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Russian Federation to Latvia visa requirements

A Russian ordinary passport holder cannot visit Latvia for tourism. Latvia is in the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa is required in principle, but Latvia has banned the entry of Russian citizens for tourism/leisure and stopped accepting Russian tourist visa applications. These restrictions are extended through the end of 2026. In practice, no legal tourist channel exists. Latvia is a Schengen member state, so Russian citizens normally need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to enter for tourism, which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, since 2022 Latvia has imposed national security restrictions that specifically prohibit Russian citizens from crossing the border for tourism and leisure. By Cabinet Regulation, Latvia has stopped accepting Schengen visa applications from Russians for tourism, and only narrow categories may enter: family members of Latvian/EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, holders of Latvian/EU residence permits or long-stay (D) visas, transport workers, seafarers, diplomats, and humanitarian cases. The Cabinet of Ministers extended these entry and visa restrictions until 31 December 2026. Separately, from 15 July 2025 Latvia no longer recognises non-biometric Russian Federation passports, so even Russians in a permitted category must hold a valid biometric passport. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is also being rolled out at Schengen external borders (full implementation by 10 April 2026), and ETIAS (a future travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals) does not apply to Russian citizens, who remain visa-required. Because there is no lawful tourist entry channel and tourist visa applications are not accepted, a Russian ordinary passport holder cannot currently travel to Latvia for tourism.
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) - tourism category NOT accepted for Russian citizens
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen rule) - but tourist entry is banned
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple (as endorsed) - not available for tourism purposes
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 standard Schengen visa fee (tourist applications from Russians not accepted)
consular fee only
Processing time
15 calendar days standard when eligible (tourism not an eligible purpose)
standard track
Validity
Restriction on Russian tourist entry in force until 31 December 2026
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you fall within a permitted category
Tourism is not allowed. Latvia only admits Russian citizens who are family members of Latvian/EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, residence-permit or long-stay (D) visa holders, transport workers, seafarers, diplomats, or humanitarian cases. If your purpose is tourism, entry is not possible.
· Eligibility check· Cabinet Regulation No. 123
/02
Obtain a biometric Russian Federation passport
Since 15 July 2025 Latvia does not recognise non-biometric Russian passports. You must hold a valid biometric (chip) passport even if you qualify under a permitted category.
· Biometric passport mandatory· Effective 15 Jul 2025
/03
Apply only if eligible for a permitted Schengen visa category
If you qualify (e.g. family of an EU citizen), book an appointment at a Latvian embassy/consulate or authorised visa centre. Tourism appointments are not accepted.
· Embassy/consulate· No tourist appointments
/04
Prepare supporting documents for your eligible purpose
Gather proof of your qualifying ground (family relationship, residence permit, employment as a transport worker, humanitarian grounds), travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000), and proof of means.
· Documents· Insurance EUR 30,000
/05
Attend appointment and submit biometrics
Provide fingerprints and a photo. Pay the EUR 90 visa fee (if eligible). Decision is normally within 15 calendar days.
· Biometrics· Fee EUR 90
/06
Comply with EES registration at the border
On arrival at the Schengen external border, expect registration in the new Entry/Exit System (EES), being fully implemented by 10 April 2026.
· EES border registration· By 10 Apr 2026
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Russian Federation -> Latvia · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) - tourism category NOT accepted for Russian citizens
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredConfirm your travel purpose qualifies under a permitted category (tourism does NOT qualify)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredValid biometric Russian Federation passport (non-biometric passports not recognised since 15 Jul 2025)
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure with 2+ blank pages
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredProof of qualifying ground (family ties, residence permit, employment, humanitarian)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredSchengen travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of sufficient financial means for the stay
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredConfirmed accommodation and return/onward travel details
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredCompleted Schengen visa application form (eligible categories only)
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
required
RequiredRecent biometric passport photo meeting ICAO standards
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RecommendedBe prepared for EES registration (fingerprints/photo) at the Schengen border
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
recommended
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 MFA - Entry into Latvia by citizens of the Russian Federation and FAQLatvia Cabinet of Ministers - Restrictions on entry of Russian citizens extendedLatvia MFA - Non-recognition of Russian Federation non-biometric passports
Application link included: SchengenVisaInfo - Latvia extends entry/visa restrictions for Russians until end of 2026
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen short-stay visa feeEUR 90Standard adult fee; not charged for tourism as tourist applications from Russians are not accepted
Children aged 6-11 visa feeEUR 45Reduced fee for eligible applicants only
Visa application centre service feeEUR 30-40Charged by external service provider where applicable
Travel medical insuranceEUR 30-60Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage required for the Schengen area
Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 190incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard Schengen processing (eligible categories only)
15 calendar days
Normal decision time for a Schengen short-stay visa when the applicant falls within a permitted category; tourism is not a permitted category.
Extended review
Up to 45 calendar days
Applies when additional scrutiny or documentation is required.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
National security entry ban on tourism
Latvia's Cabinet of Ministers prohibits Russian citizens from crossing the border for tourism and leisure, citing public order and internal security; this is extended until 31 December 2026.
High
/02
Tourist visa applications not accepted
Latvian missions do not accept Schengen visa applications from Russian citizens for tourism; only family, residence, transport, humanitarian and similar categories are processed.
High
/03
Non-biometric passports not recognised
Since 15 July 2025 Latvia refuses entry to Russian citizens holding only non-biometric passports, even with a valid Schengen visa.
Medium
/04
Latvia is a Schengen state
Russian citizens are a visa-required nationality for the Schengen Area and are not eligible for visa-free entry or ETIAS.
High
/05
EES rollout at borders
The EU Entry/Exit System adds biometric border registration for non-EU travellers, fully implemented by 10 April 2026.
Low
/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
Russia to Latvia route verified
Confirmed via Latvian MFA and Cabinet of Ministers that Russian citizens remain banned from entering Latvia for tourism and that tourist Schengen visa applications are not accepted; restrictions extended to 31 December 2026, with non-biometric passports unrecognised since 15 July 2025.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can a Russian citizen visit Latvia as a tourist in 2026?—
No. Latvia prohibits Russian citizens from crossing its border for tourism and leisure, and Latvian missions do not accept tourist Schengen visa applications from Russians. The ban is in force until at least 31 December 2026.
Latvia is in Schengen - can I use a Schengen visa from another country to enter Latvia for tourism?+
Who can still enter Latvia as a Russian citizen?+
Do I need a biometric passport?+
Does ETIAS apply to Russian citizens travelling to Latvia?+
What is the 90/180 Schengen rule?+
/11 — Passport tools

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