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Vietnam to Latvia visa requirements

Yes - Vietnamese ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Latvia. Latvia is in the Schengen Area, and Vietnam is on the EU visa-required list (Annex I of Regulation 2018/1806). Apply before you travel; the standard adult fee is EUR 80 and processing usually takes about 15 days. Latvia is a full member of the Schengen Area, and Vietnam is listed in Annex I of EU Regulation 2018/1806 - the list of third countries whose nationals must hold a visa to cross the external Schengen border. There is no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eVisa channel for Vietnamese ordinary passport holders. Travelers must obtain a uniform Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before departure, which permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 80, and embassy processing is normally completed within 15 calendar days (occasionally extended to 30-45 days). Because Latvia has no visa-issuing mission in Vietnam, applications are submitted in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City through the VFS Global / accredited visa application center acting for Latvia or a representing Schengen state. ETIAS, the upcoming EU travel authorization expected to launch in late 2026, applies only to visa-exempt nationalities; Vietnamese nationals remain visa-required and will continue to apply for a full Schengen visa, so ETIAS does not replace this 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 (Uniform Type C) - issued for tourism/visit
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen-wide)
per entry
Entries
Single, double, or multiple entry depending on what is granted
from issue date
Visa fee
EUR 80 (adult); EUR 40 for children aged 6-11; free under 6
consular fee only
Processing time
Typically 15 calendar days; may extend to 30-45 days
standard track
Validity
Validity set per visa; passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm the visa type and route
As a Vietnamese ordinary passport holder, you need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa. If Latvia is your main destination (longest stay), Latvia is the responsible state; otherwise apply to the country where you spend the most time.
· Schengen Type C· Tourism
/02
Find the application center in Vietnam
Latvia has no visa-issuing embassy in Vietnam. Apply through the VFS Global / accredited Schengen visa application center in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City that handles Latvian or representing-state applications. Book an appointment online.
· Hanoi / HCMC· Appointment required
/03
Complete the application form and gather documents
Fill in the harmonised Schengen application form, attach a recent 35x45mm photo, and assemble passport, insurance, itinerary, accommodation, and financial proof.
· Online or paper form
/04
Buy Schengen travel medical insurance
Obtain travel medical insurance valid in all Schengen states with at least EUR 30,000 coverage for the full trip, including medical and repatriation.
· Min EUR 30,000
/05
Attend the appointment and give biometrics
Submit documents in person, pay the EUR 80 fee plus the service charge, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics are reused for 59 months if previously taken).
· Biometrics· Pay fee
/06
Collect the passport and check the visa
After processing (usually ~15 days), collect your passport. Verify the validity dates, number of entries, and duration of stay on the visa sticker before traveling.
· ~15 days· Verify sticker
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Vietnam -> Latvia · Schengen short-stay visa (Uniform Type C) - issued for tourism/visit
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure, issued within the 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 biometric photo (35x45mm, light background)
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredTravel medical insurance valid Schengen-wide, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
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 (about EUR 14 per day; recent bank statements)
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
required
RecommendedCover letter explaining purpose and dates of the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedProof of employment / ties to Vietnam (leave letter, business registration)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredVisa fee EUR 80 plus VFS service charge
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: Latvian 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 Type C fee
Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 40Children under 6 are exempt
VFS Global service feeapprox. EUR 25-35Varies by center; paid in addition to the visa fee
Travel medical insuranceapprox. EUR 20-60Depends on trip length and provider; min EUR 30,000 coverage
Total estimateEUR 80EUR 175incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Extended review
up to 30-45 days
Applies when additional documents or consultation with other Schengen states is needed; apply well in advance.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Latvia is in the Schengen Area
Latvia applies the common Schengen visa policy, so entry rules follow EU-wide regulations rather than national exemptions.
High
/02
Vietnam is on the EU visa-required list
Vietnam is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, meaning its nationals must hold a visa for any short Schengen stay.
High
/03
No visa-waiver agreement
There is no bilateral or EU visa-waiver arrangement exempting Vietnamese ordinary passport holders from the Schengen visa.
Medium
/04
ETIAS does not apply to Vietnam
ETIAS covers only visa-exempt nationalities; visa-required Vietnamese travelers continue to need a full Schengen visa.
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
Vietnam to Latvia route verified
Confirmed via Latvian MFA, EU Schengen visa policy, and Regulation 2018/1806 that Vietnamese ordinary passport holders require a Schengen Type C visa for Latvia; standard fee EUR 80, processing ~15 days. ETIAS does not apply to visa-required Vietnamese nationals.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Vietnamese passport holders need a visa for Latvia?
Yes. Latvia is in the Schengen Area and Vietnam is on the EU visa-required list, so you must obtain a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa before you travel.
Can I get a visa on arrival or an eVisa for Latvia?+
How long can I stay in Latvia on a Schengen visa?+
Where do I apply if Latvia has no embassy in Vietnam?+
How much does the visa cost and how long does it take?+
Does ETIAS replace the Schengen visa for Vietnamese travelers?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Vietnam passport

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