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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Latvia - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed. 

Exercise normal precautions in Latvia.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Latvia.

If you decide to travel to Latvia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Latvia.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

6 months recommended beyond the period of stay

One page per stamp

Not required for stays less than 90 days within a six-month period

10,000 Euros or equivalent

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy riga.

Samnera Velsa iela 1  Riga LV-1510 Latvia Telephone: +(371) 6710-7000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(371) 6710-7000 or +(371) 2920-5708 Fax: +(371) 6710-7001 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the website the Embassy of Latvia in Washington for the most current visa information.

• If you plan to stay in Latvia more than 90 days, you must apply for temporary residence.
• A criminal records check from the United States, which can be requested through the  FBI , is required for a temporary residence permit. You must also submit proof of identity and a set of ink-rolled fingerprint impressions.
• The U.S. Embassy cannot take your fingerprints, but the Latvian State Criminal Police Department is able to provide this service at Bruninieku iela 72, Riga, tel: 371 6720-8662. For more information, contact  the Latvian Embassy  at 2306 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 328-2840, fax: (202) 328-2860. 
• You should carry your passport when travelling to neighboring Baltic countries from Latvia – even on day trips – as random passport checks are possible.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .    
• You will need s ufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .  
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa  page.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions : The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Latvia. Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks. However, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. 

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime: Crime against foreign visitors is generally non-violent in nature; however, violent assaults and robberies have occurred. Harassment of foreigners and same-sex partners has also occurred in Latvia.

• Be aware of your surroundings and take personal security measures to stay safe.
• The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse snatching, pick pocketing, and mugging, especially during the summer tourism season.
• Thieves have targeted foreign vistiors in Riga’s Old Town (Vecriga), Central Train Station (Dzelzcela stacija), Central Bus Station (Autoosta), and Central Market (Centraltirgus).
• Avoid walking alone or using ATMs after dark.
• There have been cases of visitors partying at bars and nightclubs in Riga who have been drugged and subsequently sexually assaulted.
• Be aware of other common scams in restaurants and tourist pubs. Pay special attention to drink prices, as they may rise to exorbitant levels for tourists. Management may use force to secure payment.
• Internet crime is increasing in Latvia.  Common schemes involve internet auction or job-search sites.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories

Information regarding demonstrations in Latvia can be found on the U.S. Embassy Latvia website .

International Financial Scams : See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(371) 6710-7000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Assist you with a list of non-governmental organizations and centers providing a number of programs for victims of crime in Latvia.  Please see  our website  for more information.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the local police at 112 and  the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Tourism:  The tourism industry is regulated and rules with regards to best practices and safety inspections are enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is available throughout the country. Outside of urban areas, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to provide assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned or deported. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Latvia are severe. You can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• You can be jailed immediately for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Your U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Special Circumstances:  Latvia is part of the Eurozone and only euros are accepted.

• Bank and currency exchange counters may refuse to accept U.S. currency that is crumpled, torn, discolored, or defaced (even small pen strokes are considered defacing). If such notes are accepted for exchange, an additional processing fee, based on the size of the transaction, may be charged. Cashing personal and Treasury checks issued in the United States may be time-consuming and costly.
• ATMs are widely available in Riga and in major towns.  For security purposes, it is recommended that visitors use ATMs located inside major hotels or shopping malls.
• Telephone connections with the United States are reliable;  however, U.S. toll-free numbers cannot be accessed from Latvia. 

Customs:  Latvian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Latvia of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, drugs, etc.

Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Contact  the Embassy of Latvia in Washington  or one of the  Latvian consulates  in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated good are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines and have to give them up if you bring them back from the United States.   See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports

LGBTI Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Latvia.

Credible non-governmental organizations report widespread intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI persons, as well as underreporting to authorities of attacks and discrimination against LGBTI individuals.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of the  Department of State's Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance : While in Latvia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States.

• The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services, and the government generally enforces these provisions. 
• The law mandates access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, most buildings are not yet accessible. Although Latvia has made efforts to improve disabled access, only new and completely renovated hotels, guest houses, hostels, and public buildings provide suitable facilities for seriously disabled travelers. See our Traveling with Disabilities page.
• You may find general information on accessibility and accommodations on the website of the  Latvian Tourism Board .
• You will rarely find easy-access public transportation and taxis. Free or reduced fares on public transportation are available only to persons with disabilities who are Latvian residents.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

The quality of medical care in Latvia continues to improve but often falls short of Western standards. Latvia has highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. 

• Many doctors speak at least limited English.
• There are few private clinics in major cities that offer services equal to Western European or U.S. standards. 
• Western-quality dental care can be obtained in Riga.
• Payment is expected upon admission at private hospitals.

Prescription Medicines : Pharmaceuticals sold in Latvia are produced by companies certified in accordance with EU standards but may not be labeled the same as in the United States.

For general emergency services in Latvia, dial 112. For medical emergency services, dial 113.

Ambulance services are available in urban areas but not countrywide. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance in rural areas. 

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors in Latvia do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on types of overseas insurance. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Latvian Medicines Register Medicinal Product Register of Latvia to ensure the medication is legal in Latvia.

General Health Information:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Tuberculosis .
• Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme-disease are widespread throughout the country.
• Use  CDC recommended insect repellents  containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to help diminish bites from ticks and other insects if you intend to visit parks or forested areas. 
• Tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations are given as a series of three doses, and are not available in the United States. 
• There are no vaccines against Lyme disease.
• Hepatitis A is a significant health concern in Latvia. Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the US and is recommended for those with prolonged stays or travel in rural areas.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals Medical Resources . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Latvia, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

• Latvia’s rate of automobile accidents and fatalities is one of the highest in Europe.
• If you plan to drive in Latvia, you are required to obtain an International Driving Permit. You may get these through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance for a small fee.
• If you drive without an International Driving Permit, police could confiscate your vehicle.
• If you are resident in Latvia more than six months, you are required to apply for a Latvian driver’s license.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are required to wear small reflectors on clothing in Latvia whenever dark outside.

Traffic Laws:  Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. Latvian authorities use roadblocks and breathalyzer tests as enforcement tools.

• You must use your headlights at all times. Speed limits are usually 50 km/hr (31 mph) in the city and 90 km/hr (55 mph) on highways.
• There are many mobile and fixed speed cameras deployed throughout the country.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation is considered safe, but travelers are encouraged to select well-marked taxis.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Latvia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Latvia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Latvia should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the  Maritime Security Communications with Industry Web Portal . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website  and as a broadcast warning on the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s website .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Latvia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Common Nonimmigrant Visas

Business/tourist visa.

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• A List of NIV Types

On this page:

Qualifications

Application items, how to apply, supporting documents, supporting documents for applicants seeking medical care, electronic visa update system (evus), more information.

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

If you apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must demonstrate to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:

• That the purpose of your trip to the United States is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
• That you plan to remain in the United States for a specific, limited period of time
• Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
• That you have a residence outside the United States, as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit

Personal or domestic employees and crew members working aboard vessels within the Outer Continental Shelf may qualify for B-1 visas under certain circumstances.

Some foreign nationals may be ineligible for visas according to The Immigration and Nationality Act. You can read more about The Immigration and Nationality Act and visa ineligibility here .

Application fee and possibly an issuance fee (also known as a reciprocity fee ) depending on country of citizenship.

If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• Your old passport with your previous U.S. visa, if you had one and if available.
• One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph taken within the last six months. This web page has information about the required photo format.
• A receipt showing payment of your non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid in local currency. This web page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.
• An envelope with your address label that will be used by the Embassy to return your visa and documents to you. You should e-mail [email protected] or call tel. +371 200 00041 to request the address label for your visa pass-back. The subject line of your e-mail should be - US. visa application delivery request .
• In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through  this service . You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

Click here for step-by-step U.S. visa application guidance . 

Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is of concern, the applicant should bring the documents to the U.S. Embassy in a sealed envelope. The U.S. Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the information.

If applicable, you should bring the following documents to your interview. Original documents are always preferred over photocopies and you must bring these documents with you to the interview. Do not fax, email or mail any supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy Riga.

• A letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, and the business purpose of your U.S. trip.
• Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned. Latvian residents who have criminal records in the past, may choose to prepare also a Latvian police certificate (click on the link for instructions) .
• Seamen requiring B-1 visas for OCS employment in oil or gas industry must present their original employment contract or a letter with employment offer, AS WELL AS a U.S. Coast Guard Letter authorizing OCS work. If OCS employment at wind farming or other activities that do not involve minerals (oil or gas) of the OCS, please present employment letter clarifying the nature of your planned OCS activities.
• Personal or domestic employees of U.S. citizens resident abroad or foreign nationals in nonimmigrant status must present original employment contract in their native language with English translation and evidence of their employers’ qualifying status.

Nonimmigrant business and tourism visa applicants may choose to bring information about their travel itinerary and other documents regarding employment, family, and other ties to Latvia. These documents may be helpful, but are not mandatory.

If you wish to travel to the United States for medical treatment, then you should be prepared to present the following documentation in addition to the documents listed above and those the consular officer may require:

• A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you require treatment in the United States.
• A letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• A statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization paying for your transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of their ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at  www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov  现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

For more information about business and tourist visas, visit the Department of State's website .

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Latvia is a member of the European Union, therefore travelling to Latvia and crossing borders is as simple as travel to any other European Union country. Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, which is why those travelling to Latvia from the Schengen Area do not have to go through border controls. There are border controls on Latvia’s borders with Russia and Belarus.

Visa-free travel

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Brazil and other countries do not need a visa to visit Latvia . Visa-free travellers may stay in Latvia for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.

No border controls for travelling in Schengen Area

Citizens of the European Union member states, as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland do not require a visa to travel to Latvia.

Latvia is part of the Schengen Area . There are no border controls on the internal borders between Schengen countries, therefore citizens of the European Union and third-country nationals are free to travel within the Schengen Area. If you arrive in Latvia by car or bus from Lithuania or Estonia, or if you travel by ferry or plane from the Schengen countries, you will not have to go through border controls.

We highly recommend you to have your passport or other ID on you while travelling in the Schengen Area. If necessary, the document will be the proof of your identity. A driving licence or bankcard is not considered a valid travel or ID document.

Latvian visas

Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and other countries require a visa to travel to Latvia. In Moldova, only holders of biometric passports are free to travel to Latvia visa-free, other citizens need to have a valid visa.

Tourists travel to Latvia on a Schengen visa, which is valid for staying in Latvia as well as in the other Schengen Area member states. Passport control on the border is only done once the person crosses into the Schengen Area. If the person has been issued a visa for a short-stay visit to a Schengen country, the maximum duration of the intended stay is 90 days within a 180-day period. If the person needs to stay in Latvia for longer than 90 days, he or she has to apply for a long-stay visa or a residence permit.

If you wish to visit several Schengen countries, you do not have to apply for a visa in each of the given Schengen country’s diplomatic representation. Application for a visa has to be submitted only to the representation of that country that is your main destination. If there is no main destination, you have to turn to a representation of the country whose external border will be the first to cross in order to enter the Schengen Area.

If a third-country national needs to enter a Schengen member state but there are circumstances forbidding him to have a uniform visa valid in all Schengen member states, he or she may be granted a visa with a limited territorial validity. It means that visa is not valid for entering all Schengen member states, but only those indicated on the visa.

Applying for a visa

To apply for a visa , the following has to be submitted: passport, visa application form, a photograph, travel medical insurance policy valid for the whole Schengen Area, and other documents. For further information about the documents required when applying for a visa, contact a representation of Latvia, where you are intending to receive your visa.

Application for a Schengen visa can be filled out online . A fee is charged for issuing a visa. An application for a visa must be submitted not sooner than three months before the start of the intended visit.

A Schengen visa is extended only if there are circumstances beyond the visa holder’s control, or humane reasons for which the person needs to stay longer in Latvia. The validity of a visa can also be extended if there are serious personal reasons calling for a visa extension. In extending a visa, the total duration of a stay in the Schengen Area must not exceed 90 days within a period of 180 days.

Visas are extended at the Office of Citizenship and Migration .

Lost documents

If a travel document with the visa has been lost, the person has to apply for a new travel document by turning to the closest diplomatic and consular representation of his or her country.

Customs procedures

Travellers in the European Union need to take into consideration that there are maximum amount restrictions on several goods that may be brought into a European Union member state – tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, coffee, fuel. Should the maximum limit be exceeded, the goods have to be declared and the applicable excise tax on the excess goods has to be paid.

If you are travelling to the European Union from a third country, there are different restrictions on excise and other goods .

Persons arriving in the European Union, including in Latvia, have to observe stringent rules concerning food products that they may carry . Meat and meat products, milk and dairy products may not be brought into the European Union for own consumption.

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Documents required for applying for a Schengen visa for travel to Latvia

Visa applications shall be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the start of the intended visit (except seafarers in the performance of their duties – they can submit an application no earlier than 9 months before a trip) and no later than 15 calendar days before an intended trip.

All visa applicants must submit the following documents:

• a valid travel document  which has been issued within the previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa;
• a completed and signed  ONLINE APPLICATION FORM . The computer completed application form has to be printed out,  signed (at the end of the application form)  and submitted to the Embassy. In case several persons (minors or a spouse) are covered by the same travel document, individual application forms must be filled in and signed by the persons concerned; in case of minors must be signed by the parental authority or the legal guardian. A minor at least 15 years old may file and sign the visa application themselves;
• 1 passport-size recent (not older than 6 months) color  photo  (35mm x 45mm) with a light background, including the entire face, without head-dress. Requirements for the quality of the passport photo can be found  here ;
• an insurance policy  valid in Schengen countries with a coverage of at least 50.000 USD for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. Please note that the insurance policy should cover medical, hospital and repatriation costs. Further information regarding insurance policy can be found  here ;
• if applying at the VFS Center - the fee is payable at the VFS Center; 
• if applying by post - after receiving the documents at the Embassy, the payment link will be sent to your indicated e-mail.
• if applying at the Embassy - the fee is payable at the Embassy by a bank card.

Supporting documents: 

proof of legal residence in the USA.  Original of valid US alien registration card (permanent residence permit, green card) or valid US resident visa. The US residence permit or visa should be valid at least three months beyond the intended departure from the territory of the Schengen Member States; 

proof of purpose of entry :  Family/fr iends/private visit - Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see  link ;  Business/Conference - Invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, see  link . Original signed invitation letter from business partner in Latvia (including all the necessary information, see  link ;  Tourism - Confirmed hotel reservation for all planned stays in the Schengen area or confirmation of organized tour. Round trip tickets. If you are planning several visits or visit other Schengen countries hotel bookings must be produced for all visits. Please note that Latvia must be the main destination of your trip (the country where you will be spending the most number of days).  NB!  When applying for a short-stay visa at the Consulates General of Poland in Los Angeles and Houston or Consulate General of Lithuania in Chicago, please inform in advance your inviting party in Latvia to form the official invitation in the English language;

• documents in relation to  accommodation  (hotel reservation or an invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs if staying with the inviting party); 
• means of transportation  (round trip ticket or ticket reservation); 
• sufficient  means of subsistence  for the duration of the intended stay (records of bank account transactions in the past 3 months; credit card together with turnover printouts; letter from employer regarding salary);  information which confirms your intention to leave the Schengen area (letter from the employer or an educational institution); 
• if you wish to receive your documents by FedEx, the fee is 25 EUR if paid by bank card at the Embassy or after receiving the documents at the Embassy, the payment link will be sent to your indicated e-mail. The consular service will be provided after the payment is received. You may also send us your pre-paid, self-addressed secure mail envelope.

For the citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus completed questionnaire must be attached.

Provision of biometric data (fingerprints) when applying for a visa

When applying for a Schengen visa, the applicants are required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints). If the applicant’s biometric data have already been collected by a diplomatic/consular mission of a Schengen state during the past five years, there is no need to provide them again.

Privacy policy for the processing of personal data during the acceptance and examination of visa applications, and ensuring the appeal of the decisions taken

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Flight information

Changes in our traffic plan for winter 2024-2025.

We have updated our traffic plan for the winter season. See the instructions here if your travel plans are affected due to changes. 

Finnair has updated its traffic plan for the winter season on 30 October 2024 – 29 March 2025. The changes include flight cancellations and schedule changes. We are sorry about the harm and inconvenience these changes may cause to your travel plans.

If there are any further changes to the traffic plan, we will communicate about them directly to the affected customers. You can check available destinations and flights on our booking engine .

How do I know if my flight is cancelled, or the schedule is changed?

If there are changes to your flight, we’ll contact you personally via SMS and/or email. We are making changes gradually and will inform the affected customers within a couple of days. Please go to  Manage booking  and check that we have your current contact information.

Your options if your flight is cancelled

If you have received a message of a flight cancellation, these are your options:

• We will do our best to re-route you to your destination with other Finnair flights. Please note that the availability of alternative flights is currently limited. We’ll send you your new flight information via SMS and/or email. Please accept the change or see other possible flight options in Manage booking .
• If we are unable to offer you an alternative flight but you wish to travel, you can contact our customer service for re-arrangements.
• In case you don’t want to use any of the flights in your booking and want to cancel your whole booking and apply for a refund, you can do it online in Manage booking .
• If you want to use some of the flights in your booking and apply for a refund of a cancelled flight, please contact our customer service .
• For flight tickets purchased through other service providers, such as a travel agent, please contact them directly to make changes to your booking or apply for a refund.

Please note that due to the schedule or/and flight change, unfortunately we might not be able to confirm some of the pre-purchased or pre-booked travel extras such as meals or pet transportation to your new flights. You can check your confirmed services in Manage booking . If you do not receive travel extras purchased from Finnair, you can apply for a refund online . For travel extras purchased through other service providers, such as a travel agent, please contact them directly.

Contacting our customer service

If you booked your ticket through a travel agency or a tour operator, please contact them to make changes to your reservation or to apply for a refund. If you booked your ticket through Finnair, our customer service is working hard to help you. We are at your service also via chat on our website or Finnair app. We are sorry that our customer service may be congested. If you are not travelling within the next 60 days, we kindly ask you to contact us at a later date via chat or phone.

Didn’t find an answer to your question? Check also our frequently asked questions here .

You can see your passenger rights here .

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You asked: Do I need a passport for my cruise?

By The Way Concierge digs into the (surprisingly) complicated rules for travel by sea.

Traveling has always come with complications. Our By The Way Concierge column will take your travel dilemmas to the experts to help you navigate the unexpected. Want to see your question answered? Submit it here .

We’re going on a very short cruise from California to Mexico this spring. Do we need passports for our kids, even if we don’t get off the ship? — Ben, Springfield, Va.

There’s a difference between what you need and what is a good idea to have.

Let’s begin with the first: On most cruise lines and for most itineraries, a voyage that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and stays in the Western Hemisphere will not require any American citizen — child or adult — to have a passport.

These are called closed-loop cruises, and they only need proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection . For people under 16, a birth certificate will suffice. Popular cruise lines including Carnival , Royal Caribbean and Norwegian detail their requirements and any exceptions online.

A sailing that leaves from one U.S. port and ends at another — or starts in the United States and ends at a foreign destination — would not be classified as a closed-loop cruise. Everyone, including kids, would need a passport in that case.

There are some caveats, warns Teresa Tennant, senior vice president of the travel planning company Cruise Specialists . Some cruise companies, including Holland America Line and Princess Cruises , say that all members of a party must have a passport if minors are traveling with only one adult.

Some other cruise lines, such as the luxury Regent Seven Seas Cruises, require a passport for all sailings.

“It’s important to always check with the cruise line, because they can set their own rules that are actually above and beyond,” Tennant said.

Customs and Border Protection also urges travelers to check with their cruise company, travel agent and destination to confirm what’s required to enter foreign countries on an itinerary.

Whether or not you are required to have a passport, cruise lines and experts say it’s smart to have one before setting sail. The task isn’t quite as onerous as it used to be, now that wait times have returned to pre-pandemic norms of six to eight weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for the expedited process.

Cruise lines say they strongly recommend that passengers opt for the passport over other forms of identification.

“A passport is the hassle-free, gold standard for traveling between countries,” Royal Caribbean says on its website. “Boarding and disembarking through customs with a passport is usually faster than other types of ID documents.”

The U.S. State Department says travelers might need their passport “in the event of an unexpected medical evacuation or if the ship docks at an alternate port.” Travelers would also need their passports if they showed up late in a foreign port and the ship left without them — which has happened to some U.S. passengers recently.

“You should bring your passport even if your cruise says you won’t need it,” the State Department says on its information page for cruise ship passengers.

Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of the news and review site Cruise Critic , said in an email that it would be much more difficult to get home without a passport if someone had to leave the ship.

“In such a case, you might have to rely on help from a U.S. embassy or consulate to return, which can take time,” she said.

Have a travel dilemma for By The Way Concierge? Send it to us here .

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You are not allowed to enter U.S. Embassy Riga while carrying any of the following items:

• Battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital voice recorders, still and/or video cameras, tablets, laptops, or portable music players
• Large shoulder bags/purses - only bags that can be hand-carried will be permitted
• Travel bags such as backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags
• Food and liquids of any kind
• Sealed envelopes or packages (other than sealed police or medical records)
• Matches and/or lighters
• Sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files
• Weapons, firearms, or explosive materials of any kind

This list is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff.

There is no facility at the U.S. Embassy Riga to store prohibited items other than personal mobile phones. You must make arrangements to store these items before entering.

Due to security considerations, only visa applicants or pre-approved visitors with scheduled interviews will be admitted.

Document submission and  case review prior to the actual interview can take about 45 minutes. Since electronic devices are not allowed in the waiting room, you might want to bring some reading material with you.

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