Latvia visa for visiting family and friends

An OCMA-approved invitation can be requested by an adult Latvian citizen or non-citizen, an adult foreigner with a Latvian permanent residence permit, an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in Latvia with a registration certificate, a Latvian state institution or a registered legal person. Adults with refugee or alternative status can invite family members for reunification. A private letter without OCMA approval can also be accepted if it contains the details listed below.

Without a host guarantee you prove EUR 14 per day like any tourist. If the host states in the invitation that they will cover your stay and adds proof of their means, OCMA records this and no further financial documents are requested from you. When the host invites a spouse, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren or their spouses and signs that they have sufficient means and that you will not burden the social assistance system, proof of funds may not be requested at all.

Under Regulation No. 731 the host pays EUR 10 for an invitation request filed through Latvija.gov.lv (EUR 17 otherwise), EUR 10 for each person included and EUR 14 for each later correction. The visa fee of EUR 90 (EUR 45 for children aged 6 to 11) is paid when you apply, together with any service fee of the visa application centre.

Since late 2025 OCMA accepts invitation requests only electronically: private persons use the "Approval of an invitation" e-service on Latvija.gov.lv, and legal entities send the request with every document signed with a secure electronic signature. Supporting papers may be in Latvian, English, French, Russian or German, but explanations from the host must be in Latvian. OCMA decides within two working days, or within 10 working days if an additional check is needed. The approved invitation is valid for six months and is recorded in the database, so you quote it when you apply. If it is refused or withdrawn, the fee is not refunded.

Only you, not the inviting person, can appeal a visa refusal: within 30 days, in writing in Latvian, Russian or English, to the Director of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Director decides within 30 days, and the Administrative Court can review that decision; its ruling is final.