Latvia visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Latvia

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

  • Valid national passport. The visa should be valid for 6 months after exit from the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Completed visa application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country. This is proof that you can cater for yourself during the period of your stay in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return and onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

Latvia Visa for South Africans

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. 

Lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines are usually handed out to drug offenders. Avoid drug-related crimes so that you won't get in trouble with the authorities.

Types of Latvia Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 15 days 90 days
Business visa 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 15 days 3 days
Student visa 15 days 90 days
Work visa 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for Latvia Visa

  • Valid national passport. The visa should be valid for 6 months after exit from the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Completed visa application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
  • One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background. The passport should follow the photo specification for a visa application.
  • Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country. This is proof that you can cater for yourself during the period of your stay in the country.
  • Valid travel insurance.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • Return and onward ticket.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
Latvia Tourist visa Latvia Business visa Latvia Transit visa Latvia Student visa Latvia Work visa

Latvia Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa is meant for leisure and tourism purposes.
  • If you intend to spend some time with friends and relatives in the country, you can do so with this visa.
  • No business activities are permitted.
  • At the expiry of this visa type, you are required to leave the country.
  • This visa does not allow foreigners to take up work while in the country.
  • You are not allowed to study with this visa.
  • A letter of invitation from the friend or relative you are visiting in Latvia is required.
  • In the invitation letter provided by your host, the home address and valid means of identification of your host should be written in details.
  • Minors should ensure they provide an unabridged original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Applicants who are not of South African origin traveling from South Africa should present a copy of their South African stay permit.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary.
  • You are required to show a proof of paid visa application fee.
  • The visa ceases to be valid after 3 months.

Latvia Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • South Africans applying for this visa aim to enter Latvia to maintain business relationships with already existing partners or to build up relationships with new partners.
  • During business meetings between you and your partner, you can negotiate and sign contracts and agreements.
  • You can attend conferences, trade fairs and business summits while in the country.
  • A letter from your employer in South Africa should be provided. Your position in the company, duration and purpose of your visit should be stated in the letter.
  • The company you are meeting up with in the country should provide a letter of invitation. If the company is going to be in charge of your expenses during your stay in the country, it should be stated in the letter.
  • Certificate of business registration of the company you are meeting up with in Latvia is mandatory.
  • If you have been in business with the company you are meeting with, proof of this is required.
  • You cannot be paid for any of the services you render in the country.
  • If you are under the age of 18 years, the original copy of your birth certificate should be provided.
  • You are required to leave the country as soon as your visa expires.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.

Latvia Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Transit visa is for travelers making a short stop in Latvia.
  • Applicants of this are transiting through Latvia to their destination country.
  • Flight ticket and visa to your destination country should be provided.
  • Seamen who are transiting through a seaport in Latvia may also apply for this visa.
  • You are cannot work or study with this visa.
  • The visa is valid for 3 days.
  • You are expected to leave the country before the expiry of your visa.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory.
  • Minors should present the original copy of their birth certificate.

Latvia Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is for students visiting Latvia for the purpose of taking up a course in one of the institutions of learning in the country.
  • You must have been accepted into one of the institutions of learning in the country.
  • Letter of acceptance from the institution of learning you have been accepted to. The letter should contain the duration of the course of study.
  • Transcripts and certificates of the previous schools attended should be provided.
  • You may take up work for at least 20 hours per week on a part time basis as long as it does not affect your study.
  • Minors should provide a letter of consent signed by both their parents. The original copy of their birth certificate should be provided.
  • You are required to obey all the rules of this visa.
  • Certificate of yellow fever vaccination should be provided.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fees is required.
  • The visa takes 15 days before it is processed.

Latvia Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to take up work in the country.
  • A letter of invitation from the company you have been employed to is required.
  • You need a work permit.
  • Minors should ensure they provide the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.
  • Receipt of paid visa application fee is required.
  • If you are not a South African citizen, a copy of your South African stay permit should be provided.
  • If you are traveling with your spouse, you need to present your original marriage certificate.
  • You are expected to abide by all the rules of your visa.
  • At the expiry of your visa, you are expected to leave the country.

Latvia Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

60.00 (EUR)

Business visa

60.00 (EUR)

Transit visa

60.00 (EUR)

Student visa

60.00 (EUR)

Work visa

60.00 (EUR)

Latvia Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Johannesburg

54 Melville Road, Illovo PostNet Suite 480, Private Bag X9 Benmore 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Null

consul@neishlos.com

+27 11 750 1600

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Latvia a part of Russia?

Latvia was formerly part of the Russian empire in the 18th century but they became independent after the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Do they speak English in Latvia?

Yes, English along with Russian is widely spoken by Latvians.

What currency is used in Latvia?
Euro is the widely accepted currency for use in Latvia.
Is Latvia part of the Schengen area?

Yes, Latvia is part of the Schengen area.

Can international students work in Latvia?

International students may work for at least 20 hours per week in Latvia.

Good day I will like to know where to submit an application for Latvia student visa?
I need to arrange a student Visa for my daughter. She is a South African citizen and has provisionally been accepted into a University in Latvia.?
Am I able to enter Latvia using a Schengen visa and apply for a student visa once in the country??
Hello I would like to know if I can apply for a transit visa as I am a seaman and can I apply in Durban?
Good day where can I find Latvia Embassy in South Africa??
Hi good day sir. just wanted to know about Latvian tourist visa. how long does it take to get?