Key Takeaways:
- Latvia Transit Visa allows entry to international transit zone at Latvian airports, not to other Schengen countries.
- Citizens from certain countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria need this visa for transiting through Latvian airports.
- Exemptions include diplomatic passport holders, EU/EEA family members, valid visa holders from Schengen countries, Canada, Japan, or the U.S.
What is a Latvia Transit Visa?
A Latvia Transit Visa allows travelers to enter the international transit zone of a Latvian airport when they have a connecting flight. It’s important to note that this visa only grants access to the Latvian international airport and does not allow entry to other Schengen countries’ transit zones.
Who Needs a Latvia Transit Visa?
The Latvia airport transit visa is a necessity for citizens of specific countries. If you are from one of the following nations, you must obtain this visa to transit through a Latvian airport:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
These countries are listed in Annex IV of the Visa Community Code, making the transit visa a requirement.
Are There Exemptions for the Latvia Airport Visa?
Even if you are a citizen of the countries listed above, you may be exempt from needing a Latvia transit visa under certain conditions:
- Diplomatic Passport: If you hold a diplomatic passport, you are exempt.
- Family Members of EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: If you have a family member who is a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you don’t need the visa.
- Valid Visas from Other Countries: If you have a valid visa issued by a Schengen country, Canada, Japan, or the U.S., you are exempt.
- Residence Permits: Holding a residence permit from a Schengen country, EU Member State, Andorra, Canada, Japan, Republic of San Marino, or the U.S. exempts you.
- Flight Crew Members: Nationals who are flight crew members under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation are exempt.
- Visa-Free Entry: If you are from a country that has visa-free entry to Schengen, you can enter Latvia and even leave the airport transit area.
However, for citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka, these exemptions don’t apply. They must always get a transit visa. Always verify with your airline if you need to leave the transit area to catch a connecting flight to avoid any travel delays.
What Documents Are Required for a Latvia Transit Visa?
To apply for a Latvia transit visa, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Passport: Must have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker and be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Latvia.
- Transit Visa Application Form: This can be completed online via the “Electronic Visa Application” service on the government website.
- Passport Photo: A recent photo that meets Schengen visa photo requirements.
- Travel Medical Insurance: It must cover all Schengen countries and provide coverage of at least €30,000.
- Proof of Third Destination: A ticket reservation or proof that shows you will continue your trip to another destination after transiting through Latvia.
How Do You Apply for a Latvia Transit Visa?
Applying for a Latvia transit visa involves a series of steps:
- Complete the Application Form: Use the “Electronic Visa Application” service to fill out your application online. If you can’t do it online, visit the embassy or consulate to get the form.
- Collect Required Documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents as stated above.
- Make an Appointment: Schedule an appointment using the “Electronic Visa Application” service or contact the Latvian embassy or consulate directly.
- Submit Documents and Pay Fee: Submit your documents in person at the embassy or consulate and pay the visa fee.
- Wait for a Response: After submission, expect an answer within two weeks.
According to VisaVerge.com, if your application experiences delays due to specific circumstances, the processing period might extend to 30 or even 60 days.
What is the Cost of a Latvia Transit Visa?
The fee for a Latvia airport transit visa is €90. If you are applying as a seafarer, the fee is €60. Note that these fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected.
How Long is the Latvia Transit Visa Valid?
The Latvia transit visa is only valid for 24 hours and is strictly for transiting through the Latvian airport. If you need or want to stay in Latvia for more than a day, you should apply for a Latvian short-stay visa.
What About Seafarer Transit Visas?
For seafarers, the application process involves submitting additional documents:
- Seaman’s Book and Passport: Both must have at least two blank pages.
- Transit Visa Application Form: Available online.
- Photo: A recent color photograph.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Coverage must be at least €30,000 and valid in all Schengen countries.
- Proof of Crew List: This extract should state your rank and position as a seafarer.
The fee remains at €60 and needs to be paid at the Latvian embassy.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Latvia Transit Visa?
Receiving a Latvia transit visa typically takes about two weeks after your application is submitted. However, certain circumstances may extend this period to 30 or even 60 days.
Additional Resources
Whether you’re transiting through Latvia for business or leisure, understanding the requirements and processes for obtaining a Latvia transit visa can ensure a smoother travel experience. Preparing and knowing the ins and outs can save you from unexpected hassles at the airport.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Latvia Transit Visa: A type of visa that allows travelers to move through the international transit zone of a Latvian airport when connecting to another flight, but does not permit entry to other areas, including other Schengen countries.
- Schengen Zone: A group of 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing free and unrestricted movement of people within the area.
- Diplomatic Passport: A passport issued to diplomats and other government officials for travel related to their work. Holders of such passports are often exempt from certain visa requirements.
- Visa Exemptions: Conditions under which certain travelers do not need to obtain a specific visa due to holding other valid visas, residency permits, or due to their nationality or status (e.g., family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens).
- Travel Medical Insurance: Insurance that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling. For a Schengen visa, the insurance must cover at least €30,000 and be valid in all Schengen countries.
This Article In A Nutshell:
A Latvia Transit Visa lets travelers stay in the international transit zone of Latvian airports between connecting flights. It’s essential for certain nationalities and strictly for airport transit only. Exemptions apply for holders of diplomatic passports, family members of EU citizens, and holders of valid visas or residence permits.
— By VisaVerge.com
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