At the Latvian embassy/consulate or a VFS Global visa application centre in China, with Latvia as your main destination.

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Do China passport holders need a visa to visit LV?

Q: How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the days granted on your visa.

Q: Do I need ETIAS for Latvia?

No. ETIAS (planned for Q4 2026) is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Chinese nationals continue to use the standard Schengen visa.

Q: How much does it cost?

The visa fee is EUR 90 (about CNY 720) for adults, plus a VFS service charge (around CNY 207) and mandatory travel insurance.

Q: How early should I apply?

Apply at least 4 weeks before travel; applications can be lodged up to 6 months in advance.

Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Latvia for tourism. ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals. Latvia is a full member of the Schengen Area, and Chinese ordinary passport holders are not on the Schengen visa-exemption list. To travel to Latvia for tourism or a short visit, you must apply in advance for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Apply at the Latvian embassy/consulate or its visa service provider (VFS Global) in China, with Latvia as your main destination. The standard visa fee is EUR 90 (about CNY 720), plus a VFS service charge. Note the upcoming ETIAS travel authorisation (planned for Q4 2026) is for visa-exempt nationalities only and does NOT replace the visa requirement for Chinese passport holders, who continue to use the standard Schengen visa process. Always verify current rules with the Latvian MFA before travel.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (approx. CNY 720) + VFS service charge

consular fee only

Processing time

5-10 working days (apply 4+ weeks ahead)

standard track

Validity

Per visa sticker; up to the 90/180 limit

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm Latvia is your main destination

Apply through Latvia only if it is your sole or primary Schengen destination (longest stay, or first point of entry if equal). Otherwise apply at the main-destination country.

· Schengen rule

/02

Book an appointment via VFS Global

Schedule a biometrics/submission appointment at a Latvian VFS Global visa application centre in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.).

· VFS Global· Appointment

/03

Prepare your documents

Complete the application form and gather passport, photo, travel medical insurance, flight and hotel bookings, itinerary, bank statements and employment proof.

· Document set

/04

Pay fees and submit biometrics

Attend your appointment, pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus VFS service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (unless given within the last 5 years).

· Biometrics· Fee

/05

Wait for processing

Standard processing is 5-10 working days; it can extend during peak season or if additional documents/interview are requested.

· 5-10 working days

/06

Collect passport and check the visa

Retrieve your passport, verify the validity dates, number of entries and authorised days, then travel.

· Verify sticker

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Passport issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond departure, 2 blank pages

required

Completed and signed Schengen visa application form

required

One recent colour photo (35mm x 45mm)

required

Travel medical insurance, min. EUR 30,000 coverage, valid across Schengen

required

Round-trip flight reservation

required

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings) for the whole stay

required

Proof of funds: at least EUR 14 per day of stay (bank statements)

required

Employment letter / proof of ties to China

recommended

Detailed travel itinerary

recommended

Hukou / household registration copy

optional

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen short-stay visa fee (adult)EUR 90 (approx. CNY 720)Standard Type C visa fee

Visa fee (children 6-11)EUR 45 (approx. CNY 360)Reduced rate for minors aged 6-11

VFS Global service chargeapprox. CNY 207Per applicant, charged by the visa centre

Travel medical insuranceapprox. CNY 200-500Min. EUR 30,000 Schengen-wide coverage

Total estimateapprox. CNY 1,100 — approx. CNY 1,500incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

5-10 working days

Normal turnaround from a complete submission at VFS Global.

Peak-season / extended

up to 15-45 days

Processing can be extended when an interview or extra documents are required, or during high season.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

China is not Schengen visa-exempt

Chinese ordinary passport holders are not on the EU visa-free list, so a Schengen visa is mandatory for Latvia.

High

/02

Latvia is a full Schengen member

Entry is governed by common Schengen rules, including the 90/180-day short-stay limit.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals

The upcoming ETIAS authorisation is only for visa-exempt travellers; Chinese travellers still need a full visa.

Medium

/04

Tourism is a short-stay purpose

Tourist visits fall under Type C short-stay visas, not long-stay or residence permits.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30

China to Latvia route verified

Confirmed against the Latvian MFA and VFS Global that Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90, 5-10 working days). Verified ETIAS (planned Q4 2026) does not replace the visa for Chinese nationals.

/09 — The questions