ETIAS Visa Waiver for Latvia

Officially known as the Republic of Latvia, one of the few Baltic states, this country has much to offer interested travelers to Europe. From 2026 , tourists visiting Latvia can obtain a European Travel Information and Authority System (ETIAS) visa waiver for Europe to enter and travel around Latvia according to European immigration laws.

One of the smaller European states, Latvia has a population of just under 2 million people. However, this has not stopped the country from developing rapidly and becoming a popular European tourist destination with more than 2.5 million visitors in 2017. This number is expected to continue to grow in the future, thus the ETIAS Latvia will be highly solicited when it becomes available.

Latvia became a member of the European Union in May 2004. It is also part of the UN and NATO and has been in the Eurozone since 2014 when the country officially adopted the Euro as its currency.

In addition, Latvia is one of the 26 countries to make up the Schengen Area. Latvia signed the Schengen Agreement in 2003 and was a member of the border-free travel zone by December 2007.

In recent years, Latvian authorities have been involved with the development of ETIAS, the new visa waiver for EU member states that will be operational from 2026 .

LATVIA’S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE

Latvia joined the European Union several years after finally regaining independence in 1991. Throughout the history of Latvia, the country has been subject to rule by Sweden, Poland, and Russia, taking advantage of the situation in post-war Europe to gain independence in 1918.

However, continued political unrest throughout the 1930s saw Latvia fall under Nazi occupation in the Second World War and finally back into Russian hands as the Latvian SSR from 1944 until 50 years later.

The non-violent ‘Singing Revolution1 of 1987 finally led to Latvia getting back its independence in 1991.

In recent years, Latvia has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists. Latvia receives close to 2 million international visitors annually, many of whom head there in search of unspoiled nature and the chance to learn more about its turbulent yet fascinating history.

Foreigners may also be surprised by how beautiful Latvia’s beaches are, towns such as Jūrmala boast long stretches of coastline frequented during the summer months.

Another reason why many non-Europeans choose Latvia is thanks to the visa liberalisation programme of the EU which allows travellers from several third countries to stay in Latvia for 90 days without a visa.

Such foreigners will soon require an ETIAS visa waiver to visit Latvia. ETIAS will be available from 2026 and will become an entry requirement for Latvia shortly after. The same ETIAS visa waiver can be used for other Schengen states including Lithuania and Estonia which lie just across the border.

DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE TO VISIT LATVIA?

Fellow EU citizens can access healthcare in Latvia using their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Non-Europeans may need to take out health insurance for Latvia depending on the type of permit they are applying for.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS FOR LATVIA

Non-Europeans who are eligible for an ETIAS visa waiver will soon need to apply for the permit before heading to Latvia.

Although having medical cover is not one of the ETIAS requirements, non-EU visitors are recommended to take out insurance for greater peace of mind.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR LATVIA

Non-European who require a Schengen visa for European travel are required to take out medical insurance.

To obtain the Schengen visa, applicants must be able to provide evidence of health insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area, the minimum coverage is €30,000.

ARRIVING IN LATVIA BY PLANE, CAR, AND FERRY

Riga International Airport (IATA: RIX, ICAO: EVRA) is the country’s main airport, located 10km from the centre of the capital.

There are direct flights from Riga to around 80 destinations, including major European cities and domestic routes.

A significant number of international visitors cross the land border by car or bus from neighbouring Lithuania and Estonia. Although there are no checkpoints, non-EU nationals must have their passport and ETIAS or Schengen visa with them as they make the crossing.

Also, there are ferry routes to Latvia from Sweden, Finland, and Germany.

GOING THROUGH BORDER CONTROL IN LATVIA

EU citizens should carry their ID documents with them when heading to Latvia, whether that be through an airport or across a land border. The open travel zone means there are no checkpoints between Latvia and bordering EU territory.

Visitors arriving from visa-exempt non-EU countries can enter Latvia without a visa and remain in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. From 2026 , the ETIAS authorisation will be linked to the passport electronically and verified at the border.

CROSSING THE BORDER WITH A SCHENGEN VISA

Non-EU passport holders who are not eligible for ETIAS will be asked to present the following documents when crossing the external Schengen Area border:

Foreigners arriving in Latvia may be asked questions about the purpose and length of their stay in the European nation.

With 4 distinct seasons, visitors in Latvia can enjoy varying activities throughout the year.

The topography of the land offers fertile ground with an abundance of wildlife and rare flora to be explored by nature enthusiasts. The country is cloaked with forests, fields, national parks, rivers, and unexplored beaches.

Latvia has a rich tradition of conservation which extends to animal and plant species found over the land. Latvia has been declared the 25th country for Biodiversity and Habitat in the Environmental Performance Index which measures global levels of sustainable policies.

RIGA AND OTHER LATVIAN CITIES WORTH VISITING

Riga’s exceptional cultural offering was recognised when it was named European Capital of Culture in 2014. The Old Town is the centre of the city and the most popular are for sightseers, having been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Tourists enjoy exploring the cobbled streets on foot and take in some of the city’s 800-year history.

Away from the capital another great city for tourism is Jūrmala. This quaint town boasts a 25 km stretch of beach and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. There are also several spa facilities and resort hotels in Jūrmala for some rest and relaxation.

Medieval castles, luxurious palaces, museums, and peaceful villages that have withheld their longstanding folk traditions can be found across Latvia. Ventspils, Liepaja, and Cēsis are other interesting places to visit.