If you are planning to visit a country like Latvia, you will simply need a visa. This state is located in the Schengen area, as a result of which, along with state permits for entry, the consulate also issues Schengen visas.
Schengen visa - Latvia. Main aspects
The state permit is issued by the embassy only when the visa requirements do not meet the Schengen agreement (for example, for the duration of the stay).
The Schengen visa of Latvia issued by the embassy is valid on the territory of all states that have signed the Schengen agreement. This permission allows you to visit 24 countries participating in the agreement. When planning a trip, you must keep in mind that you will have to apply for a visa at the consulate of that country, which is considered the main purpose of the trip. That is, if most of the trip you will stay in a country such as Latvia, a visa will have to be issued at the embassy of this particular state. In recent years, compliance with this provision has been tightly monitored, and violators may have problems re-obtaining permission to enter any Schengen country.
In the event that travel and vacation covers several different countries, and it is impossible to single out the main of them, then you should apply for the visa of the state that will be the first on the way. Therefore, if you enter the Schengen area through Latvia, then a visa must be obtained in Latvia.
Visas are divided into category "C" and category "D". The validity period of a single-entry or double-entry visa of category "C" is valid up to 90 days, multiple-entry - up to 180 days. The period of presence on the territory of the state shall be considered according to the periods specified in the invitation or in the confirmation of the hotel reservation. In case of opening a double- entry or multiple- entry transit visa , a single stay is indicated throughout all entries. As a rule, a tourist visa is issued within 7 - 10 days. In an emergency, it is possible to obtain an emergency category visa, an international carrier visa or a visa that is issued under international agreements.
Category C permit is a short-term permit to enter Schengen, which is issued for the purpose of transit, tourism, business trip, visit to relatives. āDā category permit is a state long-term visa, which is issued for the purpose of being present in the territory of Latvia for a period of 90 days to six months.
A transit permit, as a rule, is issued within 24 hours, but since various approvals from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Latvia and additional checks are necessary, this period can significantly increase. That is why it is recommended to apply for a visa 7 days before entry. In a country like Latvia, a visa is subject to a consular fee. For all varieties of short-term visas of category "C" you will have to pay 35 euros, and in the case of quick registration - 70 euros. The consular fee for a single-entry state visa of category āDā is 65 euros, and for a multiple-entry visa - 90 euros.
The following are exempted from paying the consular fee:
- children under the age of 6 years.
- students, students and teachers accompanying them.
And it is worth remembering that when traveling in a country such as Latvia, a visa must always be present with you.