Free countries & visa requirements for passport holders from Latvia

Are you a Latvian passport holder planning your next travel adventure? Understanding the travel requirements is crucial to ensuring a smooth journey. Whether you’re jetting off to a neighboring country or planning a longer trip overseas, knowing the visa and entry regulations can save you time and stress. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about exiting Latvia, from visa-free countries to those requiring pre-approved visas. Let’s dive in and make your travel preparations as seamless as possible!

Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Latvia – Map

Overview of Travel Requirements

General Visa Requirements

For Latvian passport holders, understanding general visa requirements is essential. The visa requirements vary significantly depending on the destination country. Latvian citizens enjoy a high degree of travel freedom, ranking 9th in the Henley Passport Index. However, some countries may still require a visa, whether it be a visa on arrival, an eVisa, or a pre-approved visa. It’s important to check the specific requirements for each country you’re planning to visit to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Restrictions on Entry

Despite the broad travel freedom, there are some countries where Latvian citizens might face restrictions. These restrictions could be due to political conditions, safety concerns, or other diplomatic reasons. It’s crucial to stay updated on any travel advisories or entry restrictions for your intended destination to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Understanding the Henley-on-Thames Passport Index

Latvian Passport Ranking

The Henley-on-Thames Passport Index is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom their citizens enjoy. The Latvian passport ranks 9th, reflecting its strong position in terms of travel freedom. This high ranking means that Latvian citizens can travel to a large number of countries without needing a visa or with minimal visa requirements.

Travel Freedom Insights

Being ranked 9th on the Henley Passport Index offers Latvian citizens significant travel freedoms. With visa-free or visa on arrival access to 186 countries and territories, Latvian passport holders can explore a vast array of destinations. However, it’s essential to stay informed about any changes in visa policies or entry requirements, as these can change rapidly.

Visa Requirements by Country

Countries with Visa-Free Access

Latvian citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to numerous countries. Some of these include:

• • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom

Countries with Visa on Arrival or eVisa

Several countries allow Latvian passport holders to obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an eVisa. This includes destinations such as:

• • Thailand
  • India
  • Kenya
  • Australia
  • United Arab Emirates

These options provide flexibility and convenience for travelers.

Countries Requiring Pre-Approved Visa

For some countries, Latvian citizens need to apply for a visa before traveling. This pre-approved visa must be obtained from the respective country’s embassy or consulate. Examples include:

• • United States
  • Canada
  • China
  • Russia
  • Brazil

It’s advisable to start the application process well in advance to ensure timely approval.

Countries with Special Permits

A few countries require Latvian travelers to obtain special permits or meet specific conditions before entry. These might include regions with restricted access or areas requiring additional clearances. Always check the latest requirements before planning your trip to these destinations.

Administrative Entry Restrictions

Types of Visa Requirements

There are various types of visa requirements that Latvian citizens may encounter. These include:

• • Visa-free
  • Visa on arrival
  • eVisa
  • Pre-approved visa

Each type has its own application process and duration of stay, so it’s essential to understand the specifics for your destination.

Duration of Allowed Stay

The duration of allowed stay without a visa varies by country. Typically, Latvian passport holders can stay for up to 90 days in visa-free countries. For countries requiring a visa, the duration will depend on the visa type and the specific regulations of the country. Always verify the allowed stay period to avoid overstaying your visa.

Special Notes and Conditions

Some countries have special notes and conditions for entry. For example, certain destinations might accept a valid ID card instead of a passport, while others might require travelers to have a return ticket or sufficient funds for their stay. It’s crucial to check these conditions beforehand to ensure a smooth entry process.

Steps to Obtain a Visa

Applying for a Visa

Applying for a visa typically involves several steps, including filling out an application form, providing necessary documentation, and attending an interview if required. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements of the destination country and start the application process well in advance.

Obtaining Visa on Arrival

For countries that offer a visa on arrival, the process is usually straightforward. You’ll need to present the required documents, such as a passport and visa fee, at the port of entry. This option is convenient for spontaneous travelers but ensures you have all necessary documentation ready.

Extending Your Visa

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the allowed period, you may need to apply for a visa extension. This process varies by country, but it generally involves submitting an application and paying a fee. It’s best to apply for an extension before your current visa expires to avoid any legal issues.

Online Registration Before Arrival

Some countries require travelers to register online before arrival. This can be part of an eVisa application or a separate process. Ensure you complete any required online registrations to avoid entry delays or complications.

Consular Protection for Latvian Citizens

What is Consular Protection?

Consular protection refers to the assistance provided by Latvian embassies and consulates to their citizens abroad. This can include help in emergencies, legal assistance, and repatriation services. It’s a valuable resource for travelers facing unexpected issues while abroad.

EU Country Embassies Support

If there is no Latvian embassy in a non-EU country, Latvian citizens can seek consular protection from the embassy of any other EU member state. This ensures that Latvians have access to support and assistance even in regions where Latvia does not have a diplomatic presence.

Travel Requirements for Passport Holders from Latvia – Countries List

• Afghanistan - visa required
• Albania - visa-free/90 days
• Algeria - visa required
• Andorra - visa-free
• Angola - visa-free/30 days
• Antigua and Barbuda - visa-free/180 days
• Argentina - visa-free/90 days
• Armenia - visa-free/180 days
• Australia - eVisitors/90 days
• Austria - visa-free
• Azerbaijan - eVisa/30 days
• Bahamas - visa-free/90 days
• Bahrain - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Bangladesh - visa on arrival/30 days
• Barbados - visa-free/90 days
• Belarus - visa-free/30 days
• Belgium - visa-free
• Belize - visa-free
• Benin - eVisa
• Bhutan - eVisa
• Bolivia - visa-free/90 days
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - visa-free/90 days
• Botswana - visa-free/90 days
• Brazil - visa-free/90 days
• Brunei - visa-free/90 days
• Bulgaria - visa-free
• Burkina Faso - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
• Burundi - visa on arrival/30 days
• Cambodia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Cameroon - eVisa
• Canada - eTA/180 days
• Cape Verde - visa-free (EASE)/30 days
• Central African Republic - visa required
• Chad - visa required
• Chile - visa-free/90 days
• China - visa required
• Colombia - visa-free/90 days
• Comoros - visa on arrival/45 days
• Congo - visa required
• Congo (Dem. Rep.) - eVisa/90 days
• Costa Rica - visa-free/180 days
• Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) - pre-enrollment/90 days
• Croatia - visa-free
• Cuba - tourist card/90 days
• Cyprus - visa-free
• Czech Republic - visa-free
• Denmark - visa-free
• Djibouti - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
• Dominica - visa-free/180 days
• Dominican Republic - E-Ticket/30 days
• Ecuador - visa-free/90 days
• Egypt - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• El Salvador - visa-free/180 days
• Equatorial Guinea - eVisa
• Eritrea - visa required
• Estonia - visa-free
• Eswatini - visa-free/30 days
• Ethiopia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
• Fiji - visa-free/120 days
• Finland - visa-free
• France - visa-free
• Gabon - eVisa/90 days
• Gambia - visa-free/90 days
• Georgia - visa-free/360 days
• Germany - visa-free
• Ghana - visa required
• Greece - visa-free
• Grenada - visa-free/90 days
• Guatemala - visa-free/90 days
• Guinea - eVisa/90 days
• Guinea-Bissau - visa on arrival/90 days
• Guyana - visa required
• Haiti - visa-free/90 days
• Honduras - visa-free/90 days
• Hong Kong - visa-free/90 days
• Hungary - visa-free
• Iceland - visa-free
• India - eVisa/30 days
• Indonesia - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Iran - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Iraq - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Ireland - visa-free
• Israel - visa-free/90 days
• Italy - visa-free
• Jamaica - visa-free/30 days
• Japan - visa-free/90 days
• Jordan - visa on arrival / eVisa
• Kazakhstan - visa-free/30 days
• Kenya - eTA/90 days
• Kiribati - visa required
• Kosovo - visa-free/90 days
• Kuwait - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
• Kyrgyzstan - visa-free/60 days
• Laos - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Lebanon - visa on arrival/30 days
• Lesotho - eVisa/14 days
• Liberia - visa required
• Libya - eVisa
• Liechtenstein - visa-free
• Lithuania - visa-free
• Luxembourg - visa-free
• Macao - visa-free/90 days
• Madagascar - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
• Malawi - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Malaysia - visa-free/90 days
• Maldives - visa on arrival/30 days
• Mali - visa required
• Malta - visa-free
• Marshall Islands - visa-free/90 days
• Mauritania - visa on arrival
• Mauritius - visa-free/90 days
• Mexico - visa-free/180 days
• Micronesia - visa-free/90 days
• Moldova - visa-free/90 days
• Monaco - visa-free
• Mongolia - visa-free/30 days
• Montenegro - visa-free/90 days
• Morocco - visa-free/90 days
• Mozambique - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Myanmar - eVisa
• Namibia - visa on arrival/90 days
• Nauru - visa required
• Nepal - visa on arrival / eVisa/150 days
• Netherlands - visa-free
• New Zealand - eTA/90 days
• Nicaragua - visa-free/90 days
• Niger - visa required
• Nigeria - eVisa/90 days
• North Korea - visa required
• North Macedonia - visa-free/90 days
• Norway - visa-free
• Oman - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Pakistan - eVisa
• Palau - visa-free/90 days
• Palestinian Territories - visa-free
• Panama - visa-free/90 days
• Papua New Guinea - eVisitors/60 days
• Paraguay - visa-free/90 days
• Peru - visa-free/90 days
• Philippines - visa-free/30 days
• Poland - visa-free
• Portugal - visa-free
• Qatar - free visa on arrival/90 days
• Romania - visa-free
• Russian Federation - eVisa/15 days
• Rwanda - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Saint Kitts and Nevis - visa-free/90 days
• Saint Lucia - visa-free/90 days
• Samoa - visa-free/90 days
• San Marino - visa-free
• Sao Tome and Principe - visa-free/15 days
• Saudi Arabia - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days
• Senegal - visa-free/90 days
• Serbia - visa-free/90 days
• Seychelles - tourist registration/90 days
• Sierra Leone - visa on arrival / eVisa/30 days
• Singapore - visa-free/90 days
• Slovakia - visa-free
• Slovenia - visa-free
• Solomon Islands - visa-free/90 days
• Somalia - visa on arrival/30 days
• South Africa - visa required
• South Korea - visa-free/90 days
• South Sudan - eVisa
• Spain - visa-free
• Sri Lanka - eTA/30 days
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines - visa-free/90 days
• Sudan - visa required
• Suriname - tourist card/90 days
• Sweden - visa-free
• Switzerland - visa-free
• Syria - eVisa
• Taiwan - visa-free/90 days
• Tajikistan - visa-free/30 days
• Tanzania - visa on arrival / eVisa
• Thailand - visa-free/60 days
• Timor-Leste - visa-free/90 days
• Togo - eVisa/15 days
• Tonga - visa-free/90 days
• Trinidad and Tobago - visa-free/90 days
• Tunisia - visa-free/90 days
• Turkmenistan - visa required
• Tuvalu - visa-free/90 days
• Türkiye - visa-free/30 days
• Uganda - eVisa
• Ukraine - visa-free/90 days
• United Arab Emirates - visa-free/90 days
• United Kingdom - visa-free/180 days
• United States of America - eTA/90 days
• Uruguay - visa-free/90 days
• Uzbekistan - visa-free/30 days
• Vanuatu - visa-free/120 days
• Vatican City - visa-free
• Venezuela - visa-free/90 days
• Viet Nam - eVisa/90 days
• Yemen - visa required
• Zambia - visa-free/90 days
• Zimbabwe - visa on arrival / eVisa/90 days