Planning to visit Latvia from Dubai? Whether you are heading to Riga’s Old Town, enjoying a Baltic coast holiday, or travelling for business, UAE residents who are not visa-exempt must apply for a Latvia Schengen visa. Since Latvia is part of the 29 Schengen countries, your approved visa also allows travel across other Schengen states.

This guide provides a clear breakdown of the required documents, eligibility rules and a complete checklist designed specifically for UAE residents.

A Latvia Schengen visa is a short-stay travel visa that permits UAE residents to enter Latvia and the wider Schengen zone for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is typically issued for tourism, family visits or business travel.

Apply for this visa if Latvia is your main destination or the country in which you will spend the majority of your stay.

You must apply for a Latvia Schengen visa from the UAE if:

• You hold a nationality that requires a Schengen visa
• You have a valid UAE residence visa
• Latvia is your primary travel destination
• You can provide financial and accommodation proof

This applies to expats living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates. Emiratis may not require a visa depending on nationality agreements, but many expatriate passport holders do.

Below is the standard list of documents most applicants must prepare. Requirements may vary slightly depending on nationality and travel purpose.

Personal & Travel Documents

• Original passport with at least six months validity beyond travel date
• Copies of previous visas (if applicable)
• Valid UAE residence visa copy
• Passport-sized photographs (Schengen specifications)
• Completed Schengen visa application form

Travel-Related Documents

• Round-trip flight reservation
• Hotel booking or accommodation confirmation in Latvia
• Travel health insurance valid across all Schengen countries
• Detailed travel itinerary

Financial & Employment Documents

• Bank statements for the recent three to six months
• Employment certificate or NOC from employer
• For business owners: trade license copy
• Salary slips (if applicable)
• Proof of ties to the UAE such as employment or family documents

Additional Documents Depending On Purpose

Tourism

• Confirmed bookings and day-by-day travel plan

Family or friend visit

• Invitation letter and proof of relationship

Business travel

• Invitation from Latvian company
• Conference or meeting confirmation

If you are unsure whether you need additional papers, our team can review your profile and provide personalized guidance.

Complete Latvia Schengen Visa Checklist For Dubai Applicants

Use this checklist to ensure your file is complete before submission:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Two recent passport photos
• Valid UAE residence visa copy
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Flight reservation matching your itinerary
• Accommodation booking for all nights in Latvia
• Travel health insurance covering Schengen area
• Recent bank statements
• Employment certificate or NOC
• Trade license copy for business owners
• Detailed itinerary
• Invitation letter (if visiting family, friends or for business)
• Proof of ties to UAE
• All documents printed, organized and consistent

A complete, well-organized file helps reduce delays and additional document requests.

1. Check Eligibility And Plan Your Itinerary

Ensure Latvia is the country where you will spend the longest part of your trip. Your itinerary should be realistic and aligned with your bookings.

2. Gather All Required Documents

Prepare your personal, financial and travel documents. Inconsistencies between bookings and itinerary should be corrected before submission.

3. Organize Your File

A strong Schengen application has:

• Clear financial proof
• Updated employment or business documents
• A coherent, logical travel plan
• Confirmed accommodation for the entire stay

Our team helps structure your file to meet Schengen standards.

4. Submit Your Application

Once the file is complete, it can be submitted for processing. We assist with preparing your documents, reviewing everything carefully and guiding you through the submission stage.

5. Attend Your Appointment

During the appointment, you will:

• Submit supporting documents
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo)
• Answer simple questions about your travel

6. Wait For Processing

Processing time varies depending on season, nationality and application completeness. For the latest estimated timelines, you can contact us.

7. Receive Your Passport With Visa Decision

Once approved, your visa will be placed inside your passport. Double-check:

• Validity period
• Number of entries
• Duration of stay

Make sure everything aligns with your travel plans.

Why Latvia Is Popular Among UAE Travellers

Latvia offers a refreshing European experience with:

• Riga’s UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Baltic beaches and scenic forests
• Art Nouveau architecture
• Easy access to neighbouring Schengen countries
• Pleasant summer weather compared to the UAE

A Latvia Schengen visa also enables travel across 28 more Schengen states.

Latvia is an exciting destination for UAE residents looking for culture, history and scenic beauty. Preparing the correct documents and following a structured checklist is the key to a smooth Latvia Schengen visa application. 

With a clear plan and properly organized paperwork, the process becomes much easier and more predictable. Contact Urgentschengen, if you need expert help assembling your documents or managing the entire visa application from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE.

Do UAE residents need a visa to visit Latvia?

Yes, unless your nationality is visa-exempt, you must apply for a Latvia Schengen visa before travel.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Latvia visa?

Yes, as long as Latvia remains your primary destination.

Are the required documents the same for all UAE nationalities?

Most requirements are similar, but additional documents may be requested depending on nationality.

How early should I apply for my Latvia visa?

Apply several weeks before your trip. Contact us for the latest processing estimates.

What happens if my documents are incomplete?

Incomplete files can delay your application. We help ensure all documents meet Schengen requirements.

Is travel insurance mandatory?

Yes, travel insurance covering the entire Schengen region is required.

Can I reapply if my Latvia visa is refused?

Yes, you may reapply with stronger documents. Our team can guide you on how to improve your file.