Latvia Visa Requirements & Fees from Dubai 2026

The following is the complete document checklist for a Latvia Schengen visa application from Dubai. Every document listed below is mandatory — a missing or inconsistent document can result in processing delays or outright refusal. All documents must be submitted in English; Arabic originals require certified English translations.

1. 1Valid passport — minimum 3 months' validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, at least 2 blank side-by-side pages, issued within the last 10 years. Submit originals plus photocopies of biographical data page, all previous visas, and entry/exit stamps.
2. 2Completed Schengen visa application form — filled entirely in English, printed on A4 paper, and signed by hand. Every field must be completed accurately.
3. 3Two biometric passport photographs — 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within 6 months, ICAO compliant (no glasses, neutral expression, face centred).
4. 4Valid UAE residence visa — at least 3 months' validity beyond intended return date. Original plus clear colour photocopy.
5. 5Emirates ID — original for verification at VFS plus colour photocopies of both sides.
6. 6Schengen travel medical insurance — minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation across all 27 Schengen states. Must cover entire trip duration.
7. 7Round-trip flight reservation — confirmed itinerary showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area. Do NOT buy non-refundable tickets before approval.
8. 8Hotel bookings — covering every night of stay in Latvia and any other Schengen country visited. Refundable bookings accepted. No gaps in accommodation permitted.
9. 9Bank statements — last 3-6 months from your primary UAE bank, stamped by the bank. Must show consistent salary credits and a healthy closing balance (AED 10,000-15,000 minimum recommended).
10. 10Employment letter — on company letterhead with stamp and authorised signatory. Must state full name, job title, monthly salary, date of joining, and approved leave dates for the trip.
11. 11Salary slips — last 3 months as supplementary financial proof, consistent with employment letter and bank credits.
12. 12Cover letter — explaining travel purpose, specific Latvian destinations, UAE ties, and intention to return before visa expiry.
13. 13Day-by-day itinerary — daily plan with cities, hotels, and activities, matching all other documents exactly.

The Latvia Schengen visa fee follows the uniform EU regulation fee schedule that applies across all 27 Schengen member states. In addition to the consular visa fee, VFS Global charges a mandatory service fee for processing your application. All fees are non-refundable regardless of the visa decision outcome.

Biometric photographs for the Latvia Schengen visa must meet strict ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards. Non-compliant photographs are one of the most common reasons for applications being returned at the VFS counter before processing even begins.

• Size: 35mm wide x 45mm tall — this is the standard Schengen photo size
• Background: white or very light grey — no patterns, no coloured backgrounds, no shadows
• Recency: taken within the last 6 months — must reflect your current appearance
• Expression: neutral — mouth closed, no smiling, eyes open and clearly visible
• Glasses: not permitted in Schengen visa photos as of the current regulation
• Head covering: only permitted for religious reasons — face must be fully visible from forehead to chin, ear to ear
• Print quality: high-resolution print on matte or semi-matte photo paper — no digital-only submissions
• Quantity: 2 identical photographs required

OraVisa recommends getting your photographs taken at a professional passport photo service that is experienced with Schengen requirements. VFS Global in Dubai also offers an on-site photo service for approximately AED 35-50 if you prefer to have them taken at the time of your appointment.

Based on OraVisa's experience processing Schengen visa applications from Dubai, the following are the most common mistakes that lead to delays, additional document requests, or refusals for Latvia visa applications. Every one of these is preventable with proper preparation.

• Travel insurance that only covers Latvia and not the entire Schengen Area — the policy must cover all 27 Schengen member states
• Bank statements with large unexplained deposits made just before the application — this is the single biggest red flag for Schengen refusals
• Hotel booking dates that do not match flight reservation dates or application form dates — even a one-day discrepancy can trigger an additional document request
• Employment letter that does not mention specific approved leave dates for the Latvia trip
• Passport with fewer than 3 months' validity beyond the planned return date from the Schengen Area
• Generic cover letter that does not mention Latvia or specific Latvian destinations by name
• Missing Emirates ID copies or expired UAE residence visa
• Photographs that are older than 6 months or do not meet ICAO specifications — these are rejected at the VFS counter

The standard processing time for a Latvia Schengen visa is 15 calendar days from the date of submission at VFS Global. Under EU regulation, this can be extended to up to 45 calendar days in peak periods or complex cases. Latvia generally adheres to the 15-day standard and processes efficiently due to moderate application volumes from the UAE.