Traveling to Latvia requires a visa from Nigeria. To get a Latvia visa from Nigeria, you’ll need to figure out the type of visa you need, fill out the visa application form, visit VFS Global or the Embassy of Sweden with the form and other visa requirements, and after verification get your Latvia visa from Nigeria. There’s more to this process and if you’d like to travel to Latvia, read on to find out everything you need to know.
Latvia may not be among the top tourist destinations in the world but they are a friendly people with one of the best educational systems in the world. The weather is awesome too and there is a unique potential in the country to achieve success. If you plan on relocating to Latvia or attending school there, you’ve not made a bad choice at all.
Let’s get into the steps on how to get a Latvia Visa from Nigeria.
How to Get a Latvia Visa from Nigeria
The following are the steps to get a Latvia visa from Nigeria:
- Identify which visa type you need to get
- Apply for the visa at the VFS Global office in Abuja or the Embassy of Sweden
- Complete the visa application form and provide the requirements for the visa
- Attend the visa interview, if scheduled
These steps are deeper than just the list and I will take my time to explain what each step means.
Identify Which Visa Type You Need to Get
There are about six types of Latvia visas that people traveling to Latvia ought to have. These visas depend on the country you are applying for a visa from and if you are in Nigeria, the following are visa types you can get:
- Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa, also known as the short-stay visa, allows you to stay in Latvia for 90 days. Nigerians and other third-world countries have to get a Schengen visa before they can be admitted into Latvia. It is the regular visa you get when traveling to other countries.
- Airport Transit Visa
As the name implies, an airport transit visa is required when you intend to pass through an airport in another country before getting to your destination. Let’s say you’re going to Estonia, Sweden, or any other country and would need to stop by Latvia, you’d need an airport transit visa.
- Latvia Study Visa
Due to Latvia’s popularity as a hub for a world-class educational system and schools, it is common to find people who travel to Latvia for educational purposes. This is what the Latvia study visa is for – people who want to travel to Latvia for educational studies.
- Latvia Business Visa
The Latvia Business visa allows individuals to travel to Latvia for business-related purposes. It falls under the category of short-term visas, which permit stays in Latvia and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within 180 days. If you are visiting Latvia for business meetings or to do business generally, you’d need a Latvia business visa.
- Latvia Medical Visa
To travel to Latvia to undergo surgery, receive medical therapies, or seek other health treatments, it is necessary to apply for a Latvia Medical Visa. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who require medical care in Latvia and must be obtained before traveling.
- Latvia Spouse Visa
If you are planning to join your spouse who is a Latvian citizen or a legal resident in Latvia, you will need to apply for a Latvia Spouse Visa. This visa is intended for individuals who wish to reunite with their Latvian spouse and reside together in Latvia.
It is important to note that the visa requirements may include providing proof of the marital relationship, such as a marriage certificate, along with other necessary documents. The Latvia Spouse Visa allows for a temporary stay in Latvia and may provide the opportunity to apply for a residence permit once in the country.
- Latvia Official Visit Visa
For individuals who need to visit Latvia for official purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or conducting official business, the Latvia Official Visit Visa is the appropriate visa category. This visa is intended for government officials, diplomats, or individuals representing official organizations.
The purpose of the visit should be clearly defined and supported by relevant documentation, such as an invitation letter from the Latvian host organization or government entity. The Latvia Official Visit Visa permits a temporary stay in Latvia for the duration of the official visit and is subject to the specific visa requirements and conditions set by the Latvian authorities.
Apply for the Visa
Having identified the type of visa you need for your trip to Latvia based on the purpose of your visit, you’d need to apply for the visa. To obtain a Latvia visa from Nigeria, individuals are required to visit either the VFS Global Center or the Embassy of Sweden, which represents Latvia in visa processing. These are the designated entities responsible for accepting visa applications and assisting applicants throughout the process.
Latvia doesn’t have an embassy or diplomatic consulate in Nigeria so VFS Global and the Embassy of Sweden provide Nigerians with Latvia visas for any purpose.
Complete the Application Form
You would need to fill out the visa application form before getting your visa. Thanks to the Internet, you can fill out the form online by visiting https://epak.pmlp.gov.lv/NVIS.EService001.WebSite/ApplicationMain.aspx. In the form, select Schengen Visa and fill in other parts of the form appropriately.
Attend Visa Interview, if Scheduled
If you get scheduled to attend a visa interview then prepare to attend. Take copies of your visa application and other attendant documents. It is important to be at the interview early and answer the questions with confidence and sincerity.
Latvian Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens
As you apply for your Latvian visa, there are requirements that must be met. The following are Latvia visa requirements for Nigerian citizens:
- Passport: Your International Passport is the most important requirement when applying for a Latvian visa. It must have been issued in the last ten years, have a minimum of two empty pages for visas to be fixed, and must be valid for up to three months after the intended visit to Latvia.
- Visa Application Form: You must have completed and signed your visa application form.
- Passport-sized photograph: You should provide a one-color passport photograph measuring 35mm x 45mm. Ensure that the face photograph meets the specified quality requirements for visa applications
- Travel Medical Insurance: Obtain a travel medical insurance policy that is valid for all Schengen Member States and covers the entire duration of the intended visit in the Schengen area.
You should note that there’s a visa fee that you are required to pay. The visa application fee for a short-stay visa is 60 USD while for a long-stay visa is 40 USD.
Where Can You Get a Latvian Visa in Nigeria?
Latvia does not have an embassy or consulate in Nigeria. You can only get a Latvian visa from Nigeria through the Embassy of Sweden. There is a Swedish Embassy in Lagos and Abuja. In Abuja, the Embassy of Sweden is located at 41 T. Y. Danjuma St, Asokoro 900110, Abuja while the Lagos branch is at 7, Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos.
You can call +234 (9) 314 33 99 or send an email to ambassaden.abuja@foreign.ministry.se for more information on how to get a Latvian Visa from the Embassy of Sweden.
Is Latvia worth visiting?
Latvia is definitely worth visiting, as it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are some impressive features of Latvia:
1. Riga, the Capital City: Explore the charming and cosmopolitan capital city of Riga, known for its well-preserved medieval old town (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Admire stunning architecture, including the famous Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, and the Art Nouveau district.
2. Beautiful Baltic Beaches: Latvia boasts over 500 kilometers of pristine sandy beaches along its Baltic Sea coastline. Visit popular beach destinations like Jurmala and Liepaja, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy various water activities.
3. Rugged National Parks: Discover the country’s diverse landscapes in its national parks. Gauja National Park offers picturesque forests, cliffs, and the historic Turaida Castle. Kemeri National Park features vast wetlands, mineral-rich healing mud, and unique wildlife.
4. Charming Coastal Towns: Explore picturesque coastal towns such as Kuldiga, known for its beautiful historic center and Europe’s widest waterfall, and Ventspils, with its sandy beaches, medieval castle, and vibrant summer festivals.
5. Historical Castles and Palaces: Latvia is home to several impressive castles and palaces. Visit Rundale Palace, a stunning Baroque masterpiece, and the medieval Cesis Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
6. Cultural Heritage: Immerse yourself in Latvian culture through traditional music, folk dances, and festivals like the Song and Dance Celebration, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
7. Eclectic Cuisine: Indulge in Latvian cuisine, which combines influences from Baltic, Russian, and European traditions. Sample local dishes like gray peas with bacon, smoked fish, and the beloved dessert Riga Black Balsam.
8. Ethnographic Open-Air Museums: Experience rural Latvian life from centuries past at open-air museums such as the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Riga and the Skansen-like settlement in the town of Tervete.
These are just a few highlights of what Latvia has to offer. Its unspoiled nature, historical treasures, and warm hospitality make it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
What questions are asked in the Latvia visa interview?
During a Latvia visa interview, the consular officer may ask a range of questions to assess the purpose of your trip and your eligibility for a visa. While specific questions can vary based on individual circumstances, here are some common questions that may be asked during a Latvia visa interview:
1. What is the purpose of your trip to Latvia?
2. Have you traveled to Latvia or any other Schengen countries before? If yes, when and for what purpose?
3. Can you provide details about your itinerary, including the places you plan to visit and the duration of your stay in Latvia?
4. Do you have any family or friends in Latvia or any other Schengen countries? If yes, provide their names and addresses.
5. What is your occupation and how long have you been working with your current employer?
6. What is your monthly income and how do you support yourself financially?
7. Have you ever been refused a visa for any country? If yes, provide details.
8. Do you have any medical insurance coverage for your trip to Latvia?
9. Can you provide proof of your ties to your home country, such as property ownership, family relationships, or employment commitments?
10. Are you married? Do you have any dependents or immediate family members residing in your home country?
11. What do you plan to do upon your return to your home country after the trip to Latvia?
12. Do you have any previous criminal convictions or legal issues?
FAQs
How much is a flight ticket from Nigeria to Latvia?
The current price of flight tickets from Nigeria to Latvia is around $1000 to $1200. However, this price fluctuates and depends on certain airport factors and restrictions.
Is there a Latvia embassy in Nigeria?
No. There is no Latvia embassy in Nigeria. The only way to get a Latvian visa from Nigeria is to visit the Embassy of Sweden. As of now, Latvia does not have an embassy in Nigeria or a consulate.
How long does it take to get a Latvia visa from Nigeria?
It should take 15 days to process your Latvia visa from Nigeria. However, in some cases, the visa application process can take more than 15 days.
Conclusion
You can only get a Latvia visa from Nigeria at the Embassy of Sweden. Latvia does not have an embassy or diplomatic consulate in Nigeria but the Sweden embassy provides visa application services to Latvia for Nigerians. Ensure you have your travel medical insurance and other Latvia travel details required.