ETIAS for Latvia
Travel to Latvia from the U.S. with ETIAS
Americans will soon need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Latvia.
The new European visa waiver will be available from 2026. It will be mandatory for visa-free trips to the Baltic state.
U.S. passport holders will need to register for ETIAS online to visit Latvia on vacation or for business.
ETIAS application guidelines and requirements for Americans can be found on this page.
ETIAS Latvia for American Tourists
ETIAS is a new travel authorization required to travel to the Schengen Area without a visa—the system will be fully operational from 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about ETIAS for traveling to Latvia from the United States.
Visit Latvia multiple times without a visa
ETIAS is valid for Latvia, other Schengen members, and countries in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
This means you do not need to apply for a separate travel authorization for each European country you will visit on your trip. Many American travelers visiting Latvia also visit neighboring countries Estonia and Lithuania.
You should indicate the Schengen country you plan to enter first on your ETIAS application. ETIAS is verified at the external Schengen border.
Stay in Latvia and other European countries for up to 90 days
ETIAS is a short-stay permit. With ETIAS, you can visit Latvia, or other Schengen countries, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
These 90 days can be consecutive or divided between different trips to Europe.
Important: the 90-day limit applies to time spent anywhere in the Schengen Area, not just Latvia.
Travel to Latvia for tourism, business, or short study
With ETIAS, Americans can visit Latvia on vacation or for business, for example, meetings and conferences.
You can also study for up to 90 days with ETIAS. To study longer-term, a student visa is required.
As an American passport holder, you cannot work in Latvia with ETIAS. You must apply for the relevant permits to work in Latvia.
What You Need to Apply for ETIAS for Latvia
Here’s what you need to apply for ETIAS to travel from the United States to Latvia:
| U.S. passport | It must be a biometric passport valid for at least 3 months after you’ll exit the Schengen Area |
|---|---|
| Debit or credit card | You’ll pay the ETIAS fees securely online to finalize your application |
| Email address | You’ll be notified by email as soon as your ETIAS approved |
Latvian Entry Requirements for Americans
This is what you need to travel to Latvia from the United States if you meet the visa-free criteria:
- U.S. passport
- ETIAS (linked to your passport)
ETIAS is verified when your passport is scanned at the external border. There is no need to print your ETIAS for Latvia, but you can do so for your own records.
Traveling from the United States to Latvia with a visa
Here are the documents you need to travel to Lativa from the United States if you do not meet the ETIAS requirements:
- U.S. passport
- National visa for Latvia
- Supporting documents
You’ll need to apply for the relevant visa through the Latvian embassy or consulate if you wish to reside in the country or stay for reasons such as work or study.
Information for American Travelers Visiting Latvia
Latvia is a country in Northern Europe, it is one of the 3 Baltic States. Latvia is bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, and the Baltic Sea to the west.
The most popular tourist destination is Latvia’s capital, Riga, which is also a World Heritage Site. However, Latvia has many other great places to see, such as Liepaja, Jurmala, and Cesis.
Latvia also boasts a wild 500 km long coastline, consisting mainly of white, sandy beaches. There are also several national parks, nature reserves, and protected marine areas.
Flying from the United States to Latvia
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the country’s main airport. There are non-direct flights from New York, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, and other U.S. cities to Riga.
About Latvia
Capital: Riga
Language: Latvian
Area: 64.589 km²
Population: Over 1.8 million
Timezone: UTC/GTM 2
Currency: euro (€)
Code: +371
U.S. Embassy in Riga, Latvia
If you need consular assistance during your stay in Latvia, you can contact the United States Embassy located in Riga.
Medical Information for U.S. Citizens Visiting Latvia
You do not need any specific vaccines to travel to Latvia from the United States. As always when traveling overseas, you should be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.
You should also speak to a medical professional several weeks before you travel. Depending on your health condition or planned activities, they may recommend additional vaccinations.
FAQs About Requirements to Travel to Latvia From the USA
Do U.S. citizens need to take out travel insurance for Latvia? Toggle faqs
Although travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for U.S. citizens visiting Latvia, it is highly recommended.
Travel insurance protects against unforeseen medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other potential issues.
Some visa applications may require proof of travel insurance, particularly if you are planning to stay in Latvia for an extended period.
What are the ETIAS requirements for American children traveling to Latvia? Toggle faqs
American children also need ETIAS for Latvia. U.S. passport holders need ETIAS approval regardless of their age.
If you’re a parent or legal guardian, you can complete the ETIAS application on behalf of your children.
What do U.S. citizens need to study in Latvia? Toggle faqs
U.S. citizens can study in Latvia with ETIAS for up to 90 days. ETIAS covers short courses and training.
To study for longer than this, for example, to attend university in Latvia, you need a student visa. Contact your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate to request a student visa.
How long before traveling to Latvia should I apply for ETIAS? Toggle faqs
You do not need to apply for ETIAS yet. The system goes live in 2026.
You should apply as soon as possible before your trip.
Although most applications will be processed and approved quickly, you should leave extra time in case of unexpected delays. You won’t be able to travel if you do not receive ETIAS approval in time for your trip.
Can we apply for ETIAS for Latvia as a group? Toggle faqs
No, you cannot submit a group ETIAS application. If you’re traveling to Latvia as a group, each U.S. passport holder needs to submit a separate ETIAS application.