Latvia Visa RequirementsFor Ukraine passport holders
Ukrainian citizens can enter Latvia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-Ukraine visa liberalization agreement in force since 2017.
Great news! Ukraine passport holders can enter Latvia without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Present your Ukrainian biometric passport, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket. The 90-day cap is Schengen-wide. Note that the Latvian-Russian and Latvian-Belarusian borders are not viable crossing points for Ukrainian citizens.
Latvia is part of the Schengen Area. Your stay counts toward the 90-day limit within any 180-day period for the entire Schengen zone. Learn more about Schengen rules →
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
3 months beyond departure from Schengen
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Ukrainian Biometric Passport
Valid Ukrainian biometric passport for Schengen entry to Latvia.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking or host address in Latvia.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed departure booking from Schengen within 90 days.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
EUR cash or bank card.
Current Travel Situation
Ukraine to Latvia: What You Need to Know
Latvia has been one of Ukraine's most consistent advocates in both the EU and NATO, driven by its own experience with Russian occupation history. Riga is a vibrant Baltic capital and a growing destination for Ukrainians. Latvia borders Russia and Belarus, both adversaries in the current conflict; the Latvian government has closed its border to Russian and Belarusian nationals but maintains full visa-free access for Ukrainian passport holders. Latvia joined NATO in 2004 and maintains a significant NATO troop presence along its eastern border.
How to Get There
The Baltic States form a natural travel cluster: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are all Schengen members with visa-free access for Ukrainians. Riga is a central hub for Baltic travel, and Helsinki is reachable by ferry from Tallinn. The rail connection from Riga to Vilnius and Warsaw is improving.
Money & Banking
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted; Latvia is a digital society. ATMs are available in Riga and all main towns.
Practical Tips
Ukrainians typically fly to Riga (RIX) via Warsaw (WAW) or Krakow (KRK). AirBaltic, Wizz Air, and Ryanair all operate from Poland to Riga. The Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius bus corridor (Lux Express, Ecolines) is a well-established Baltic route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ukrainian citizens need a visa to visit Latvia?
No. Ukrainian citizens with a biometric passport can enter Latvia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period under the EU-Ukraine visa liberalization in force since 2017.
Does Latvia border Russia and how does this affect Ukrainian travelers?
Yes. Latvia shares borders with Russia and Belarus. Both borders are effectively closed to general travel and Ukrainian citizens should not attempt to use them. All travel to Latvia should be via flights from Warsaw, Krakow, or other European hubs, or by overland routes from Lithuania or Estonia.
How do Ukrainians reach Riga?
Most Ukrainians fly from Warsaw (WAW) to Riga (RIX) on airBaltic, Ryanair, or Wizz Air. The Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius express bus (Lux Express, Ecolines) is a popular Baltic corridor connection.
What currency is used in Latvia?
Latvia uses the Euro (EUR). Latvia joined the Eurozone in 2014. Cards are widely accepted; Latvia is a highly digital society.
Has Latvia been supportive of Ukraine?
Latvia has been one of Ukraine's strongest advocates in both the EU and NATO, driven by its own history of Soviet occupation. Latvia has provided military aid, accepted Ukrainian displaced persons, and consistently advocated for stronger EU action against Russia.
Is Riga a good base for Baltic travel?
Yes. Riga is centrally located in the Baltic region. Tallinn (Estonia) is 4 hours by bus, Vilnius (Lithuania) is 4 hours by bus, and Helsinki (Finland) is reachable by ferry via Tallinn. All three Baltic States and Finland are visa-free for Ukrainian passport holders.
What documents do Ukrainians need to enter Latvia?
A valid Ukrainian biometric passport, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds, and a return or onward ticket. Latvian Border Guard applies standard Schengen entry checks.
Does Latvia implement the EU Temporary Protection Directive for Ukrainians?
Yes. Displaced Ukrainians can register for temporary protection in Latvia through the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP). This provides residence rights and access to services beyond the 90-day tourist limit.