Latvia is one of the least traveled places when off to Europe. However, you should not miss this as Latvia is a charming and stunning country. You’ll feel like you are in a fairytale as there are medieval towns as well as gorgeous castles. Nature is also at its best here with beautiful beaches, picturesque lakes, and magical forests. It’s also an affordable country in Europe.

Philippines Passport Holders need to have Latvia Schengen Visa. The Embassy of Netherlands caters to visa issuance for those who want to visit Latvia. However, you don’t need to pass there as there is the Netherlands Visa Application Center. You can book your appointments online through VFS.

Read our visa application guide for Latvia Schengen Visa for Philippine Passport Holders:

Who Needs To Apply For a Latvia Schengen Visa

1. Those who are only visiting Latvia;

2. Those who are traveling around the Schengen Area and will be staying in Latvia for the longest duration; or

3. Those whose first entry is in Latvia, if going to other Schengen Countries in equal length.

Quick Facts About The Latvia Schengen Visa

Validity: short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 days

Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 15 days

THE EMBASSY OF NETHERLANDS IS REPRESENTING LATVIA FOR VISA ISSUANCE.

Where to Apply: VFS Global Office
Address: Netherlands Visa Application Centre, Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City 1231, Philippines

Netherlands Embassy: Netherlands Embassy in Manila
Address: 26th Floor BDO Equitable Tower, 8751 Paseo de Roxas Makati City, Metro Manila
Telephone Number: +63287866666
Email Address: man@minbuza.nl

Documents Required for Latvia Schengen Visa

THERE SHOULD BE TWO SETS OF THIS – 1 ORIGINAL AND 1 COPY

1. Schengen Visa Application Form - must be duly completed and signed

2. Valid Passport – must be valid 3 months after departure in the Schengen Area with 2 blank pages

3. Copy of Passport Pages – submit a copy of passport bio page and all pages with stamps and visas

4. Passport-sized photo – it must be recent (not less than 6 months) with a white background and have a clear resemblance to the applicant. See the guidelines. Glue this on the application form.

5. Proof of financial means

Bank Certificate or Bank Books
Bank statements or credit card statement for the last 6 months
Minors: Proof of means of parents or guardian

6. Proof of Travel

Round trip ticket reservation with the applicant’s name and reservation number. It is not required to pay or buy the ticket until a visa is granted.
Hotel reservation or booking
Day-to-day itinerary

7. Proof of will to return

An employment contract or social security contributions
Real Estate properties
Proof of family ties

8. Proof of Health Insurance - It should be applicable for all Schengen States and cover the entire stay or transit period of the person. The minimum is EUR 30,000 /PHP 2,5 million / USD 50,000. I highly recommend AXA Schengen for this!

9. Visa Fee

Visa Fee - PHP 4,460 (EURO 80)
For 6-11 years - PHP 2,230 (EURO 40)
VFS Service Fee - PHP 901

Step-By-Step Guide On How Filipinos Can Apply for Latvia Schengen Visa

STEP 1: Gather all the documents stated above.

STEP 2: Schedule an appointment with VFS Global.

On the site:

1. Log-in or go to “New User” to register.

2. Click “schedule for an appointment.” Fill in the details and click “continue.” The default country is the Netherlands, so that’s okay.

3. Add the applicants.

4. Select the preferred schedule and book your appointment.

5. Print the appointment letter and bring it to your appointment.

STEP 3: Submit your visa application with required and supporting documents at the Netherlands Visa Application Centre on the day you set an appointment.

STEP 4: Pay VFS visa fee and service fees.

STEP 5: Have your biometric data were taken (photograph and fingerprints).

STEP 6: Track your application.

STEP 7: Receive your passport via the application center or courier. Copy of the bio-page of your passport and receipt when claiming; you can claim it in the center from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays.

FAQs On How Filipinos Can Apply For Latvia Schengen Visa

1. How much is the Short Term Visa Fee?

Visa Fee is PHP 4,460 for 12 years old and above. For 6 – 11 years old the fee is PHP 2,230, while it’s free for those 5 years old and below.

2. How much is the Visa Processing Fee?

It’s PHP 901.00.

3. How long can I travel with my Short Stay Visa?

90 days maximum for a 180 day period.

4. How long does a visa application usually take?

A visa application usually takes up to 15 days. However, in some cases, the Embassy may take 45 days of processing time and ask for additional documentation and further verifications.

5. When should I apply?

You can apply two months before your intended date of departure, however, the application can be submitted as early as 6 months.

6. Do I need to apply personally?

Yes, except when the applicant is below 12 years old, biometrics are taken, so you are required to visit the application center.

7. What if I’m out of the country?

You can apply when you come back to the Philippines or apply in the country you are in, just find the nearest Embassy that process Schengen visas.

8. Where exactly is the Visa Application Center?

Netherlands Visa Application Centre, Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg.Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City1231 Philippines

9. Do they accept walk-in applications?

No, they do not. Please book an appointment before coming to the Application Center.

10. How do I check the status of my application?

You can check at VFS Global website to track your application.

11. Can someone else get my passport?

Yes, you can have someone else can get it for you. They need to bring the original official receipt, copy of your passport’s bio-page, an authorization letter, and a photocopy of your ID.

12. Can I get my visa via courier?

Yes, you can. You need to coordinate with VFS Global.

13. Is there an interview?

Not necessarily, but you may be called for an interview at the Embassy in case they see something wrong with your documents, or they want some clarification with the purpose of your stay.

14. Do I need a Paid Flight Booking?

No. Only a CONFIRMED BOOKING is required. Our Rent-A-Flight Service is the best for this. For just 1,500 Pesos, you can get a LEGITIMATE and CONFIRMABLE booking.

15. What company do you recommend for the insurance?

AXA Schengen! The best thing about them is they will completely refund your payment in case your visa doesn’t get approved.

16. My visa is rejected! What remedy do I have?

You can either file a Remonstrance Letter or submit another application from another EU Embassy. Click here to view full remedies in case of visa denial and what you can do to avoid it.

Latvia is a part of the Soviets before that’s really interesting and shouldn’t be missed! Philippine Passport holders need a Schengen Visa to enter Latvia.