🇸🇦Saudi Arabia

🇱🇻LatviaSA-LV

Saudi Arabia to Latvia visa requirements

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: Where do I apply in Saudi Arabia?

At a VFS Global Latvia visa application centre (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar), which forwards your file to the Latvian consular section. An appointment is required.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

EUR 90 for adults (about SAR 404) as of June 2026, EUR 45 for children 6-11, plus a VFS service fee of around SAR 322 and the cost of travel insurance.

Q: How early should I apply?

Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel. You may submit up to 6 months in advance; standard processing is up to 15 calendar days but can take 30-45 days in busy periods.

Q: Will Saudis get visa-free EU access soon?

The EU and Saudi Arabia have discussed a short-stay visa exemption, but as of 30 May 2026 it is not in force, so a Schengen visa is still required. ETIAS would only apply once/if visa-free status is granted.

Yes, a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder needs a visa to visit Latvia. Latvia is in the Schengen Area, and Saudi nationals must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay (tourist) visa BEFORE travel, applied through VFS Global on behalf of the Latvian Embassy. A reported EU plan to grant Saudis visa-free entry was still under negotiation and NOT in force as of 30 May 2026. Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area, and Saudi Arabia appears on Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806 (nationalities that require a visa). Therefore a Saudi Arabia ordinary passport holder must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Latvia for tourism. Applications are lodged in Saudi Arabia through VFS Global, which forwards them to the Consular Section of the Embassy of Latvia (covered from the regional mission serving the Gulf). The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen Area. As of 11 June 2026 the standard adult Schengen visa fee rose from EUR 80 to EUR 90 (children 6-11 pay EUR 45), plus a VFS service charge of about SAR 322. Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-45 days; applicants should apply 3-4 weeks ahead and may apply up to 6 months before travel. Note: media reports in 2024-2026 about the EU exempting Saudi citizens from short-stay visas describe an ongoing negotiation, not an enacted rule, so the conservative and currently accurate verdict remains visa-required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) applies only to visa-exempt nationals and does not currently cover Saudi passport holders.

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) — issued by Latvia

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)

per entry

Entries

Single, double, or multiple entry as granted

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (approx. SAR 404) adult; EUR 45 child 6-11; plus VFS service fee ~SAR 322

consular fee only

Processing time

Up to 15 calendar days standard; may extend to 30-45 days

standard track

Validity

Valid for the dates granted, within a max 6-month window; multiple-entry visas may be longer

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm you need a Schengen visa and choose Latvia as destination

As a Saudi ordinary passport holder you require a Schengen Type C visa. Apply to Latvia if it is your main destination (longest stay) or first point of entry.

· Annex I nationality· Type C tourist

/02

Complete the Schengen application form and gather documents

Fill in the EU harmonised Schengen application form, attach a recent biometric photo, valid passport, travel insurance, accommodation and flight bookings, and proof of funds.

· Online form· Biometric photo

/03

Book an appointment at VFS Global

Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global Latvia visa application centre in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar). Walk-ins are generally not accepted for Schengen visas.

· VFS Global· Appointment required

/04

Attend the appointment and give biometrics

Submit documents in person, pay the visa fee and VFS service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics, unless on file from the last 59 months).

· Fingerprints· Pay fees

/05

Wait for processing and track the application

Standard processing is up to 15 calendar days; allow 30-45 days in peak periods. Track status online with your VFS reference number.

· Up to 15 days· Online tracking

/06

Collect the passport and verify the visa

Retrieve your passport from VFS or by courier, then check the visa sticker for validity dates, number of entries, and authorised days before you travel.

· Check sticker· Verify entries

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

Saudi Arabia -> Latvia · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) — issued by Latvia

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen, with 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years

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 ICAO-compliant biometric passport photo

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

required

RequiredTravel medical insurance covering min. EUR 30,000 valid across Schengen

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

required

RequiredConfirmed round-trip flight reservation

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

required

RequiredProof of accommodation in Latvia (hotel booking or host invitation)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements, salary slips)

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

required

RequiredVisa fee EUR 90 plus VFS service charge (~SAR 322)

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

required

RecommendedDetailed travel itinerary / cover letter

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RecommendedProof of employment, residency (iqama if non-citizen resident), or business registration

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

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 sourcesEmbassy of Latvia — Entry into Latvia (Consular Information)VFS Global — Latvia Visa Information (Saudi Arabia)EU Regulation 2018/1806 (Schengen visa lists, Annex I/II)

Application link included: VFS Global — Latvia Visa Information (Saudi Arabia)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Approx. SAR 404; rate effective 11 June 2026 (was EUR 80)

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

VFS Global service fee~SAR 322Per application; includes applicable taxes

Travel medical insurance~SAR 100-300Varies by trip length; min. EUR 30,000 coverage

Optional add-ons (courier, premium lounge, SMS)~SAR 50-150Optional VFS extras

Total estimate~SAR 826 (EUR 90 visa + SAR 322 VFS) — ~SAR 1,200+ (with insurance and optional services)incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

Up to 15 calendar days

Normal Schengen processing at the Latvian consular section via VFS; apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel.

Extended review

30-45 days

Possible during peak season or if additional documents/checks are required.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Latvia is in the Schengen Area

Latvia issues uniform Schengen Type C visas; entry rules follow common EU visa policy.

High

/02

Saudi Arabia is an Annex I (visa-required) nationality

Under EU Regulation 2018/1806, Saudi ordinary passport holders must obtain a visa before entering the Schengen Area.

High

/03

EU visa-waiver for Saudis not yet in force

2024-2026 reports of a planned exemption describe an ongoing negotiation, not an enacted rule, so a visa is still required.

Medium

/04

ETIAS does not cover Saudi nationals

ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt travellers; visa-required Saudis use the standard Schengen visa instead.

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

Saudi Arabia to Latvia route verified

Confirmed via Latvia MFA, VFS Global, and EU visa policy that Saudi ordinary passport holders need a Schengen Type C visa; noted EUR 90 fee effective June 2026 and that the proposed EU visa waiver for Saudis is not yet in force.

/09 — The questions