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Latvia Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for Latvia — apply through the Latvia Embassy/Consulate or the approved visa service center; visa fee 80 EUR; processing about 15 days (up to 30).

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages for visas.
  • Specific forms: Schengen visa application form completed in Latin characters, signed, and printed; no DS-160 is used for Latvia. The form is available on the Latvia MFA website and at the visa application center.
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3 months showing access to funds; as a guideline, show at least 95 EUR per day of stay (for example, for a 7-day trip, provide around 665 EUR or more). If supported by a sponsor, include a sponsorship letter plus the sponsor’s bank statements and proof of relationship.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Latvia; plus a round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary with dates.
  • Photo specification: Two recent passport photos (size 35x45 mm), color, on a white background, full face forward, no glasses with tinted lenses, no head coverings unless for religious reasons, photos taken within the last 6 months.
  • Biometrics: Yes. Biometrics must be submitted at the visa application center or embassy when you apply, unless you have given fingerprints in the last 59 months for a Schengen visa.
  • Travel health insurance: Required. Insurance must cover medical expenses up to at least 30,000 EUR and be valid for all Schengen states, including Latvia, for the entire duration of stay.

Visa types

  • Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) – Latvia: Official name: Schengen visa for Latvia (short stay). Validity up to 1 year, but maximum stay per visit is 90 days within any 180-day period. Entry: single or multiple entries. Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Schengen business visa (Type C) – Latvia: Official name: Schengen visa for Latvia (short stay) for business purposes. Same validity and stay limits as above; single or multiple entries. Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • National long-stay visa for study (D-type) – Latvia: Official name: Latvijas valsts D-vizums studijām (long-stay visa). Validity up to 1 year per visa (extensions possible) for studies. Entry: single or multiple entries depending on issuance. Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • National long-stay visa for work (D-type) – Latvia: Official name: Latvijas valsts D-vizums darbam. Validity up to 1 year per visa (extensions possible) for work. Entry: single or multiple entries depending on issuance. Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • National family reunification visa (D-type) – Latvia: Official name: Latvijas valsts D-vizums ģimenes apvienošanai. Validity up to 1 year per visa (extensions possible). Entry: single or multiple entries depending on issuance. Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Notes: For long-stay visas (D-type), additional residence-permit steps are required after arrival in Latvia.

Application process

  • How to apply: Latvia uses a visa application process through the Latvia Embassy/Consulate or the approved visa service provider (often VFS Global). Apply in person with biometrics if required.
  • How to apply (Sticker visa): How to apply: Obtain and complete the Schengen visa application form, gather all required documents, book an appointment with the Latvia Embassy/Consulate or the visa service center, submit the application in person with biometrics (if due), pay the visa fee and any service fees, and wait for processing. Interviews may be requested but are not always required.
  • Portal URL: Official guidance and forms are on https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/consular-services/visa-types and the country-specific visa service page (example: the local Latvia visa center page). Steps typically include form completion, document upload/submission, appointment booking, and biometrics submission.
  • Documents checklist and submission: Submit the passport, the signed application form, photos, travel medical insurance certificate, bank statements, proof of accommodation, round-trip ticket, invitation letter if applicable, and any residence-related documents for long-stay visas.
  • Biometrics submission: If you have not provided biometrics within the last 59 months, you will provide fingerprints and a photo at the submission venue.
  • Interviews: Not always required; if requested, attend at the consulate on the appointment date with all documents.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6-12; free for children under 6. The local currency equivalent is accepted where specified by the center; check the current rate.
  • Service fees (VFS/BLS or embassy): Varies by center and country; check the official Latvia visa center site for China to confirm current service charges.
  • Total cost estimate: Example for a 7-day trip for an adult: 80 EUR + service fee (approximately 25–35 EUR) = roughly 105–115 EUR total. In local currency, confirm the exact amount at submission.
  • Standard processing time: 15 calendar days; in some cases up to 30 days depending on the case and consular workload.
  • Express/priority option: Some centers offer expedited processing for an extra fee; availability and cost vary by center; verify at the time of appointment.

Tips for China travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Apply at least 2–3 weeks before travel; Latvia allows applications up to 6 months before travel, so apply as early as feasible to accommodate any delays. Peak travel periods may require earlier submission.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent forms, insufficient financial proof, lack of clear travel purpose, weak ties to home country, inadequate travel insurance coverage or duration, missing or non-official invitation letters, or inconsistent travel history.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: If the Latvia visa process is handled by VFS Global or BLS in China, you must book an appointment with the service center and submit through them; some cities may offer direct embassy submissions but most require the service center. Fees may include a separate service charge.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: Always check the latest travel advisories from Latvia’s official MFA site and your Chinese travel advisories before applying; visa policies can change and may be updated due to health or security considerations.
  • Extension options inside Latvia: Short-stay Schengen visas cannot be extended easily; if you need a longer stay, you must apply for a new visa from outside Latvia before your current visa expires. For long-term stays (D-type), extensions or changes to residence permits are handled by the Latvian Migration Agency; consult early with the migration authorities if you anticipate needing more time.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.