A valid Schengen visa does not always complete the paperwork for a trip to Latvia. Some travellers must also submit an Electronic Travel Declaration at least 48 hours before arrival, even when coming from another Schengen country or crossing Latvia in transit. Many nationalities are exempt, including British, American and EU citizens.
The requirement has applied since 1 September 2025. For an upcoming trip, the useful distinction is your nationality and whether Latvia issued your visa or residence permit.
Who needs the declaration?
Latvia exempts citizens of the EU, NATO and OECD member countries, alongside other countries and specific categories listed by its Foreign Ministry. British, American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders are among those exempt. Their exemption comes from nationality; it does not mean every English-speaking visitor has the same status.
A traveller whose nationality is outside the exempt list generally needs to declare if they do not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit. A visa or residence permit issued by another Schengen country does not, by itself, provide the Latvia-issued-document exemption.
There are further exceptions, including certain diplomatic or official visits and defined categories of stateless persons. Anyone using a special travel document should consult the Foreign Ministry’s Electronic Travel Declaration guidance rather than decide from their country of residence alone.
File before entering Latvia, including on a wider trip
For travellers who must declare, the deadline is at least 48 hours before arrival in Latvia. Transit is included. A route through several European countries therefore needs a Latvia-specific paperwork check before reaching the Latvian part of the journey.
Use the official Latvian ETA portal, reached through the Foreign Ministry’s declaration page. The form requests personal and passport details, the purpose of the trip, dates and place of stay, route and contact information. It also asks about elected positions, election candidacies and certain public-service or military backgrounds.
Adults normally submit their own information. Parents or guardians can complete the form for minor children. The ministry’s FAQ recommends an ordinary browser such as Safari, Chrome, Edge or Firefox; browsers embedded inside messaging apps are unsupported.
What the confirmation means
The ministry describes an initial acknowledgement that the information has been received, followed by another notification 48 hours after submission. The declaration is not an entry permit. Completing it does not replace a valid travel document, a visa where required, or the other conditions for admission.
If the submitted journey details change, the form cannot simply be edited: a new declaration is required. The ministry says the 48-hour submission deadline does not apply to that resubmission.
Keep it separate from Schengen border registration
The Entry/Exit System, or EES, records eligible travellers at the Schengen area’s external borders. Latvia’s declaration is a separate online task completed before travel. Having dealt with one process does not establish that the other has been completed or that its exemptions are the same.
Before setting the Latvian leg of your itinerary, settle two points: whether your nationality or Latvian-issued document exempts you, and, if it does not, whether you have allowed the required 48 hours. That is the distinction that determines whether this extra form belongs on your departure checklist.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
