Skip to main content

Latvia Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for Latvia — apply through the Latvian embassy/consulate or accredited service; fee 80 EUR and processing around 15 calendar days.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and contain at least two blank pages. It should be in good condition and not damaged.
  • Specific forms: Schengen visa application form for Latvia (short-stay Type C) filled, signed, and dated. The form is available on the official Latvian MFA site and at visa centers; ensure all fields are completed truthfully and consistently.
  • Financial proof: bank statements for the last 3 months showing funds sufficient to cover the stay; there is no published fixed minimum amount; if a sponsor covers your trip, include a sponsorship letter and the sponsor's financial documents (bank statements, job letter).
  • Accommodation and return ticket: proof of accommodation for the entire stay (hotel bookings or host invitation with address); return or onward travel ticket is required.
  • Photos: two identical recent passport photos (size 35x45 mm; white background; taken within last 6 months; no tinted glasses; printed on matte or glossy photo paper).
  • Biometrics: yes; biometric data must be submitted at the visa application center or embassy during the appointment; you may have to book an appointment.
  • Travel health insurance: mandatory travel medical insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR for all Schengen states; the policy must be valid for the entire duration of stay and for all dates in the itinerary; provide a certificate or policy document.

Visa types

  • Tourist visa (Type C): Official name Schengen visa for tourism. Validity up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Max stay 90 days. Entry: single or multiple. Approx fee: 80 EUR.
  • Business visa (Type C): Official name Schengen visa for business. Validity up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Max stay 90 days. Entry: single or multiple. Approx fee: 80 EUR.
  • Student visa (Type D - long stay): Official name Latvia long-stay visa for study. Validity determined by the study program (commonly up to 1 year initially). Max stay up to the duration of the program and extensions may be possible. Entry: multiple. Approx fee: 60 EUR.
  • Work visa (Type D - long stay): Official name Latvia long-stay visa for work. Validity up to 1 year initially, extendable. Entry: multiple. Approx fee: 60 EUR.
  • Family reunification (Type D - long stay): Official name Latvia long-stay visa for family reunification. Validity up to 1 year initially, extendable. Entry: multiple. Approx fee: 60 EUR.

How to apply

  • Latvia currently does not offer an online e visa option for Afghanistan; applications must be submitted through the Latvian embassy/consulate responsible for your country of residence or through the designated visa service provider in your country (for example VFS Global or BLS International where available). Official information and the current process can be found at the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/visa
  • How to apply: step by step
  • Step 1: Identify the visa type you need and the duration of stay.
  • Step 2: Gather all required documents as listed in Section 1 and any country-specific documents requested by the Latvian representation.
  • Step 3: Book the appointment with the Latvian embassy/consulate or the designated visa application center for your country.
  • Step 4: Submit the application in person, provide your biometrics if required, and pay the visa fee and any service charges.
  • Step 5: Attend an interview if requested by the consulate.
  • Step 6: Wait for the decision. Standard processing time is typically up to 15 calendar days; some cases may take longer, up to 30 days.
  • Step 7: If approved, collect your passport with the visa label and check the visa dates and entries.
  • Step 8: Travel to Latvia within the validity of the visa and comply with all Schengen entry rules.
  • Interview requirement: Not every applicant is interviewed. It depends on the consulate and case complexity. Biometric data collection: usually required at submission unless you have recently given biometrics for a Schengen visa and the 59-month validity rule applies.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6-12; 0 EUR for children under 6. Local visa service center (VFS/BLS) service fee: about 25 EUR (varies by country). Total estimated cost: adults around 105 EUR (80 + 25); children 6-12 around 65 EUR (40 + 25); under 6 around 25 EUR (0 + 25). Standard processing time: up to 15 calendar days; in some cases it may take up to 30 days if additional documents are required. Express/priority processing: in some cases available for an extra fee and shorter processing time (typically 2-5 days) depending on the consulate and service provider.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • Plan well in advance: apply at least 15 days before travel and ideally 1-3 months ahead; you can apply up to six months in advance for most visa types. Common rejection reasons for Afghan applicants include incomplete or inconsistent forms, missing or insufficient supporting documents (especially proof of funds and accommodation), insufficient travel health insurance, travel plans that do not align with the stated purpose of visit, or history of overstay or visa refusals elsewhere. VFS/BLS or direct embassy options: check which channel is available in your country of residence; some applicants must use the official embassy or a specific service partner. Travel advisories and bilateral notes: check the latest Latvia MFA travel advisories and EU/Schengen rules; conditions may change due to security or bilateral considerations. Extension options inside Latvia: short-stay Schengen visas are generally not extendable; for longer stays you must apply for a national long-stay visa (Type D) or residence permit through the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA) at the appropriate time.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.