🇵🇭Philippines

🇱🇻LatviaPH-LV

Philippines to Latvia visa requirements

Q: Can I use ETIAS instead of a visa?

No. ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities. Because the Philippines is visa-required for the Schengen Area, Filipinos must apply for a full Schengen visa, not ETIAS.

Q: Where do I apply since Latvia has no embassy in the Philippines?

Latvia is represented by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Manila. Applications are submitted through VFS Global in Makati.

Q: How long can I stay in Latvia on a Schengen visa?

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

Q: How much does the Schengen visa cost?

The standard adult visa fee is EUR 80 (around PHP 4,620), plus a VFS Global service fee and the cost of travel insurance.

Q: How early should I apply?

You can apply up to 6 months before travel and should submit at least 15 working days in advance; applying about one month ahead is recommended.

Philippine ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Latvia. The Philippines is not on the EU visa-exempt list, so ETIAS does not apply to Filipino nationals. Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area. Holders of an ordinary Philippine passport are NOT visa-exempt for the Schengen Area, so they must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) in advance for tourism or short visits. Because the Philippines is a visa-required nationality, ETIAS (the EU travel authorisation launched in 2026 for visa-exempt travellers) does NOT apply to Filipino passport holders. The Schengen short-stay visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. Latvia does not maintain an embassy in the Philippines; visa applications are handled by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Manila, which represents Latvia, with biometrics and document submission processed through VFS Global in Makati. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 80 plus a VFS service fee, with a normal decision time of about 15 calendar days. Applicants must show travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage valid throughout the Schengen Area, confirmed accommodation, return travel, and sufficient funds. Note that since 2026 the Entry/Exit System (EES) records entries and exits digitally instead of stamping passports, but this is a border-control system and does not change the visa requirement.

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.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C / Uniform Visa)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple entry (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 80 (adult) + VFS service fee (approx. PHP 1,000)

consular fee only

Processing time

About 15 calendar days (can extend to 30-45 days)

standard track

Validity

Issued for the travel dates; visa sticker valid up to the granted period

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm you need a Schengen visa

As a Philippine ordinary passport holder, you must apply for a Schengen Type C visa for Latvia. ETIAS does not apply to you because the Philippines is a visa-required nationality.

· Type C· Apply in advance

/02

Apply through Latvia's representative in Manila

Latvia has no embassy in the Philippines. The Embassy of the Netherlands represents Latvia for visas; submit your application via VFS Global in Makati.

· VFS Global Makati· Netherlands represents Latvia

/03

Complete the application form and book an appointment

Fill out the Schengen visa application form, then schedule a biometrics/submission appointment at the VFS Global centre.

· Online form· Appointment required

/04

Gather supporting documents

Prepare passport, photos, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000), flight reservation, accommodation proof, financial evidence and proof of ties to the Philippines.

· Insurance EUR 30,000· Proof of funds

/05

Attend appointment and pay fees

Submit documents, give fingerprints/photo (biometrics), and pay the EUR 80 visa fee plus the VFS service fee.

· Biometrics· EUR 80 + service fee

/06

Collect your passport and check the visa

After the ~15-day decision, retrieve your passport and verify the visa validity, number of entries and allowed days before travelling.

· ~15 days· Verify visa details

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

Philippines -> Latvia · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C / Uniform Visa)

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPhilippine passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure from Schengen, issued within last 10 years, with 2 blank pages

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredOne recent colour photo (35mm x 45mm, ICAO standard)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredTravel medical insurance covering all Schengen states, minimum EUR 30,000

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of accommodation in Latvia (hotel booking or invitation)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds (bank statements; min. EUR 14/day)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RecommendedProof of employment / ties to the Philippines (e.g. employment certificate, ITR)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RecommendedDay-by-day travel itinerary / cover letter

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RequiredVisa fee and VFS service fee payment

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesLatvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Documents required to apply for a visa EU - ETIAS: Who should apply (visa-exempt vs visa-required)European Commission - Applying for a Schengen visa

Application link included: Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Documents required to apply for a visa

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 80Standard short-stay visa fee; approx. PHP 4,620

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 40Reduced fee for children aged 6 to under 12

VFS Global service feeapprox. PHP 1,000Charged per application by the visa centre in Makati

Travel medical insuranceapprox. PHP 1,500-3,000Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage; varies by insurer and trip length

Total estimateEUR 80 (approx. PHP 5,600 with service fee) — EUR 80 + service & insurance (approx. PHP 9,000)incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

About 15 calendar days

Normal decision time after a complete application is submitted at VFS Global.

Extended processing

Up to 30-45 days

Possible when additional documents or further checks are needed, or in peak season.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Philippines is not visa-exempt for the Schengen Area

Filipino ordinary passport holders are on the EU visa-required list and must obtain a Schengen visa before travel.

High

/02

ETIAS does not apply

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities; Filipinos need a full Schengen visa instead.

High

/03

Latvia is a full Schengen member

Entry to Latvia follows common Schengen short-stay rules of 90 days in any 180-day period.

Medium

/04

Latvia is represented by the Netherlands in Manila

There is no Latvian embassy in the Philippines, so applications go through the Netherlands embassy via VFS Global.

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 · major

Philippines to Latvia route verified

Verified against the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EU sources: ordinary Philippine passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa; ETIAS does not apply. Confirmed EUR 80 fee, ~15-day processing, and Netherlands/VFS Global representation in Manila.

/09 — The questions