Home/from/Türkiye/to/Latvia
🇹🇷Türkiye
🇱🇻LatviaTR-LV

Türkiye to Latvia visa requirements

Yes, a Turkish ordinary passport holder needs a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Latvia for tourism. Turkey is on the Schengen visa-required (Annex I) list, so you must apply at a VFS Global Latvia visa application centre in Turkey before you travel. ETIAS does not apply to Turkish nationals because it is only for visa-exempt travelers. Latvia is a member of the Schengen Area, and Turkey appears on Annex I of the EU visa regulation, meaning ordinary Turkish passport holders are subject to a visa obligation. For a short tourist visit, you must obtain a Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa in advance. Applications for Latvia are processed through VFS Global visa application centres in Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and others) on behalf of the Latvian Embassy. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90, plus a VFS Global service fee of around EUR 25.50, with optional courier and add-on services. You must book an appointment, submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo, unless on file from the prior 59 months), and provide a full supporting document set including travel insurance, proof of accommodation, return travel, and sufficient funds. Applications may be lodged up to 6 months before travel and must be submitted at least 15 calendar days before the intended trip; the standard decision period is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 days in individual cases. A Type C visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Note that the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched in April 2026 and ETIAS is expected in Q4 2026; ETIAS is for visa-exempt nationals only and therefore does not apply to Turkish citizens, who continue to need a Schengen visa.
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.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple (as granted)
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 90 visa fee + approx. EUR 25.50 VFS service fee
consular fee only
Processing time
15 calendar days standard (up to 45 days in some cases)
standard track
Validity
Issued for the trip dates; multiple-entry visas may be valid up to 5 years
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm you need a Schengen visa
As a Turkish ordinary passport holder, you are subject to a visa obligation for Latvia. Identify Latvia as your main destination (or first point of entry) so you apply to the correct country.
· Type C visa· Apply via Latvia
/02
Gather your documents
Download the current Latvia tourist visa checklist from VFS Global and prepare your passport, photos, travel medical insurance (min. EUR 30,000 coverage), flight reservation, accommodation, proof of funds, and employment/financial evidence.
· Insurance EUR 30,000· Biometric photo 35x45mm
/03
Book a VFS Global appointment
Create an account and book an appointment at a VFS Global Latvia visa application centre in Turkey (e.g. Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir). Appointments are mandatory before submission.
· Appointment required· VFS Global centres
/04
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit your application in person, provide fingerprints and a photo (unless biometrics from the last 59 months are on file), and pay the visa and service fees.
· Fingerprints + photo· Cash payment at centre
/05
Wait for processing
Standard decision time is 15 calendar days; it can extend to 30-45 days in individual cases. Apply at least 15 days before travel and up to 6 months in advance.
· 15-45 days· Track online
/06
Collect your passport and check the visa
Retrieve your passport (or use courier return) and verify the visa sticker details: validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay before you travel.
· Verify visa sticker· Optional courier EUR 12
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Türkiye -> Latvia · Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond departure, 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
RequiredTwo recent biometric photos (35x45mm, white background)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage valid across Schengen
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredRound-trip flight reservation matching travel dates
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation/host confirmation)
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RequiredProof of sufficient funds (bank statements for last 3 months)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedEmployment proof (employer letter, leave approval, or business registration)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedDetailed travel itinerary / day plan
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
recommended
RequiredVisa and service fee payment (cash at the centre)
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.
Application link included: VFS Global - Latvia Visa, Turkey (one-pager)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Schengen visa fee (adult, 12+)EUR 90Paid at the visa application centre; non-refundable
Schengen visa fee (children 6-11)EUR 45Under 6 years are exempt
VFS Global service feeEUR 25.50EUR 24.50 if biometric data is already on file
Optional courier returnEUR 12For passport delivery instead of in-person collection
Total estimateEUR 115.50EUR 130+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended review
Up to 45 calendar days
Applied in individual cases requiring additional scrutiny or documents.
Early submission window
Up to 6 months ahead
Applications can be lodged as early as 6 months before the intended trip to allow buffer time.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Turkey is on the Schengen visa-required list
Turkish ordinary passport holders are listed in Annex I of the EU visa regulation, requiring a visa for all Schengen states including Latvia.
High
/02
Latvia is a full Schengen member
Latvia applies the common Schengen visa policy, so entry for short stays is governed by the Type C visa and the 90/180-day rule.
High
/03
ETIAS does not apply to Turkish nationals
ETIAS (expected Q4 2026) is only for visa-exempt travelers; visa-required nationals like Turks must still obtain a full Schengen visa.
Medium
/04
Mandatory in-person biometrics
Most applicants must appear at a VFS Global centre to provide fingerprints and a photo unless valid biometrics are on file.
Medium
/05
Supporting evidence determines approval
Insurance, funds, accommodation, and ties to Turkey are assessed; weak documentation is a common refusal reason.
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
Turkey to Latvia route verified
Confirmed via the Latvian Embassy in Turkey and VFS Global that Turkish ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa (EUR 90 fee plus ~EUR 25.50 service fee); ETIAS does not apply.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Turkish citizens need a visa for Latvia?
Yes. Turkish ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before traveling to Latvia for tourism. Turkey is on the EU visa-required list.
How long can I stay in Latvia on a Schengen visa?+
How much does the visa cost?+
Where do I apply?+
Does ETIAS apply to me as a Turkish citizen?+
How early should I apply?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Türkiye passport

See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.