A Destination for Every Traveler
Latvia is a Baltic gem with beautiful architecture, green forests, and long sandy beaches. In one trip, travelers can visit Riga's old town, see hundreds of Art Nouveau buildings, and relax by the sea.
Below are the top 5 destinations that make Latvia a perfect pick for your next holiday.
Places You Shouldn't Miss
Riga Old Town
The Baltic Star
Riga's Old Town is full of cobbled lanes, tall church spires, and the ornate House of the Blackheads. The huge Central Market is nearby for tasty local food.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Latvia:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Great for walking and dining.
- Lively nightlife.
Riga Art Nouveau District
Building Art
Riga has one of the biggest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. Streets like Alberta iela are full of decorated faces, flowers, and curves.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Latvia:
- Perfect for architecture and photo lovers.
- Easy to see on a city stroll.
- Part of Riga's UNESCO listing.
Gauja National Park, Sigulda
Castles and Caves
Sigulda lies in the Gauja National Park, with river valleys, ruined castles, caves, and a cable car over the treetops. It is called the Switzerland of Latvia.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Latvia:
- Perfect for hiking and adventure.
- Great day trip from Riga.
- Lovely autumn colors.
Rundāle Palace
A Baroque Beauty
Rundāle Palace was built in the 1700s and is known as Latvia's Versailles. Visitors can tour golden halls and walk through neat French-style gardens.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Latvia:
- Great for history and art lovers.
- Beautiful gardens in summer.
- An easy day trip from Riga.
Jūrmala - Beaches and Wooden Villas
Seaside Relaxation
Jūrmala is a seaside resort town with a very long white-sand beach, pine trees, and old wooden villas. It is popular for spa breaks and summer relaxation.
Why It Attracts Travelers to Latvia:
- Ideal for families and spa lovers.
- Just a short train ride from Riga.
- Lovely sunsets.
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Latvia Schengen Visa for UK Residents
Planning a trip to Latvia? Whether you need a visa depends on the passport you hold, not on where you live. If your passport requires a Schengen visa, you apply for a short-stay (Type C) visa that lets you stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Latvia has applied Schengen rules since 2007. Most travellers fly into Riga or another major city, and the visa works across the whole Schengen area.
Swift Holidays is a UK-registered travel company. We help you check your documents, book your appointment and arrange the insurance and travel reservations your application needs.
Documents usually needed for a Latvia visa
- A passport valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave, issued within the last 10 years
- The completed and signed visa application form, and recent passport-style photographs
- Proof of your status and address in the UK, such as your residence document and a recent utility bill or tenancy agreement
- Travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for the whole Schengen area
- Flight reservation and accommodation details for your trip
- Recent bank statements showing you can pay for the trip, and proof of work or study such as an employer letter or payslips
The exact list depends on your nationality, job and travel plans, and the consulate can ask for more. We check your documents against the current requirements before you apply.
Fees and timing at a glance
| Adults (12 and over) | €90 |
|---|---|
| Children 6 to 11 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Usual processing | Typically 10 to 15 working days (longer in busy periods) |
| Apply | Up to 6 months before travel |
Fees are set by the EU and checked in October 2026. Visa application centres may add a service fee. Always confirm with the official embassy or visa centre before you pay.
How Swift Holidays helps with your Latvia application
- Visa consultancy and a document check before you apply
- Help booking your visa appointment
- Travel insurance that meets the visa requirements
- Flight and hotel reservations for your visa application
Latvia visa: common questions
How much does a Latvia Schengen visa cost?
The official fee is the same for every Schengen country: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11, and free for children under 6. If you apply through a visa application centre, they may charge an extra service fee. The visa fee is not refunded if the application is refused.
How long does a Latvia visa take?
Processing normally takes 10 to 15 working days after you submit your application, and can take longer in busy periods. Appointments can be booked out for weeks, so start early.
When can I apply for a Latvia visa?
You can apply up to 6 months before your trip. It is best to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before you travel, and not to pay for non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
Which country should I apply to if I visit several?
Apply to the country where you will spend the most nights. If your time is split equally, apply to the country you enter first. If Latvia is your main destination, you apply for Latvia.
Can you guarantee my visa?
No. Only the consulate can approve a visa, and nobody can promise the result. What we do is help you prepare a complete, consistent application so there are fewer avoidable mistakes.
Read our guide: Schengen visa checklist: documents you need or contact us.
Also planning another country?
Estonia Schengen visa · Lithuania Schengen visa · Poland Schengen visa
This page is general information, not legal advice. Visa decisions are made only by the consulate, and rules can change.