TL;DR
To get a Latvia Schengen visa from the UK you apply through VFS Global (London, Manchester or Edinburgh), the outsourced representative of the Embassy of Latvia in London: complete the online Schengen form, book a VFS appointment, and attend to give biometrics and submit. Lodge no later than 15 days before travel and book early — Latvia's slots fill fast.
| Latvia Schengen visa (from the UK) | 2026 |
|---|---|
| UK visa application centre | VFS Global |
| Application cities | London, Manchester, Edinburgh |
| Visa fee (adult) | €90 |
| Standard processing | 15 calendar days (up to 45) |
| Official portal | Latvia visa info ↗ |
How to apply
- Complete the online Schengen application and follow the steps on the official Embassy of Latvia London visa page.
- Create a VFS Global account and book an appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
- Prepare your documents — see the full Schengen document checklist.
- Attend your appointment to give biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and submit.
- Wait for the decision — 15 calendar days once complete, up to 45 in complex cases.
Latvia through VFS Global
UK applications for Latvia are submitted at VFS Global centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, which act as the outsourced representative of the Embassy of Latvia in London — applications are by appointment only. Latvia sets clear timing rules: you may lodge no earlier than 6 months before your trip and no later than 15 calendar days before it, and your supporting documents (bookings, statements, insurance) should be recent — generally within the last month. VFS forwards your file to the consulate, which decides; the VFS service charge is on top of the €90 consulate fee, paid by card.
When to apply to Latvia
Apply to Latvia only if it's your main destination — where you'll spend the most nights — or your first point of entry if your trip is split evenly (see which country to apply to). A Riga city break makes Latvia the country to apply to. If you're touring the Baltics and will spend more nights in Estonia or Lithuania, apply where most of your trip falls. Latvia has been a full Schengen member since 2007, so the visa covers the whole area.
What you'll need
The standard Schengen document set: a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond your trip, the completed application, a recent photo, proof of UK residence, confirmed travel and accommodation bookings, an itinerary, recent bank statements, €30,000+ travel insurance, and strong evidence you'll return to the UK — the leading reason these applications are refused for UK-resident non-EU nationals. Because Latvia's appointments book out weeks ahead, secure your slot early.
Assemble it cleanly
- Checklist generator — your tailored document list
- Bundler and Compressor — assemble and size your file
Want a human to check it before your VFS appointment? See the done-for-you Schengen service. For the overview, see the Schengen visa from the UK hub.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How do I apply for a Latvia Schengen visa from the UK?
Latvia's UK applications are handled by VFS Global, the outsourced representative of the Embassy of Latvia in London. You complete the online Schengen form, book a VFS appointment in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, and attend in person to give biometrics and submit. You must legally reside in the UK.
- 02
Who handles Latvia visa applications in the UK?
VFS Global runs the Latvia visa application centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh as the outsourced representative of the Embassy of Latvia in London. VFS collects the application and biometrics; the Latvian consulate makes the decision.
- 03
How much is a Latvia Schengen visa from the UK?
€90 for adults, €45 for children 6–12, and free for under-6s — standard across Schengen. VFS Global adds its own service charge, and you'll need travel insurance with at least €30,000 of cover paid by card at the centre.
- 04
When should I apply for a Latvia visa from the UK?
Lodge no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 calendar days before your trip; supporting documents should be recent (within the last month). Standard processing is 15 calendar days. Latvia's VFS slots can book out weeks ahead, so apply early.
- 05
Should I apply to Latvia if I'm visiting several countries?
Apply to Latvia only if it's your main destination (most nights), or your first point of entry if your time is split evenly. For a Riga city break Latvia is the country to apply to; otherwise apply where you'll spend the most time.
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