Latvia visa requirements for Rwandans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Rwandans visiting Latvia

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Latvian Visa.

  • A Latvia online application form.
  • An original passport valid for at least 3 months after intended exit from Latvia and copies of previous visas.
  • Two passport-sized photos of size 35mm x 45mm.
  • A European travel insurance confirmation of a minimum of 30,000 euros coverage within Latvia and the entire Schengen zone.
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of your travel to Latvia.
  • A flight itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Latvia.
  • Accommodation proof via Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in the Republic of Latvia or a host's residential address.
  • Medical certificate stating good health of the applicant.
  • Proof of civil status and ties with the origin country such as a birth or marriage certificate.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Latvia. 
  • A bank statement for the last 3 months before the application period.
  • A return-ticket to Rwanda.

Latvia Visa for Rwandans

Facts about Latvia

Latvia is a small country which offers tourists a taste of nature at its very best. Tourists in the country are usually spoilt for choice with the plethora of attractions available in the country. The country offers tourists the opportunity to dream away on its white sand beaches or cycle through one of the many nature trails or having a relaxing time at one of the nature parks. Every moment is sure going to be a moment to cherish.
 
Tourist visits to Latvia are gradually increasing as more and more tourists get to discover the spectacular attractions on offer in the country. In the first three months of 2017, over 2.6 million foreign tourists visited the country which is a 7% increase in the number that visited the country during the same period the previous year. The majority of tourists who visited the country during this period were Russians followed by Estonians.
 
Foreigners traveling to Latvia will be refused entry into the country if they are found to be in possession of more than €10,000 or its equivalent in any currency. Anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol will be jailed immediately. 

Types of Latvia Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15-20 business days 3 months
Business visa 15-20 business days 3 months
Student visa 15-20 business days 1-4 years
Work visa 15-20 business days 2-4 years
Transit visa 5-7 business days 1-5 days

General Requirements for Latvia Visa

  • A Latvia online application form.
  • An original passport valid for at least 3 months after intended exit from Latvia and copies of previous visas.
  • Two passport-sized photos of size 35mm x 45mm.
  • A European travel insurance confirmation of a minimum of 30,000 euros coverage within Latvia and the entire Schengen zone.
  • A cover letter stating the purpose of your travel to Latvia.
  • A flight itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Latvia.
  • Accommodation proof via Hotel reservation for the whole duration of the intended stay in the Republic of Latvia or a host's residential address.
  • Medical certificate stating good health of the applicant.
  • Proof of civil status and ties with the origin country such as a birth or marriage certificate.
  • Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Latvia. 
  • A bank statement for the last 3 months before the application period.
  • A return-ticket to Rwanda.
Latvia Tourist visa Latvia Business visa Latvia Student visa Latvia Work visa Latvia Transit visa

Latvia Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Rwanda citizens who intend to visit Latvia for tourist and leisure purposes are issued the Latvia tourist visa.
  • Rwandan going to Latvia have to apply at the Belgian embassy in Kigali as there is no Latvia embassy in Rwanda.
  • The tourist visa to be issued is called the Type-C Schengen visa and it is the short-stay that is valid for 90 out of 180 days.
  • There should be an original passport issued in not more than 10 years from the application date. This should be valid for at least 3 months from the proposed exit date and should have two blank pages for visa stamps.
  • Passport photocopies should be made and old visas appended in the passport are also very important for the application. 
  • It should be noted that applications filed with invalid or expired passports would not be attended to at the embassy.  
  • Applicants are expected to be physically present for submission of the signed application form to the appropriate embassy/consulate or its representative in Rwanda.
  • There should be an invitation letter from the applicant's family or friends in Latvia with their address and phone number in the case where the applicant would be hosted by them. 
  • An original bank statement of the last 3 months should be submitted alongside an Income Rax Revenue document.
  • Applicants are to note that they would be required to have at least 14 euros per day for the duration of their stay in Latvia. A document affirming this is necessary.
  • There should be a detailed itinerary of the applicant's travel and a return ticket to Rwanda at the end of the applicant's stay. 

Latvia Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who want to visit Latvia for business purposes.
  • Applicants are to have an invitation letter from the Latvian company they will be visiting and a detailed address accompanied by the dates of their visit.
  • A certificate from your employer stating/allowing your business travel would also be requested for.
  • If there were previous trade relations between the two companies, proof of such events must be provided.
  • Submitting a business bank statement of the latest 6 months is required.
  • The employer or the partner company must state coverage of the applicant’s expenses for the duration of stay in Latvia on the letter of invitation.

Latvia Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to people who want to study in Latvia.
  • For Latvia, there is a long-stay study visa and a short-stay study visa. 
  • Short-stay study visas are valid for 90 days in 180 days and long-stay visas are valid for more than 90 days.
  • Applicants on the short-stay study visa should provide an enrollment certificate allowing attendance of courses in Latvia.
  • Applicants on the long-stay visa are to get a residence permit before the expiration of their visa to be able to stay in Latvia for more than 1 year.  
  • Students who would be studying in Latvia for a short period are issued the short-term Schengen visa.  
  • Applicants who have current admission in an institution in Rwanda are expected to get a leave approval letter from their school or university before applying. 
  • Applicants are required to have proof of enrollment in an institution in Latvia. This would be in the form of an admission letter or a certificate of scholarship to the school.
  • For sponsored students, documents of sponsorship would also be requested for. 
  • It should be noted that students are expected to have at least 10 euros with them per day. A bank statement from the applicant, sponsor or guardian would be requested for.  

Latvia Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is issued to people who have been given paid employment in Latvia.
  • For those issued the Schengen short-stay work visa, the visa is only valid for 90 days in 180 days.  
  • Those issued the long-stay work (Type-D) visa are expected to get a residence permit before the expiration of their visa. This visa is valid for 180 days in 1 year. 
  • Applicants are to submit their employment contract along with other required documents. This should be duly signed by the employing company.  
  • The employment contract should state the applicant's intended position in the company and their work qualifications. 
  • The applicant's bank statement of the past 6 months should be submitted as well.
  • The employing company must guarantee that the applicant would be paid salary at the agreed time in the contract.
  • For self-employed applicants, a copy of your business license would be needed. This should also be accompanied by the business's statement of accounts for the last 6 months before the application.   
  • The company or business's Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax is very important for the application.
  • Applicants are to provide a promissory statement indicating that they would return to Rwanda at the end of their country.
  • Applicants are also to apply for a work visa. The Latvia work permit is an essential document required by the applicants before they can undertake any form of employment in Latvia.
  • Applicants are expected to have completed work permit application forms that have been approved in Latvia. 

Latvia Visa For Medical Purposes Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to applicants who seek medical attention in Latvia.
  • A local medical report of the patient is required.
  • A letter confirming the applicant's appointment from the hospital or doctor in Latvia as well as the applicant's medical situation is necessary for application.
  • Payment receipt of medical fees for the hospital in Latvia is required.
  • Proof of financial capability for the duration of treatment is also needed.

Latvia Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who want to transit through Latvia to another Schengen country.
  • To receive a visa for transit, the travel document must bear a visa for the country of destination.
  • Applicants would be required to stay in the international zone of Latvia for the period it would take to connect with their destination country.
  • This visa is valid for 24 hours. 

Latvia Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Visa for Medical Purposes

60.00 (EUR)

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Work visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Latvia Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Rwanda

Location

Address

Kigali

In Rwanda, Latvia is represented by the Belgian Embassy in Kigali

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my temporary visa in Latvia?

Yes, you can extend your Latvian Schengen visa.  However, this would be done only in special and exceptional cases. 


What would happen if all required documents are not completed before the application?
Your Schengen visa application will be rejected in case there are essential documents which are missing from the docket.
When is the best time to visit Latvia?
According to travel experts, the best time to visit Latvia is between April and September, which has comparatively warmer weather than in the colder months of winter.
How efficient is the internet in Latvia?
Latvia’s internet speeds are among the fastest in the world, averaging 13.8MB/s and it is quite affordable.

What tourist attraction does Latvia have?
Latvia is composed of a lot of rivers and lakes. Latvia has 12,000 rivers and 3,000 small lakes which are perfect sights for tourists.