GoLatvia Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Latvia is a Schengen Agreement country. Chinese mainland citizens holding ordinary or official passports must obtain a visa before traveling to Latvia. Those holding diplomatic passports are exempt from visa requirements for stays not exceeding 90 days. Chinese citizens holding Hong Kong or Macau SAR passports are exempt from visa requirements for a stay of 90 days.

1、 Main types of visas

Chinese citizens' visas to Latvia are mainly divided into two categories: long-term Schengen visas (stay for more than 3 months) and short-term Schengen visas (stay for less than 3 months). Long term Schengen visas include long-term residence, work, study, etc; Short term Schengen visas include travel, business, family visits, cultural and sports activities, short-term studies, etc.

Please refer to the following website of the Embassy of Latvia in China for the visa application process:https://www2.mfa.gov.lv/cn/

2、 Visa application materials

（1） Tourism

1. Passport (passport validity should exceed the visa stay period by more than three months).

2. The applicant fills out the visa application form online (website:https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx）Print and sign the visa application form (applicants under 18 years old must have both parents or legal guardians sign), and attach a light background color photo taken within the past 6 months, measuring 35x45 millimeters.

3. Travel Medical Insurance: Travel medical insurance must cover all Schengen areas and be valid beyond the length of stay in the Schengen area. The coverage amount should not be less than 30000 euros, and the insurance includes emergency medical treatment, emergency medical transfer, and body transfer.

4. Original and photocopy of ID card and household registration book (no translation required).

5. Proof of funds (bank statements from the past 3 months, no deposit proof required).

6. Travel itinerary and accommodation proof.

7. Other materials:

--Minors (under 18 years old) must provide their student ID card, original proof letter issued by the school (including school address and phone number, leave permit certificate, name and position of approver), and notarized family or guardianship relationship certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Minors traveling alone or with one parent must provide a notarized consent letter for travel issued by both parents or legal guardians (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

--Employees must provide a copy of the company's business license stamped by their employer, a letter of proof issued by their employer (in English or Chinese with English translation), and a certificate of leave approval.

--Married non working adults must provide a notarized marriage certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and proof of their spouse's employment and income; Unmarried individuals must provide other proof of fixed income.

--Retirees must provide proof of pension or other fixed income.

（2） Business or short-term vocational training

1. Passport (passport validity should exceed the visa stay period by more than three months).

2. The applicant fills out the visa application form online (website:https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx）Print and sign the visa application form (applicants under 18 years old must have both parents or legal guardians sign), and attach a light background color photo taken within the past 6 months, measuring 35x45 millimeters.

3. Travel Medical Insurance: Travel medical insurance must cover all Schengen areas and be valid beyond the length of stay in the Schengen area. The coverage amount should not be less than 30000 euros, and the insurance includes emergency medical treatment, emergency medical transfer, and body transfer.

4. Original and photocopy of ID card and household registration book (no translation required).

5. Proof of Funds. If the company pays for travel and living expenses, proof of the company's ability to pay must be provided; If the applicant bears the expenses, they need to provide proof of their personal solvency.

6. The invitation letter number approved by the Latvian Nationality and Immigration Affairs Office or the original invitation letter issued by the business/training organizer (in Latvian).

7. Copy of company business license (stamped with official seal) and original employer certification letter (English or Chinese with English translation).

（3） Visiting relatives and friends

1. Passport (passport validity should exceed the visa stay period by more than three months).

2. The applicant fills out the visa application form online (website:https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx）Print and sign the visa application form (applicants under 18 years old must have both parents or legal guardians sign), and attach a light background color photo taken within the past 6 months, measuring 35x45 millimeters.

3. Travel Medical Insurance: Travel medical insurance must cover all Schengen areas and be valid beyond the length of stay in the Schengen area. The coverage amount should not be less than 30000 euros, and the insurance includes emergency medical treatment, emergency medical transfer, and body transfer.

4. Original and photocopy of ID card and household registration book (no translation required).

5. Proof of funds (bank statements from the past 3 months, no deposit proof required).

6. The invitation letter number or original invitation letter approved by the Latvian Nationality and Immigration Affairs Office (Latvian temporary residence permit holders can only invite parents, spouses, and children).

7. Proof of the relationship between the guarantor and the guarantor's relatives and friends, as well as the original guarantee letter issued by the guarantor.

8. Other materials:

--Minors (under 18 years old) must provide their student ID card, original proof letter issued by the school (including school address and phone number, leave permit certificate, name and position of approver), and notarized family or guardianship relationship certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Minors traveling alone or with one parent must provide a notarized consent letter for travel issued by both parents or legal guardians (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

--Employees must provide a copy of the company's business license stamped by their employer, a letter of proof from their employer (in English or with an English translation attached to the Chinese document), and a certificate of leave approval.

--Married non working adults must provide a notarized marriage certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and proof of their spouse's employment and income; Unmarried individuals must provide other proof of fixed income.

--Retirees must provide proof of pension or other fixed income.

（4） Cultural and sports activities

1. Passport (passport validity should exceed the visa stay period by more than three months).

2. The applicant fills out the visa application form online (website:https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx）Print and sign the visa application form (applicants under 18 years old must have both parents or legal guardians sign), and attach a light background color photo taken within the past 6 months, measuring 35x45 millimeters.

3. Travel Medical Insurance: Travel medical insurance must cover all Schengen areas and be valid beyond the length of stay in the Schengen area. The coverage amount should not be less than 30000 euros, and the insurance includes emergency medical treatment, emergency medical transfer, and body transfer.

4. Original and photocopy of ID card and household registration book (no translation required).

5. The invitation letter number approved by the Latvian Nationality and Immigration Affairs Office or the original invitation letter issued by the Latvian organizer.

6. Official letter issued by the Chinese cultural or sports department (English document or Chinese document with English translation).

7. Minors (under 18 years old) must provide their student ID card, original proof letter issued by the school (including school address and phone number, leave permit certificate, name and position of approver), and notarized family or guardianship relationship certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Minors traveling alone or with one parent must provide a notarized consent letter for travel issued by both parents or legal guardians (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

（5） Learning

1. Passport (passport validity should exceed the visa stay period by more than three months);

2. The applicant fills out the visa application form online (website:https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx）Print and sign the visa application form (applicants under 18 years old must have both parents or legal guardians sign), and attach a light background color photo taken within the past 6 months, measuring 35x45 millimeters.

3. Travel Medical Insurance: Travel medical insurance must cover all Schengen areas and be valid beyond the length of stay in the Schengen area. The coverage amount should not be less than 30000 euros, and the insurance includes emergency medical treatment, emergency medical transfer, and body transfer.

4. Original and photocopy of ID card and household registration book (no translation required).

5. The invitation letter number approved by the Latvian Nationality and Immigration Affairs Office and the admission letter issued by the Latvian school.

6. Proof of accommodation and flight booking in Latvia.

7. Proof of funds (bank statements from the past 3 months, no deposit proof required).

8. Other materials:

--Minors (under 18 years old) must provide their student ID card, original proof letter issued by the school (including school address and phone number, leave permit certificate, name and position of approver), and notarized family or guardianship relationship certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Minors traveling alone or with one parent must provide a notarized consent letter for travel issued by both parents or legal guardians (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

--Employees must provide a copy of the company's business license stamped by their employer, a letter of proof issued by their employer (in English or Chinese with English translation), and a certificate of leave approval.

--Married non working adults must provide a notarized marriage certificate (certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and proof of their spouse's employment and income; Unmarried individuals must provide other proof of fixed income.

--Retirees must provide proof of pension or other fixed income.

*Special Reminder:

The visa application materials are subject to the specific requirements of the Embassy of Latvia in China.

Visa generally takes 5-10 working days, please apply in advance.

The short-term visa fee is 630 RMB (400 RMB for children aged 6-12, free for children under 6 years old), and the visa fee will not be refunded if the visa is refused.

Starting from October 12, 2015, except for diplomatic passport holders and children under 12 years old, individuals applying for a Schengen visa for the first time must go to the Latvian embassy or Schengen visa application center to have their fingerprints taken. Visa applications within the next 59 months will not require further fingerprint collection. At present, there are Schengen visa application centers located in Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Xi'an, and Wuhan. For details, please visithttps://visa.vfsglobal.com/chn/en/lva/attend-centre.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Passengers arriving by plane are allowed to bring tax-free up to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars (each weighing less than 3 grams), 1 liter of spirits above 22 degrees, 2 liters of low alcohol below 22 degrees, or 4 liters of wine. Details can be viewed:https://www.vid.gov.lv/en/travelling-outside-european-union.

Individuals carrying cash exceeding 10000 euros (including checks, promissory notes, and other financial instruments) across EU customs borders must declare it.

Latvian customs prohibit tourists from bringing the following items into the country:

Meat and dairy products, pet food containing meat and dairy ingredients, potatoes, betel nut and its products, beans from Nigeria.

Various military weapons and spare parts, ammunition, explosives and similar items, special chemicals and tools for use (excluding canned tear gas).

Gunpowder guns, shotguns, gas pistols, revolvers, and ammunition (excluding those approved by the Latvian Ministry of Internal Affairs National Police). Consultation hotline: 00371-67219263.

Opium, morphine, heroin, marijuana, and other addictive drugs and psychotropic substances (excluding those approved by the Latvian National Medical Agency). Consultation hotline: 00371-67078424.

Various pornographic materials.

Residency and Naturalization

https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/naturalisation.

1、 Individuals who have resided in Latvia for no less than 5 years from May 4, 1990 to the date of submitting their citizenship application and meet the following conditions are eligible to apply for Latvian citizenship:

（1） Master Latvian language.

（2） Understand the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia and the Basic Law on the Rights and Obligations of Natural Persons and Citizens.

（3） Understand the lyrics and history of the Latvian national anthem.

（4） There is a legitimate source of livelihood.

（5） Swearing allegiance to Latvia.

（6） Declaration of renouncing the nationality previously held and obtaining a certificate of withdrawal or loss of nationality in accordance with the laws of the former nationality country.

（7） Not subject to the restrictions of Article 11 of the Nationality Law.

2、 One parent is a Latvian citizen and the other is a foreign citizen. At the time of birth, those who meet the following conditions have Latvian citizenship:

（1） I was born in Latvia.

（2） One parent is a Latvian citizen, and their child born in Latvia can apply for and obtain Latvian citizenship.

（3） If one parent is a non Latvian citizen, their child born in Latvia can apply for and obtain a Latvian passport. But when applying, a certificate of non citizenship issued by the embassy of the relevant country must be submitted.

3、 I was born abroad, and both or one of my parents who lived with me was settled in Latvia at the time of my birth. Those who meet the following conditions can apply for Latvian citizenship:

（1） Pass the Latvian language proficiency test.

（2） Can fully understand social and official information.

（3） Fluent in speaking, conversing, and answering daily life questions.

（4） Fluent in reading and understanding any daily life introductions, prompts, and other social texts.

（5） Can provide written answers to daily life questions raised by the examination committee.

（6） Students who obtain primary, secondary, and advanced education in Latvian teaching institutions are exempt from Latvian language tests.

Please refer to the Latvian Nationality Law for details:

https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/naturalisation.

4、 Residence policy and related procedures:

The documents required for applying for a Latvian residence permit should be personally submitted by the applicant to the Latvian diplomatic or consular representative office abroad. The documents of foreigners staying in Latvia applying for extension of residence permit shall be submitted to the Latvian Nationality and Immigration Affairs Office.

The residence permits are respectively temporary residence permit and permanent residence permit. Individuals who wish to work or study in Latvia must apply for a residence permit before arriving in Latvia. Before submitting relevant documents, the inviting party from Latvia should apply for approval of the invitation letter from the Latvian Citizenship and Immigration Office. After approval, the Latvian Citizenship and Immigration Office will directly send the approval number to the Embassy in China, and the Embassy will issue a residence visa based on this number.

According to the purpose of non cohabitation, the basic documents required for applying for a residence permit in Latvia are:

(1) Valid travel documents.

(2) Application Form for Residence Permit.

https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/media/1654/download

(3) Two recent passport photos.

(4) No criminal record.

(5) Fluorescent or X-ray medical examination certificate document.

(6) Proof of livelihood capability.

(7) Proof of residence in Latvia.

(8) Tax proof documents.

(9) Labor agreement or enterprise contract or draft.

Other documents.

Foreigners applying for residence permits must submit the required documents in person to the Latvian embassy and consulate in China. Latvian, English, French, Russian or German application documents are accepted. The proof of livelihood and tax payment documents are valid for 3 months from the date of issuance; Except for marriage registration, court judgments, educational qualifications, and other documents, all other documents are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

5、 Special Reminder:

Chinese and English notarized certificates such as birth certificates and certificates of no criminal record issued by domestic notary offices should first be sent to the Notarization and Certification Office of the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authentication, and then to the Embassy of Latvia in China for authentication before they can be used in Latvia. Do not bring the original notarized certificate directly to Latvia for use, as the Chinese Embassy in Latvia cannot authenticate notarized certificates issued by domestic notary offices.

Address of Latvian Citizenship and Immigration Office: Ciekurkalna 1, linija 1, K-3 Rīga LV-1026, Latvia。

Latvia's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

The overall political situation in Latvia is stable, the security situation is good, the crime rate is low, and most of them are non violent cases such as pickpocketing in public places. Chinese citizens traveling in Lhasa are advised to keep important items such as passports, bank cards, and airline tickets close to their bodies, and not to put computers, backpacks, and other items in the car trunk to avoid becoming theft targets.

Chinese citizens who have been stolen or attacked in Latvia should immediately report to the local police and, if necessary, contact the Chinese Embassy in Latvia for assistance.

Alarm hotline: 110 or 112.

Consular protection hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Latvia:+ 371-26189539.

natural disaster

Winter is often snowy and travel is hindered. It is recommended to avoid traveling to Latvia in winter as much as possible.

FDA

Latvia implements EU food hygiene standards, ensuring food safety in supermarkets.

Urgent Help

(1) Alarm: 110

(2) Fire alarm: 112

(3) Ambulance: 113

(4) Gas maintenance: 114

(5) Emergency: 67201003 (emergency call, 24-hour English service)

67201001/67201006/67201007/67201008

(6) Electricity service: 8404 or 8400

(7) Self supplied water: 80002122

(8) Traffic accident: 112

(9) Car maintenance and driver's license replacement: 67025777 (available for inquiry)https://csdd.lv/en/）

(10) Drug Center: 67078424 (searchable)www.zva.gov.lv）

(11) Information desk: 1188 (toll phone, available for inquiries)https://www.1188.lv/en）

air traffic

Latvia has three international airports: Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja, with Riga Airport being the main international airport. From Riga, taking a Finnair flight from Helsinki with layovers can reach Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Chengdu, Wuhan, Guilin, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Nanjing, Wenzhou, Kunming, Tianjin, and Hong Kong. Taking a Aeroflot flight from Moscow with layovers can also reach Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Other destinations include Frankfurt, Vienna, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and others.

Riga Airport inquiry: 00371-29311817.

land transport

1、 Train: International trains from Riga can reach Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia, Kiev and Odessa in Ukraine, and can also travel to Berlin, Germany via Lithuania and Poland. Domestic routes connect major cities. Both domestic and international routes operate on time, with reasonable prices and good safety conditions. International ticket reservation hotline: 00371-67897646, timetable inquiry:http://travel.ldz.lv.

Centrala Stackija train station is located in the city center and can be reached within a 5-10 minute walk from the old town of Riga.

2、 Highway: Autoosta bus station in Riga is adjacent to the train station. Take tram 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 to reach the old town of Riga. The operating hours are from 5:00 to 24:00, and the baggage check-in time is from 6:00 to 23:00. Inquiry hotline: 90000009, booking hotline: 90001111, bus station website:www.autoosta.lv.

International passenger buses can travel to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Brussels, Berlin, Prague, Kiev, Minsk, Tallinn, Vilnius, Paris, London and other places. The condition of international passenger buses is good, with mostly two drivers rotating in shifts and overall safe operation. However, the road conditions are poor after snow in winter, which can easily lead to accidents.

For details of the route and schedule, please refer to the transportation company's website:

Eurolines phone number: 00371-27351111.http://www.eurolines.lt/en

Ecolines phone: 00371-67214512.

https://ecolines.net/international/en

LuxExpress phone: 00371-67781350.https://luxexpress.eu/en

Tourists can also rent cars for travel at airports, train stations, bus stations, and large shopping malls.

water communication

The main seaports are Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja.

Riga Passenger Port is 1.5 kilometers away from the city center. Take tram lines 5, 7, and 9 to reach the city center. The specific address is: Eksporta iela 3A, Ziemelu rajons, Riga, LV-1010。 One pair of cruise ships per day between Riga and Stockholm, Sweden. For more information, please consult Tallink Shipping Company (phone: 67099700).

The current shipping time for Riga Port is: Riga Stockholm, 17:30-10:30 (next day); Stockholm Riga, 17:00-11:00 (next day).

The address of Ventspils Port is: Darzu Street 6, LV-3601 Ventspils。 There are multiple ferry services between Wentspils Port and Nynashamn Port in Sweden. For more information, please consult Stena Line Shipping Company (phone: 63622999).

The address of Liepaya Port is: Brivostas iela 14a, LV-3405, Liepaja。 Liepaja Port has two ferry services per week to and from Travemunde Port in Germany. For more information, please consult Stena Line Shipping Company (phone: 63622999).

Urban transportation

The Latvian government imposes severe penalties on drunk driving, with the maximum penalty being revocation of the driver's license, inability to obtain a new license within 5 years, and a fine of 2000 euros.

Regardless of day or night, the car lights must be turned on while driving.

The public transportation system in Riga includes buses, trams, and trolleybus. The daily operating hours are from 5:30 to 00:30, with some lines suspended at 22:30. Some bus starting and ending stations, as well as some NARESEN chain convenience stores in the city, sell bus recharge cards, which cost 1.15 euros per ride; Ticket purchase without a card costs 2 euros per ride. Each station has a running schedule and operates on time during non peak hours.

Riga city public transportation website:https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/

There are multiple taxi companies in Riga, making it convenient to take a taxi. Passengers can call the 24-hour free booking hotline to make a reservation.

Red Cab: 8383.

Smile Taxi:+ 371-22330330.

Baltic Taxi: 8500; + 371-20008500; + 371-67008500.

Taxis can also be booked online, with the specific website as follows:

https://bolt.eu/lv/choose-city/riga/

https://taxi.yandex.lv/

Different taxi companies have different taxi fare standards. The starting price of Panda Taxi taxi is 0.99 euros, 0.55 euros per kilometer, and 0.18 euros per minute of delay.

major city

1、 Riga, the capital of Latvia and the largest city in Latvia. It covers an area of 307.17 square kilometers and has a population of 605800, accounting for about 1/3 of the national population. The population density is 2000 people per square kilometer. Riga and Suzhou, China are sister cities.

2、 DAUGAVPILS, located 229 kilometers from Riga, is the second largest city in Latvia, close to the Belarusian border, and mainly speaks Russian. Harbin, China is a sister city.

3、 Liepaja, located 223 kilometers from Riga, is a port and the third largest city in Latvia.

4、 Ventspils, located 202 kilometers from Riga, is the largest ice free port along the Baltic Sea coast.

5、 Jurmala, located 25 kilometers from Riga, is a famous health resort that is on par with Sochi, Russia. It boasts 33 kilometers of high-quality beaches and black mud for treating cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

Commodity prices

Latvia's main commodities, food, fruits, etc. are mainly imported and have sufficient supply. Affected by the spillover effects of the Ukrainian crisis, prices have risen rapidly and inflation rates are among the highest in the eurozone.

The local currency is Euro. 1 euro is equivalent to 7.31 Chinese yuan (as of January 11, 2023).

Latvian banks and foreign exchange points refuse to accept foreign currencies such as wrinkled, worn, faded, or contaminated US dollars, even if they have very small handwriting. They only accept US dollars issued after 1990.

Payment methods: credit card and cash payment, hotels generally accept tourists to settle by bank transfer.

The airport and all cities and tourist attractions have foreign currency exchange points where Chinese yuan and US dollars can be exchanged for euros.

Insurance Medical

Latvia has good hygiene conditions and no large-scale infectious diseases.

In addition to short-term tourists who need to apply for visas, foreign nationals residing in Latvia also need to submit accident medical insurance policies to the Latvian Nationality and Immigration Affairs Office when applying for and extending their Latvian residence permits. The insurance premium ranges from 34-72 euros per person per year, depending on the insurance company and the age of the policyholder. The coverage amount is 49000 euros, including 34000 euros for emergency medical care, 5000 euros for nearby emergency transportation, 5000 euros for returning to the country due to serious illness, and 5000 euros for transporting the body back to the country.

Special Reminder:

The national emergency state of COVID-19 has been lifted in Latin America, and international flights have resumed normal operation, but the epidemic situation is still serious. It is suggested that Chinese citizens coming to Latin America should do a good job in self-protection, protect their own health and safety, and timely check the website of the Latvian Embassy in China for information releasehttps://www2.mfa.gov.lv/china/aktualitates.

Please refer to the website of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for information on the epidemic situation and related regulations（https://www.spkc.gov.lv/lv/pasizolacija）.

https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/latvia

Customs taboos

Important festivals in Latvia include: New Year: January 1st; Easter: late March and early April; Labor Day: May 1st; Restoration of Independence Day: May 4th; Ligo Festival (Summer Solstice Festival): June 23rd (LIGO); Yannis Festival: June 24th (JANIS); Independence Day (National Day): November 18th; Christmas: December 24th, 25th, 26th.

Important commemorative days include: Memorial Day for the Victims of World War II: May 8th; National Heroes and Defenders Memorial Day: November 11th.

Ice hockey is the national sport of Latvia: In May 2006, Riga, the capital of Latvia, hosted the World Ice Hockey Championships.

Latvians have introverted and reserved personalities. Men are quiet and reserved, while women occupy an important position in society and families.

Communication power supply

1、 Power supply voltage

The voltage in Latvia is 220V, 50HZ, using a round headed two-phase plug.

2、 Communication Network

Latvia has developed communication technology, and upon arrival in Latvia, mobile SIM cards (usually 2-5 euros) and recharge cards can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, shops, and mobile phone service outlets.

Latvia has convenient communication, with free WIFI services provided in public places such as restaurants and parks.

special note

Latvia time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)+2 hours, and daylight saving time is GMT+3 hours. Winter time begins on the last Sunday of October each year, and summer time begins on the last Sunday of March. Summer time is 5 hours Beijing time, and winter time is 6 hours Beijing time.

contact information