Can Latvian citizens travel to the USA without a visa?

Latvian citizens can travel to the USA without a traditional visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but they must obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure. The ESTA costs $21 USD, is valid for 2 years, and allows stays up to 90 days for tourism or business. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel via the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Do Latvian passport holders need a visa for the UK after Brexit?

Latvian passport holders do not need a visa for short visits to the UK (up to 6 months for tourism or business). However, starting in 2025, Latvians must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. The ETA costs £10, is applied for online, and is typically approved within 3 days. This requirement applies even for transit through UK airports.

Is military service mandatory for Latvian citizens and does it affect passport validity?

Latvia does not have mandatory military service; the Latvian National Armed Forces operate on a professional volunteer basis since 2007. However, Latvia reintroduced voluntary National Guard service and has discussed potential conscription amid regional security concerns. Military obligations do not affect passport issuance or validity. Latvian citizens abroad are not restricted from travel due to military service requirements.

Can Latvian citizens work freely in other EU countries?

Yes, as Latvia is an EU member state since 2004, Latvian citizens have the right to live, work, and study freely in all 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA countries), and Switzerland without needing work permits or visas. This freedom of movement is guaranteed under EU law. Latvians only need a valid passport or national ID card to exercise these rights.

Which countries require Latvian passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Latvian passport holders must obtain visas in advance for 18 countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Rep.), Eritrea, Ghana, Guyana, Kiribati, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, South Africa, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, countries like Russia, India, China, Australia, and Vietnam require e-visas that must be obtained online before travel.

Can Latvians travel to Russia with their passport in 2025?

Latvian citizens can travel to Russia but must obtain an e-visa in advance through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. However, due to EU sanctions and Russia's restrictions following the Ukraine conflict, direct flights between Latvia and Russia are suspended, and land border crossings are severely limited. The Latvian government advises against all travel to Russia due to safety concerns and unpredictable enforcement of Russian laws against EU citizens.

How long does it take to renew a Latvian passport and what documents are needed?

Latvian passport renewal takes approximately 10-15 working days when applied for in Latvia at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). Required documents include: completed application form, current/expired passport, one biometric photo, and payment of €28.46 for standard processing or €42.69 for express (5 days). For Latvians abroad, processing through embassies may take 4-6 weeks. Appointments can be booked online at latvija.lv.

Can Latvian passport holders visit China without a visa?

Latvian passport holders cannot visit mainland China without a visa. However, Latvia is eligible for China's 144-hour (6-day) visa-free transit policy in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou if traveling to a third country. For regular tourism or business, Latvians must apply for an e-visa or traditional visa through the Chinese embassy. Hong Kong and Macao offer visa-free access for up to 90 days for Latvian citizens.

What are the visa requirements for Latvians traveling to Australia and Canada?

For Australia, Latvian citizens must obtain an e-visa (eVisitor subclass 651) online before travel, which is free and allows multiple entries for stays up to 3 months within a 12-month period. For Canada, Latvians need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) costing CAD $7, valid for 5 years or until passport expiry, allowing stays up to 6 months. Both authorizations are applied for online and typically approved within minutes to 72 hours.

Latvia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 182 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The Latvia passport ranks 10th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 destinations worldwide. As a European Union member state, Latvian passport holders enjoy exceptional travel mobility and freedom of movement throughout Europe and numerous countries across the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. The passport has significantly improved its global standing since 2006, when it ranked 26th with access to only 91 countries, demonstrating Latvia's strengthened international relations and diplomatic standing. Latvian citizens benefit from strong travel privileges, making their passport one of the most powerful in Eastern Europe for business, tourism, and personal travel.

Global Rank

#10

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

182

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Latvia passport

139

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Latvian Citizens

Popular destinations where Latvia passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to days	FR
Singapore	Up to days	SG
Thailand	Up to days	TH
Japan	Up to days	JP
United Arab Emirates	Up to days	AE

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Latvia passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

139 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

28 countries

🔐 ETA Required

15 countries

💻 E-Visa

26 countries

❌ Visa Required

18 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Latvia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 16 positions from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in Latvia through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official Latvia Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia - Consular Services

🔗

Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs - Passports

🔗

Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs - Travel Documents

🔗

Latvia.eu - Travel Documents

Compare Latvia Passport with Other Passports

See how Latvia's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Latvia (You are here)	#10	182	78/100	62/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Latvian passport holders can access 182 destinations without a prior visa in 2025. This includes visa-free access to approximately 156 countries, visa on arrival to 27 destinations, and electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to 15 countries. Latvia ranks 10th globally on the Henley Passport Index, making it one of the most powerful passports in the world, particularly due to EU membership benefits.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Latvia's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Latvia Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 182 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Historical Ranking Trend

Latvia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Improved by 16 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Latvia Passport with Other Passports

See how Latvia's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Latvia (You are here)	#10	182	78/100	62/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Latvia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Latvian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Latvia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Latvia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Latvia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Latvian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Can Latvian citizens travel to the USA without a visa?

Do Latvian passport holders need a visa for the UK after Brexit?

Is military service mandatory for Latvian citizens and does it affect passport validity?

Can Latvian citizens work freely in other EU countries?

Which countries require Latvian passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Latvians travel to Russia with their passport in 2025?

How long does it take to renew a Latvian passport and what documents are needed?

Can Latvian passport holders visit China without a visa?

What are the visa requirements for Latvians traveling to Australia and Canada?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Latvia passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Latvian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Latvia's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Latvia Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Latvia Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Latvian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Can Latvian citizens travel to the USA without a visa?

Do Latvian passport holders need a visa for the UK after Brexit?

Is military service mandatory for Latvian citizens and does it affect passport validity?

Can Latvian citizens work freely in other EU countries?

Which countries require Latvian passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Latvians travel to Russia with their passport in 2025?

How long does it take to renew a Latvian passport and what documents are needed?

Can Latvian passport holders visit China without a visa?

What are the visa requirements for Latvians traveling to Australia and Canada?

Explore More Passport Rankings