1. Overview
ETIAS will apply to eligible tourism, business and other short stays in Latvia. The travel authorisation is electronically linked to the passport used to apply.
- Travel on an eligible visa-exempt passport
- Plan a short stay within the 90-days-in-180-days rule
- Travel for tourism, business or another permitted short-term purpose
- Are not travelling under an exemption such as EU free-movement rights
2. Who needs ETIAS for Latvia?
Travellers from eligible visa-exempt countries will need ETIAS for short trips to Latvia once the system is operational. Document-specific conditions can apply to some passports.
3. Arriving in Latvia
The ETIAS requirement is linked to your eligibility and travel document. The border procedure can differ depending on how and from where you arrive.
Riga International Airport is Latvia’s main international gateway. External-border arrivals use the relevant ETIAS and EES process.
Latvia has internal Schengen borders with Estonia and Lithuania and external Schengen borders with Russia and Belarus.
Riga, Ventspils and Liepāja receive ferry, cargo and cruise traffic. Border procedures depend on whether the vessel arrives from inside or outside Schengen.
4. Border and territory notes
Latvia’s borders with Russia and Belarus are external Schengen borders. Travellers entering on those routes undergo full external-border checks.
Practical information
Latvia uses the euro. The 90/180-day short-stay limit is shared across the entire Schengen Area.
Frequently asked questions
When will ETIAS become operational?
Expected Q4 2026. The EU says the specific start date will be announced before launch.
Do I need ETIAS for Riga?
Eligible visa-exempt travellers will need ETIAS for short visits to Riga once ETIAS launches.
Does entering Latvia from Estonia require a separate ETIAS?
No. One valid ETIAS can support eligible travel across participating countries while it remains valid.