Russia Visa RequirementsFor Latvia passport holders
Latvian citizens need a Russian visa at $160. Travel strongly discouraged. Latvia-Russia land border heavily restricted.
Latvia passport holders require a visa to enter Russia.
The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against travel to Russia. If essential, apply through a Russian consulate in a third country. Contact the Latvian Embassy in Moscow for emergencies.
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
Valid Latvian Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Russia. At least 2 blank pages.
Visa Application Form
Russian visa application form. Apply through a Russian consulate in a third country.
Passport-Size Photos
Recent photographs per Russian consulate specifications.
Tourist Voucher / Invitation Letter
Official tourist voucher from a registered Russian travel agency or hotel confirmation. Required for tourist visas.
Medical Travel Insurance
Minimum EUR 30,000 coverage, valid in Russia. Mandatory for Russian visa applications.
Visa Fee
Approximately $160 USD. Verify current fee with the issuing consulate.
Current Travel Situation
Latvia to Russia: What You Need to Know
Latvian citizens require a Russian visa costing approximately $160 USD. Post-Ukraine invasion (2022), conditions have changed dramatically.
Land border: Latvia and Russia share a land border (Terehova/Burachki and Grebnevo/Ubylinka crossings). These crossings have been subject to restrictions and closures since 2022. Latvia closed its borders to Russian and Belarusian passenger vehicles in 2023.
Latvian government advisory: The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Russia. Latvian citizens face particular scrutiny given Latvia's support for Ukraine and Latvia's large Russian-speaking minority, which has created political tensions.
Russian consular services: Latvia closed the Russian embassy's Latvian visa section for Latvian citizens; Russians must use third-country consulates.
How to Get There
Direct flights suspended. Travel requires connections via Yerevan, Tbilisi, Istanbul, or Baku. Conditions and routes change frequently.
Money & Banking
Russia uses the Russian Ruble (RUB). Western bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) non-functional since 2022. Ruble cash only.
Practical Tips
Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Historic ties between Latvia and Russia are deep: Riga was a major Russian Imperial trading port and Soviet administrative center. The Russian-speaking community in Riga (approximately 40% of the city's population) has historically maintained strong cross-border family and cultural connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to visit Russia?
Yes. A Russian visa is required at approximately $160 USD. The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against all travel to Russia.
Why are Latvia-Russia relations particularly tense?
Latvia and Russia share a complex history: Soviet occupation from 1940-1941 and 1944-1991, including deportations of Latvians to Siberia, and a large Russian-speaking minority in Latvia (approximately 30% of the population). Since 2022, Latvia has been one of the most vocal EU advocates for Ukraine, intensifying tensions with Russia.
Is the Latvia-Russia land border open?
The Latvia-Russia land border crossings (Terehova/Burachki and Grebnevo/Ubylinka) have been affected by restrictions since 2022. Latvia has barred Russian and Belarusian passenger vehicles from entering Latvia. Check current border status before making any travel plans.
What happened to the Russian consulate in Latvia?
Latvia expelled most Russian diplomatic staff and closed the Russian embassy's visa section in 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Latvian citizens wishing to apply for a Russian visa must do so through a third-country Russian consulate.
Are flights operating between Latvia and Russia?
No. Direct flights between Latvia and Russia are suspended. Travel to Russia requires connections via Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, or Azerbaijan.
Does Russia have an e-visa for Latvian citizens?
Russia introduced an e-visa system for some nationalities. Check the current status for Latvian citizens at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or through a Russian consulate in a third country.