Canada Visa RequirementsFor Latvia passport holders
Latvian citizens need an eTA ($7) to fly to Canada. Valid 5 years, multiple entry, up to 180 days per visit.
Latvia passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to Canada.
Apply at canada.ca/eta before booking your flight. Pay $7 CAD online.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Valid Latvian Passport
The eTA is linked to your specific passport number. A new eTA is required when you renew your passport.
Email Address
For eTA confirmation from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Credit/Debit Card
For the $7 CAD fee at canada.ca/eta.
Required at Entry
Return Ticket Recommended
Proof of planned departure from Canada. May be requested at the border.
Proof of Funds Recommended
Evidence of financial means for your Canadian stay. May be requested by a border officer.
Current Travel Situation
Latvia to Canada: What You Need to Know
Latvian citizens traveling to Canada by air require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for $7 CAD.
Validity: Up to 5 years or passport expiry. Multiple entries allowed. Up to 6 months (180 days) per visit.
Land entry: No eTA required when entering by land from the United States.
Application: Apply at canada.ca/eta. Payment online. Usually instant approval.
How to Get There
No direct flights from Riga. Connect via Helsinki (Finnair to Toronto), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Amsterdam (KLM), or London (British Airways, Air Canada). Total travel time approximately 10 to 14 hours.
Money & Banking
Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards universally accepted. Expensive relative to the US in some areas.
Practical Tips
Canada offers Toronto (CN Tower, multicultural food scene), Vancouver (mountains and ocean), Montreal (French culture, festivals), Quebec City (historic fortified city), Banff and Jasper (Rocky Mountains), and the East Coast (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island).
Latvian community in Canada: Canada hosts an established Latvian diaspora, particularly in Toronto and Hamilton, with roots in post-WWII refugees. Latvian cultural centers and the Latvian national song festival in North America keep cultural ties alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to visit Canada?
Not a full visa, but an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for air travel to Canada. The eTA costs $7 CAD and is applied for online.
Is there a large Latvian diaspora in Canada?
Yes. Canada hosts one of the oldest and most established Latvian communities outside Latvia. Post-WWII Latvian refugees settled primarily in Toronto and Hamilton (Ontario), establishing Latvian schools, churches (Lutheran and Catholic), cultural societies, and song festivals. The Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto is a major community hub.
How do I apply for the Canadian eTA?
Apply at canada.ca/eta. Enter your passport details and pay $7 CAD online. Approval is usually instant.
How long can a Latvian citizen stay in Canada?
Up to 6 months (180 days) per visit as determined by the border officer. The eTA is valid for 5 years or passport expiry.
What are the best cities to visit in Canada?
Toronto (multicultural metropolis, CN Tower, Kensington Market, Niagara Falls nearby), Vancouver (mountains, ocean, Stanley Park, Pacific Rim culture), Montreal (French-Canadian culture, festivals, incredible food scene), Quebec City (only walled city in North America north of Mexico), and Calgary (Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park nearby) are the top destinations.
What is the best time to visit Canada?
June to August for warm weather across the country. October for spectacular fall foliage in Quebec and Ontario. January to March for winter activities (skiing in Whistler, Quebec City Winter Carnival). The Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper) are stunning year-round.