Latvia is an amazing country with a gentle climate, interesting cultural attractions and traditions. Until 1990, it, like several other countries and republics, was part of the USSR, which then collapsed. Since Latvia declared itself an independent state, entry into its territory for Russians has not become as accessible as before. Then the question arises: do Russians need a foreign passport to Riga? Yes. Now, in order to get beyond the borders of this Baltic country, you will need to present not only a valid passport, but also an issued visa.

Do Russians need a foreign passport to Riga? Since Latvia signed the agreement in 2004, its territory has become part of the wider Schengen and Eurozone. For this and other well-known reasons, a foreign passport is required for Russians entering Riga.

If a traveler is just going to get a passport, then he can choose either a new or an old document for registration. Latvia does not limit its guests in this matter.

List of documents

The standard list of documents for a visa to Latvia for all foreigners includes:

  • International passport.
  • Medical insurance.


  • Completed.
  • 2 photos, size 3.5x4.5.
  • Birth certificate of children (for minors);
  • National passport.
  • Air or train tickets, both ways.

If you plan to travel by car, then instead of plane or train tickets, you will need to provide documents for the car and driver's license, as well as the travel route.

Document requirements

There are requirements for documents regulated by the Latvian Consulate, which must be taken extremely seriously, as this will affect the speed of processing the application and making a positive decision on the visa.

  • international passport. This is the main document on the trip, it is worth considering that:
    • There must be at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
    • The end must be no earlier than 3 months after the end of the trip.
    • It must be genuine and valid.

  • Photos. A few requirements:
    • The background should be either white or light gray.
    • Photo size 3.5x4.5.
    • The face must be clearly visible, without a hat or dark glasses.
    • The face should occupy no more than 80% of the total space.
  • Medical insurance. It is allowed to be issued directly in the Schengen zone. The amount of coverage must be at least 30,000 euros.
  • Hotel room reservation. It is important that the names of each visa applicant are written down in the reservation.
  • Questionnaire. You can either download it from the Consulate website and print it out, or contact the Embassy office for a paper form. You must fill out the form by hand, in block letters, either in English or Latvian. When filling it out, you should pay special attention to paragraph 37, in which you must sign, without which the form will not be accepted for consideration.

If you need to apply for a visa for a child, the form must be filled out and signed by one of his parents. A photograph of the child is also required. It is important to remember that all completed information in the application form must be accurate, otherwise, if it is discovered that false information has been provided, the person will be denied a visa.

You can apply for a regular visa or an urgent one. The processing time for an application for a regular visa is 10 days, and for an urgent one – 3 days. In most cases, it is impossible to extend a visa while in Latvia. Therefore, you should plan your trip as carefully as possible so that there are no disappointments later.

Visa validity periods and customs regulations

The validity period of a regular tourist visa is 90 days. If a visa is issued by invitation, then the validity of the visa depends on the decision of the inviting person on the duration of his guest’s stay.

There is no concept of a “work visa” in Latvia, but there are special conditions for those wishing to work on its territory. First, the employee must enter the country by invitation from the employer. And if the employment contract exceeds 3 months, then the applicant can apply for a residence permit in Latvia.

It is issued for a period of 1 year, but subsequently it can be extended for another 4 years. Foreign students studying in Latvian educational institutions must follow the same principle in order to obtain a residence permit.

The cost of obtaining a Schengen visa and consular fee will cost 35 euros for regular registration, and 70 euros if the procedure is urgent. Paying the fee is only allowed in euro currency, and only in cash. There are categories of citizens who are exempt from paying this fee. This:

  1. Children up to 6 years old.
  2. Scientific industry specialists.
  3. Students who are studying in Latvian educational institutions.
  4. Relatives of Latvian citizens or Russian citizens who have a residence permit in Latvia and reside there permanently.

Import and export of goods

There are customs rules that regulate the import and export of various groups of things for personal and public use.

Allowed to import:

  • Any amount of local currency.
  • Cigarettes, in the amount of 200 pieces, or cigars, in the amount of 100 pieces.
  • Strong drinks, 1 liter volume
  • Beer and wine - 2 liters each;
  • 1 can of gasoline (if traveling by car).

If some items exceed the norm, they must be declared and a duty paid.


It is prohibited to import:

  • Parrots.
  • Living plants.
  • Drugs.
  • Fruit, dairy and meat products.
  • Weapons and ammunition.
  • Amber products.
  • Artistic and historical values.
  • Medical drugs.

If a person suffers from chronic diseases, then he is allowed to transport medications. Baby food is also allowed for transportation.

The Latvian state does not impose any special requirements for entry into its territory. Being a Schengen country, Latvia opens doors for its travelers not only to the Baltic world, but also to other countries located in the European Union.