United States Visa RequirementsFor Latvia passport holders
Latvian passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. An ESTA authorization ($21) is required before travel.
Latvia passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before your trip. The fee is $21 USD (a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee), payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours. Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips. ESTA does not guarantee entry: a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
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
Current Travel Situation
Latvia to United States: What You Need to Know
Latvia joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2008 as part of the broader Central and Eastern European expansion of the program. Latvia and the US have maintained close ties since Latvian independence in 1991, with the US being among the first countries to recognize Latvia's restored independence. A significant Latvian-American diaspora, particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts, traces its roots to WWII-era refugees. Riga International Airport (RIX) connects to European hubs for transatlantic connections. Latvian dual nationals with non-VWP documents must use their Latvian passport for ESTA.
How to Get There
From Riga (RIX), connections to the US route via Helsinki (HEL) with Finnair, Frankfurt (FRA) with Lufthansa, or Amsterdam (AMS) with KLM. Air Baltic flies RIX to many European hubs. New York (JFK/EWR), Washington (IAD), and Chicago (ORD) are common US entry points.
Money & Banking
The US uses the US Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere. Tipping is expected and not optional: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink, a few dollars for taxis and hotel staff. Exchange Euros (Latvia uses the Euro since 2014) to USD at the airport or use US ATMs. Inform your bank before travel.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. Connections from Riga often involve one or two stops; plan early. The 90-day limit is strict. Carry proof of return travel and sufficient funds. US customs officers ask standard questions about your purpose of visit; have your hotel details ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No. Latvia joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2008. Latvian passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but must have an approved ESTA before traveling.
How do Latvian citizens apply for ESTA?
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Complete the form, pay $21, and receive authorization, usually within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
What airlines fly from Latvia to the United States?
There are no nonstop flights from Riga (RIX) to the US. Air Baltic flies to Helsinki (HEL), Frankfurt (FRA), and Amsterdam (AMS), from where Finnair, Lufthansa, and KLM offer US connections.
How long can Latvian citizens stay in the United States?
Up to 90 days per visit on ESTA. The stay cannot be extended under VWP status.
Can Latvian citizens work in the US on ESTA?
No. ESTA covers tourism, transit, and business meetings. Paid work requires a US work visa.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. An approved ESTA allows boarding; a US CBP officer makes the final entry decision.
What are the consequences of overstaying 90 days in the US?
Overstaying leads to deportation, VWP ineligibility, and serious difficulties with future US travel.
Is ESTA valid for multiple trips to the US?
Yes. One ESTA approval covers multiple trips for up to 2 years or until your passport expires.