Skip to main content

Latvia Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa Required

South African citizens need a Schengen Type C visa for Latvia — apply via VFS Global; fee around EUR 90, processing roughly 15 working days.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed Schengen visa application form, signed
  • Two recent passport-size photos (35x45mm, light background, taken within the last 6 months)
  • Travel/medical insurance valid across the Schengen area with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Round-trip flight reservation
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds
  • Employment letter or proof of business/studies in South Africa
  • Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) required at a VFS Global application centre

Visa types

  • Schengen Type C (short-stay) visa: tourist or business, single, double or multiple entry, valid for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, fee around EUR 90
  • Airport transit visa (Type A): for travellers transiting through a Schengen airport without entering the territory
  • National Type D visa: for stays longer than 90 days (study, work, family reunification), issued by Latvia's Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), fee varies by category

How to apply

  • Latvia does not maintain its own visa-processing office in South Africa; applications are lodged through VFS Global's Schengen visa application centre in Pretoria or Johannesburg
  • Book an appointment online, complete the application form and gather supporting documents
  • Attend the appointment in person to submit biometrics and documents
  • Standard processing time is around 15 calendar days from a complete application, extendable to 30-45 days in complex cases
  • Decisions are collected in person or via courier return of the passport

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: EUR 90 (approximately R1,700-1,800 depending on exchange rate)
  • VFS Global service fee: approximately R500-650 on top of the visa fee
  • Total estimated cost: roughly R2,200-2,400
  • Standard processing: 15 working days
  • No official express/priority service for Schengen short-stay visas; some VFS centres offer a premium lounge service for an additional fee that does not shorten decision time

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel; applications can be lodged up to 6 months in advance
  • Common rejection reasons for South African applicants: insufficient proof of funds, unclear or inconsistent travel purpose, weak ties to South Africa, incomplete insurance coverage
  • Use VFS Global rather than trying to contact a Latvian mission directly, since Latvia is not represented locally
  • Keep all documents consistent (dates, addresses, employer details) across the form and supporting paperwork
  • Overstaying or extending a Schengen visa from inside Latvia is only possible in exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, force majeure)

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.