Latvia Visa From India – How to Apply for Latvian Schengen Visa Application Requirements Guide

Latvia is a great destination to visit whether you have visited the Schengen Area before or if this is your first time traveling there. The capital, Riga, is a good place to start with plenty of things to see and do. Further afield, Madona is surrounded by lots of beautiful nature. Whatever you do, you will find Latvia delightful. In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Latvia visa from India, Latvia visa appointment booking, processing time at the Latvia visa application center, flight itinerary for a Latvia visa, hotel bookings for a Latvia visa, Schengen travel insurance for a Latvia visa application, and Latvia visa application process in India.

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Latvia Schengen Visas

16,764 Latvia Schengen visa applications were received by embassies around the world in 2021. 582 (3.5%) were rejected. The Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi received 52 applications and rejected 14 (26.9%).

Applying for a Latvia Schengen Visa from India

Citizens of India and residents who can prove they have the legal right to reside in India are eligible to apply for a visa at the Embassy of Latvia in India in New Delhi.

When you apply, you will submit your application to one of the offices of VFS Global.

Visa applications take around 15 days to be processed by the embassy, however, it may take longer, so it’s important to allow plenty of time for this. You can apply up to 6 months before your trip, so don’t leave it until the last minute.

Types of Schengen visas offered at The Embassy of Latvia in India

Depending on your reason for going to Latvia, there are different visas you can apply for:

1. Uniform Schengen Visa (short-stay) – for tourism, visiting family/friends, study up to 90 days
2. Airport Transit visa (short-stay) – if you are catching a connecting flight on the way to another destination
3. Long-stay (National) Visa – for stays of more than 90 days, typically issued for family reunion, study or employment

How Can I Apply for a Latvia Schengen Visa from VFS Global in India?

There are several steps to follow when you apply for your visa.

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay your fees
5. Step 5 – Visit a Visa Application Center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport

Step 1 – Identify visa type

Go to VFS Global’s website and click on “Start now”:

Go to “step 1 – identify visa type” and click on the link:

Select the visa you are applying for:

You will then be presented with information regarding fees, required documents, forms etc. It’s a good idea to read the information in full before proceeding to the next step:

Step 2 – Begin your application

To begin your application, go to “step 2” and click on the link:

Click on the “download forms” tab and then the link to access the online application form:

You will be directed to the online application form. Read the instructions and check the box to confirm you have read and accepted them. Then, click on “fill the visa application form” to continue:

Fill in the visa type, country, embassy and your chosen language and then you can proceed to complete the application form:

Once you have finished, print the form, sign it and take it to VFS Global for submission.

Step 3 – Book an appointment

Making appointments with the embassy, consulate or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, the visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

You can also make an appointment on your own by following the steps below.

1. Go to VFS Global’s website and click on “start now”
2. Go to “step 3” and click on the link to book an appointment
3. Click on the link to book now
4. You will be directed to Hello Verify’s website
5. Click on “products” and then “immigration and visa screening”
6. Click on “start visa screening”
7. Create an account and then log in
8. Upload the requested documents for verification
9. Once verified, you will be directed back to VFS Global to make your appointment

Step 4 – Pay your fees

Visa fees are paid in cash or by debit/credit card in Indian Rupees.

There is also a service charge of Rs. 2278/ which is inclusive of Goods and Service Tax –SGST @ 9% and CGST @ 9%

All fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Step 5 – Visit a visa application center

When you are ready to submit your application to VFS Global, take a look at what happens on the day of your appointment:

1. Don’t be late for your appointment. If you miss your appointment on the scheduled day, you will need to book a new appointment after 24 hours from your original appointment date
2. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment
3. You cannot send someone in your place, you must attend the appointment in person
4. Only applicants are permitted to enter the office of VFS Global
5. Take a printed copy of your visa application, 2D barcoded sheets (2 copies), passport bio page (2 copies), as well as a valid passport or travel document with at least 2 pages that are blank on both sides
6. Take all supporting documentation (originals and copies)
7. If you haven’t paid your visa fee online, you can pay your fees once you get to the center
8. At the center, you will also need to submit your fingerprints and photograph. This is known as biometric information collection. A digital finger scanner collects images of all 10 digits, and you will have a digital photo taken. Without biometrics information, your visa application will not be processed

You may also be asked questions about your application. Typical questions include:

1. What do you know about Latvia?
2. Do you know anyone in Latvia?
3. Are you traveling alone?
4. What do you do in India?

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

Step 6 – Track your application

Go to “step 6 – track your application” and click on the link:

Use the reference number on the invoice/receipt issued by VFS Global, along with your date of birth:

Step 7 – Collect your passport

The decision will be either:

1. Accepted – you will find your visa attached to one of the pages in your passport
2. Rejected – if your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision
   

There are different reasons why an application may get rejected including:

1. Purpose of your trip is not clear – the reason why you are traveling to Latvia must be clear. For example, tourism or going for business. You must show evidence of the purpose through the documents you provide
2. You submitted false documentation – you must not do this because the embassy will make background checks, for example, they may contact the hotel to confirm you are staying there. If you provide fake documents, the embassy will deny your application and it could jeopardize your chance to travel in the future
3. The official processing your application has made an error – if you are sure you have complied with all the requirements and you feel that an error has been made, you should speak to the embassy immediately giving your reasons
4. Lack of funds – you must be able to afford your trip and your documents, such as bank statements, should prove this

Documents Required

There are document checklists on VFS Global’s website. Requirements are different for each type of visa, so make sure you refer to the correct checklist. You should also submit photocopies along with original documents.

Documents include:

1. Application form completed online, printed and signed
2. Two photos (size 35mm x 45 mm) must be taken in last 6 months and on white background – (see full photograph specifications)
   
3. Passport – with a period of validity extending at least three months after the intended date of departure from Latvia, containing at least two blank pages and issued within the previous ten years. Plus, copies of the identification pages and the pages that contain information about previously issued visas
4. Travel insurance valid for the whole Schengen area and covering the entire period of the intended visit in the Schengen area and additional 15 days – “the period of grace”. The minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR including the costs of urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment in case of an illness as well as repatriation in the event of death
5. Round trip tickets – must be bought and confirmed by the airway company
6. Proof of accommodation – confirmed hotel reservations or invitation letter
7. Proof of financial means – last 3 months’ salary slips/income tax certificates
8. If employed – last 3 months payslips, employment contract & approval of absence; If self-employed – certificate of company registration; If sponsored – proof of sponsorship; If retired – last 3 months pension statements
9. For minors – application to be signed by both parents, parental consent and parent (s) ID
10. Confirmation of trip booked through travel agency (if applicable)
11. Marriage certificate
12. Employment agreement
13. Proof of education

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2. Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

COVID REGULATIONS

As of 1 April 2022, travelers entering Latvia are no longer required to present a vaccination or recovery certificate, or proof of a negative Covid-19 test result. Before you travel, visit https://covid19.gov.lv/en for up-to-date information regarding entry requirements. 

Conclusion

To apply for a Latvia visa from the Embassy of Latvia in India, follow these simple steps:

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay your fees
5. Step 5 – Visit a visa application center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport