Latvia Schengen Visa from India in 2026: VFS Route, Fee and Documents
By Ananya Singh (Ananya Singh writes step-by-step first-international-trip guides for Indians — passport rules, visa cascade timing, immigration walkthroughs, and the unglamorous logistics that separate a smooth trip from a stranded one.) · Published · 10 min read
Latvia has a high approval rate for Indians and Riga is a gorgeous, affordable Baltic base. Here's the full Schengen C-visa process from India — €90 fee, documents, biometrics and timelines.
Quick answer
Yes — Indians need a Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa to visit Latvia, applied through VFS Global with Latvia as the main destination. As of June 2026 the embassy fee is €90 (~₹8,300) plus a VFS service charge (roughly ₹1,750–2,200). You apply in person at a VFS centre, give biometrics, and processing is around 10–15 calendar days from when the file reaches the consulate. The visa allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. Verify current fees on the official VFS Global Latvia portal before applying — fees and rules change.
Why apply through Latvia
You apply at the consulate of your main destination. Latvia is the right country if Riga, Jūrmala, Sigulda or a wider Baltic loop is your primary trip. Riga's Art Nouveau old town, low prices and central position between Vilnius and Tallinn make it a popular base for an India-to-Baltics holiday. Latvia also has a reputation for a high approval rate for well-documented Indian applicants, which adds to its appeal — but the visa still works for all of Schengen, so apply through Latvia only if you'll genuinely spend most of your trip there.
VFS Global handles Latvia's intake across its 8-city India network (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune). Compare live fares to the region in the FlightGPT chat while you plan.
The fee — €90 as of June 2026
The Schengen adult fee is €90 after the EU's June 2025 revision; older €80 quotes are out of date. Children aged 6–11 pay €45 and under-6s are free, plus a VFS service charge.
| Item | Approx. cost (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Schengen visa fee (adult) | €90 (~₹8,300) |
| Schengen visa fee (child 6–11) | €45 (~₹4,200) |
| VFS Global service charge | ~₹1,750–2,200 |
| Travel insurance (€30,000 cover) | ₹700–1,500 for a short trip |
The all-in cash outlay for one adult typically runs ₹9,500–₹10,500 before flights and insurance. Confirm the exact INR amount on the VFS Latvia site on the day you apply.
Documents you'll need
Latvia uses the standard Schengen checklist. The Latvian Embassy and VFS both publish document lists — follow the VFS checklist exactly.
- Passport — valid 3+ months beyond exit, issued within 10 years, two blank pages; carry old passports with prior visas.
- Schengen application form, signed.
- Two photos — 35×45 mm, white background, Schengen spec.
- Travel insurance — minimum €30,000 medical cover, valid Schengen-wide for the exact dates.
- Confirmed return flight reservation and a day-by-day itinerary.
- Hotel bookings for the whole stay.
- Financial proof — 3–6 months of branch-stamped (manager stamp + signature) bank statements, 2 years' ITR, salary slips.
- Employment proof — NOC / leave letter; self-employed add registration, GST returns and business statements.
A free cancellable flight reservation is normal for the visa file — only buy the actual ticket after approval. Hold cancellable options and compare fares in the FlightGPT chat in the meantime.
How to apply — VFS and biometrics
- Confirm Latvia is your main destination and assemble documents.
- Book a VFS appointment on the VFS Global Latvia India portal. Slots open up to 6 months ahead; aim to submit 3–6 weeks before travel.
- Attend in person for submission and biometrics (10 fingerprints + photo), mandatory for everyone 12+, unless given in the last 59 months.
- Pay the €90 fee plus the VFS charge.
- Track the application online and collect or courier the passport.
VFS only collects and forwards your file; the decision is made by the Latvian consular authorities (the Embassy of Latvia in New Delhi). No one can guarantee approval.
Processing time and multiple entry
Latvia is generally quick — the service aims to return decisions within about 10 days from when the embassy receives the file, with 10–15 calendar days the realistic standard window; in summer (June–August) it can stretch to 3–5 weeks, and up to 45 calendar days in individual cases. Book your VFS slot early in peak season.
Under the EU cascade regime for Indians, two Schengen visas held and used in the previous three years normally unlock a 2-year multiple-entry visa next, often followed by a 5-year one. A first Latvia trip counts toward that history. See our complete Schengen visa guide for Indians for how the cascade and 90/180 rule work.
Getting to Latvia and the Baltics
There are no direct India–Latvia flights; you'll connect via a Gulf or European hub into Riga (RIX), which is the largest airport in the Baltics and a handy regional gateway. Compare one-stop fares in the FlightGPT chat — many travellers fly into Riga and combine it with Vilnius and Tallinn by bus. Start from a Delhi to Warsaw or hub search and add the onward leg. Browse our destination guides and check Latvia's entry summary at /visas/latvia (or the visa hub). One Latvia-issued Schengen visa covers all three Baltic states and the rest of Schengen.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for Latvia?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a Schengen Type C short-stay visa, applied through VFS Global with Latvia as the main destination. It allows up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries.
How much does a Latvia Schengen visa cost from India in 2026?
As of June 2026 the adult fee is €90 (~₹8,300) after the June 2025 EU revision, plus a VFS service charge of about ₹1,750–2,200. The all-in cash outlay is typically ₹9,500–₹10,500 before flights and insurance. Verify on the official VFS Global Latvia portal.
How long does a Latvia Schengen visa take?
Latvia is generally quick — often around 10 days, with 10–15 calendar days the realistic standard window. In summer it can stretch to 3–5 weeks and, in rare cases, up to 45 calendar days. Book your VFS slot early in peak season.
Is Latvia easy to get a Schengen visa for from India?
Latvia has a reputation for a high approval rate for well-documented Indian applicants. There are no shortcuts though — apply only if Latvia is your main destination, and keep your funds, ties to India and itinerary consistent.
How much travel insurance do I need for Latvia?
Minimum €30,000 medical cover, valid across the whole Schengen area for your exact travel dates. Indian insurers like ICICI Lombard, HDFC Ergo and Tata AIG sell compliant policies for ₹700–1,500 on a short trip.
Can I use a Latvia Schengen visa to visit other countries?
Yes. A Schengen visa issued by Latvia is valid across all 29 Schengen countries, including Lithuania, Estonia and the rest of Europe's Schengen zone, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.