision will be known in 3 days. Remember about potential reasons for refusal, among which the most important is the financial side.
The process of producing signed documents for obtaining a residence permit lasts from 5 working days to one month, which depends on the payment of the state fee. Legal consultations Preparation and submission of documents. Acting as an authorized person for the implementation of the client’s interests in Latvia in accordance with government agencies Republic of Latvia and third parties.
Currently in Latvia there are very favorable prices in the field of real estate, which will increase every moment as the value of real estate increases every year. Many people invest in Latvia famous people peace. They are tempted unique nature and an orderly business environment. In addition, they receive a residence permit in Latvia. Contact us to receive Additional information on obtaining a residence permit in Latvia. Why choose Latvia as the country where you obtain your residence permit? . Car break-ins and thefts are relatively common.
Video:
Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video)
List of documents
for Schengen visa
For individual tourist trips Visiting the burial place of a close relative or military burial sites in Latvia In the event of a serious illness or death of a close relative Participants in sporting events and accompanying persons Participants in an official exchange program organized by cities of the commonwealth Private trip(visiting relatives or friends) Persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic events Schoolchildren, students, postgraduate students and accompanying teachers traveling for the purpose of education or education, including on exchange programs or in connection with other school events Private trip with documents for real estate to close relatives of citizens Russian Federation- spouses, children (including those under guardianship), parents (including guardians), parents of parents and grandchildren – legally residing in the territory of Latvia (residence permit) Entrepreneurs and representatives of entrepreneurial organizations Persons whose one of the parents is a citizen Latvia and their spouses and minor children Spouses of citizens of the Republic of Latvia and EU countries Ethnic Latvians, Livs and their spouses and minor children Members of state and regional boards and members of parliaments, members of the constitutional and supreme court, performing their official duties Journalists carrying out professional activities in the territory Schengen Agreement International road carriers Transit
Please take the following precautions into account. It happens that they are approached with drugs in order to rob the victim. . The risk of car accidents is relatively high. Don't sign documents you don't understand about car accidents and police negotiations. If necessary, ask for a translator. Potholes on the road require special attention. All road users should wear a reflector at night and in poor visibility.
Special legal provisions
Public transport: Latvia has many buses and several local trains. The alcohol limit for drivers is 0.5 per milliliter. Drinking alcohol in in public places generally prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed at home or in licensed establishments.
Show list
2. Foreign passport
Requirements
- The passport must be signed.
- The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the visa expires.
- The validity of the passport must not exceed 10 years. Extended passports are not accepted.
- The foreign passport must contain at least 2 blank (blank) pages intended for visas.
- Passports are accepted without additional covers (plastic, leather).
3. General passport (photocopy)
Crimes against the Narcotics Act are punishable by several years' imprisonment. Conditions in prisons are worse than in Switzerland. Basic medical care is guaranteed. For medical and hospital treatment it is necessary to present a European Health Insurance Card.
Who can submit documents
If you depend on certain medications, your medicine cabinet should contain an adequate supply. If necessary, please ask the responsible foreign mission before departure and check out the Travel Links section for more information on this topic, as well as travel health care in general. Doctors and vaccination centers provide information about the spread of diseases and possible protective measures.
- You must provide a photocopy of the first 2 pages of your civil passport (page with photo, page with information about place of residence).
- Citizens who do not have general passport and are serving in the army, must provide a leave ticket and a certificate on “Form 33” about registration;
- On minor child a birth certificate is provided.
4. Photos 1 pc.
Foreign representations in Switzerland: information on entry regulations is provided by the competent foreign embassies and consulates. They also provide information about customs regulations for the import and export of animals and goods: electronic devices, souvenirs, medicines, etc.
Disclaimer. The travel information provided by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs is based on sources of information considered reliable. They are useful for careful trip planning. Dangerous situations are often unpredictable, confusing, and can change quickly. Claims for trip cancellations must be made directly to tourist agency or travel insurance.
Requirements
Photos must meet the following criteria:
- size 3.5 x 4.5 cm, without oval, color, clear, clean and contrast,
- the photograph must be printed on high quality paper on a white or light gray background,
- photographs must be no more than 6 months old,
- taken from the front, so that the face occupies 70-80% of the photo.
- If the applicant wears glasses, the photograph must also meet the following criteria:
- untinted glass,
- the frame should not cover any part of the eye,
- There should not be any glare.
- There is no need to crop and paste the photo onto the application form; the visa center staff will do this for you.
5. Health insurance policy
To obtain a Schengen visa, you need a health insurance policy valid in the Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros. When applying for a multiple-entry visa, a health insurance policy can be provided for the first visit to the Schengen territory. Insurance policies issued by European Agreement and European Economic Area insurance companies or Russian insurance companies are accepted
Requirements
Requirements for a health insurance policy valid in the Schengen countries:
1. The insurance policy must be valid throughout the Schengen area;
2. The insurance policy must guarantee at least those services that are related to healthcare and include the following items:
- emergency medical care;
- treatment in cases of a critical situation for life and health in hospitals;
- transportation to the nearest medical facility that provides emergency medical care, as well as treatment in hospitals
- medical or posthumous repatriation to the country of permanent residence in the event of a serious illness or in the event of the death of the insured.
3. When applying for a Schengen visa, the minimum limit of liability of the insurer during the insurance period specified in the policy must be at least 30,000 EUR. Insurance policies issued by insurance companies of the European Agreement and the European Economic Area or Russian insurance companies, filled out exclusively in typewritten form, are accepted.
4. When applying for a single-entry Schengen visa, the health insurance policy must include 15 additional days. For example, if a visa is requested for 10 days from June 1 to June 10, a health insurance policy must be presented from June 1 to June 25 with a policy period of 10 days.
*When applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa, a health insurance policy can be provided only for the first visit to the Schengen territory with an additional period of 15 days.
6. Documents confirming the availability of financial resources for the period of stay in Latvia.
If the inviting party does not undertake obligations to cover your expenses and provide a place of residence, you yourself need to confirm sufficient availability Money for a stay in Latvia.
Requirements
- Bank account statement showing cash flows for the last 3 months
- The original document confirming the presence of regular income in the form of a salary certificate from the place of work;
When applying for a multiple-entry visa, financial resources can be provided for the first visit to the Schengen territory; an application/declaration of the need to have sufficient funds for subsequent visits to the Schengen countries is attached.
If your stay in Latvia is paid for by a third party, then the specified documents must be submitted in his name. IN in this case the third party must provide a letter of guarantee in any form and provide a photocopy of the first 2 pages of the civil passport (page with photo, page with information about place of residence).
- Round trip tickets or ticket reservations (electronic ticket);
- If traveling by car, the following are provided:
- copies of registration certificate vehicle(if the owner of the car is a third party, it is necessary to provide a notarized power of attorney for the car);
- copies of driver's license;
- a statement in any form indicating the travel route from the person driving the car;
- If the vehicle is driven by a third party, a copy of the driver's visa must be provided.
Note, that to cross the border by car you must have vehicle diagnostic card.
10. If you are a citizen of another country, we draw your attention to.
If you are accompanied by a child on your trip, we draw your attention to
Cost of Pony Express services:
for Moscow - 20 euros,
for St. Petersburg - 25 euros,
dFor regions –30 euros.
Payment in rubles at the rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on the day of payment
