ETIAS VISA WAIVER FOR LATVIA

LATVIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

In May 2004, Latvia joined the European Union. It is also a member of the UN and NATO, and it has been a member of the Eurozone since 2014, when it formally accepted the Euro as its currency.

Furthermore, Latvia is one of the 26 nations that comprise the Schengen Area. Latvia joined the Schengen Agreement in 2003 and became a member of the Schengen Zone in December 2007.

In recent years, Latvian officials have been participating in the creation of ETIAS, a new visa waiver programme for EU member countries that will go into effect in November 2023.

LATVIA’S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE

After regaining independence in 1991, Latvia joined the European Union some years later. Latvia has been ruled by Sweden, Poland, and Russia throughout its history, with the nation gaining independence in 1918 as a result of the postwar circumstances in Europe.

However, due to ongoing political upheaval during the 1930s, Latvia was occupied by the Nazis during WWII and eventually returned to Russian hands as the Latvian SSR from 1944 until 50 years later.

The nonviolent “Singing Revolution” of 1987 resulted in Latvia regaining its independence in 1991.

TRAVELLING TO LATVIA

In recent years, Latvia has grown in popularity as a tourist destination. Latvia gets about 2 million foreign tourists each year, many of whom come in quest of unspoilt beauty and the opportunity to learn more about the country’s violent but interesting past.

Foreign visitors may be surprised by how lovely Latvia’s beaches are; cities like Jrmala have vast lengths of shoreline that are popular during the summer months.

Another reason why many non-Europeans prefer Latvia is the EU’s visa liberalisation policy, which enables visitors from various third countries to remain in Latvia for 90 days without requiring a visa.

To visit Latvia, such foreigners will soon need an ETIAS visa waiver. ETIAS will be accessible in November 2023 and will soon become a requirement for entrance into Latvia. The same ETIAS visa waiver is valid for additional Schengen countries, including Lithuania and Estonia, which are only a few miles apart.

DO I NEED MEDICAL INSURANCE TO VISIT LATVIA?

EU nationals can use their European Health Insurance Card to get healthcare in Latvia (EHIC).

Depending on the type of permission they are seeking for, non-Europeans may be required to have Latvian health insurance.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ETIAS FOR LATVIA

Non-Europeans who qualify for an ETIAS visa waiver must apply for the authorization before travelling to Latvia.

Although medical insurance is not required by ETIAS, non-EU tourists are advised to obtain it for better peace of mind.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR LATVIA

Non-Europeans who need a Schengen visa to go to Europe must get medical insurance.

To acquire a Schengen visa, applicants must be able to show proof of comprehensive health insurance covering the whole Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

ARRIVING IN LATVIA BY PLANE, CAR, AND FERRY

The country’s principal airport, Riga International Airport (IATA: RIX, ICAO: EVRA), is located 10 kilometres from the city.

Riga has direct flights to over 80 destinations, including major European cities and local routes.

A large number of international visitors arrive by vehicle or bus from neighbouring Lithuania and Estonia. Although there are no checkpoints, non-EU nationals must have their passport and an ETIAS or Schengen visa with them.

There are other ferry lines from Sweden, Finland, and Germany to Latvia.

GOING THROUGH BORDER CONTROL IN LATVIA

EU individuals should have their identification documents with them while travelling to Latvia, whether by air or land. There are no checkpoints between Latvia and the adjacent EU area due to the free transit zone.

Visitors from non-EU visa-exempt countries can visit Latvia without a visa and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days. Beginning in November 2023, the ETIAS authorization will be electronically connected to the passport and checked at the border.

CROSSING THE BORDER WITH A SCHENGEN VISA

Non-EU passport holders who do not qualify for ETIAS must provide the following documents when crossing the external Schengen Area border:

• Passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months from Schengen Area exit date
• Schengen visa
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the entire stay
• Return flight ticket or other proof of onward travel

Foreign visitors arriving in Latvia may be questioned about the purpose and duration of their stay in the European country.

PLACES TO VISIT IN LATVIA

With four different seasons, tourists to Latvia may enjoy a variety of activities all year.

The land’s terrain provides rich ground with a plethora of fauna and unusual vegetation for nature enthusiasts to explore. Forests, farmland, national parks, rivers, and unknown beaches cover the country.

Latvia has a long history of conservation, which includes animal and plant species found across the country. Latvia has been named the 25th country in the world for Biodiversity and Habitat in the Environmental Performance Index, which ranks global levels of sustainable policies.

RIGA AND OTHER LATVIAN CITIES WORTH VISITING

When Riga was proclaimed European Capital of Culture in 2014, its excellent cultural offering was recognised. The Old Town is the city’s heart and the most popular destination for tourists, having been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Tourists like walking around the cobblestone streets and learning about the city’s 800-year history.

Away from the capital, another fantastic tourist destination is Jrmala. This charming resort has a 25-kilometer stretch of coastline as well as several restaurants, cafés, and stores. Jrmala also has various spa facilities and resort hotels for leisure and relaxation.

Latvia is home to mediaeval castles, magnificent palaces, museums, and tranquil villages that have preserved their long-standing traditional customs. Other noteworthy sites to visit are Ventspils, Liepaja, and Csis.

ETIAS FOR LATVIA- FAQS