A Latvian passport is issued by the Republic of Latvia to its citizens. This highly valued travel document enables Latvian passport holders to travel visa-free to 181 countries and offers the benefit of living in an affordable European country.
The Latvia passport ranks 43rd out of 199 passports globally, putting it within the top 22% of passports. This, along with the fantastic investment opportunities, access to healthcare, and ease of travel make the Latvian passport one of the best in the world.
In this guide you will learn about:
Latvia Passport Overview
Latvian passports (Latvijas pilsoņa pase) are issued to Latvian citizens for identification and international travel.
Types of Latvian passports
There are three types of Latvian passports issued to citizens, including:
- Standard passport: Citizen passports are issued to Latvian citizens for international travel and identification after the age of 15 and is valid for ten years.
- Diplomatic passport: Issued to those that represent Latvian diplomatic missions, including government officials and ambassadors.
- Service passport: Provided to Latvian government employees who travel abroad for work purposes.
Latvia passport ranking
Based on the Latvia Global Passport Index from Global Citizen Solutions, the Latvian passport ranks 43rd out of 199 passports worldwide. Here is how the ranking is broken down:
Index | Latvia's Rank | Score | Key Highlights |
Investment index | 57th | 53.2 | Assesses investment opportunities in the Latvian economy |
Quality of living index | 37th | 72.9 | Evaluates cost of living, freedom, sustainability, happiness, environment, and migrant acceptance. |
Enhance mobility index | 39th | 92.63 | Measures travel benefits, including visa-free access to countries. |
Latvia Passport Benefits
EU membership
Latvia is part of the European Union; this awards Latvian nationals with all the rights of being an EU member. This includes freedom of movement throughout the EU, with the right to live, work, and study in all EU countries.
Visa free travel
The Latvian passport visa free countries include over 100 countries across the globe. This includes popular destinations like Japan, Australia, Canada, and the UK.
Access to healthcare
Latvia has a growing private healthcare system with lower prices than certain countries in western Europe. However, because Latvia is part of the European Union, you can access healthcare at some of the top healthcare countries in the world with ease.
Access to education
As a member of the EU, Latvian passport holders have access to a fantastic range of education options, with top universities and private international schools.
Ease of travel
Latvia has an excellent range of transport links with other EU member states, making getting around simple and convenient. Plus, with an EU passport, travel is even easier.
Investment opportunities
Those with a Latvian passport have access to a world of investment options in the European Union. The Latvia Golden Visa offers visa holders the ideal opportunity to obtain the Latvia passport through naturalization after ten years, while opening the door for potential investment opportunities in the country.
Latvia Passport Free Countries
Here is a list of visa free countries for Latvia passport holders:
Albania | Angola | Antigua and Barbuda |
Argentina | Armenia | Austria |
Barbados | Belarus | Belgium |
Belize | Bolivia | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Botswana | Brazil | Brunei |
Bulgaria | Canada | Cape Verde |
Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica |
Croatia | Cyprus | Denmark |
Dominica | Ecuador | El Salvador |
Estonia | Eswatini | Fiji |
Finland | France | Georgia |
Germany | Greece | Grenada |
Guatemala | Haiti | Honduras |
Hungary | Iceland | Ireland |
Israel | Italy | Japan |
Kazakhstan | Kiribati | Kyrgyzstan |
Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
Malaysia | Malta | Mauritius |
Mexico | Micronesia | Moldova |
Mongolia | Montenegro | Morocco |
Nicaragua | North Macedonia | Norway |
Palau | Panama | Paraguay |
Peru | Poland | Portugal |
Qatar | Romania | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Samoa |
Senegal | Serbia | Seychelles |
Singapore | Slovakia | Slovenia |
South Korea | Spain | Sweden |
Switzerland | São Tomé and Príncipe | Tajikistan |
Thailand | The Bahamas | The Czech Republic |
The Dominican Republic | The Marshall Islands | The Netherlands |
The Philippines | The Solomon Islands | The United Arab Emirates |
The United Kingdom | The United States | Timor-Leste |
Tonga | Trinidad and Tobago | Tunisia |
Turkey | Tuvalu | Ukraine |
Uruguay | Uzbekistan | Vanuatu |
Venezuela | Zambia |
Document Requirements for the Latvia Passport
You will need the following documents to apply for a Latvian passport:
- Proof of Latvian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
- Valid Latvian identity card
- Passport photos
- Marriage certificate (if changing name)
- Birth certificate (minor)
- Parental consent from both a child’s parents (minor)
Latvia Passport Application Process
Step one: Gather required documents
It is essential that you have all the required documents on hand to provide alongside your Latvian passport application.
Step two: Submit application
If you are in Latvia, you can apply directly to the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (OCMA). If you are outside Latvia, you can take the application to your nearest Latvian embassy or consulate. You can make an appointment using the online e-booking system.
Step three: Pay the fees
You will need to pay the Latvian passport fees at the time of applying for your passport.
Step four: Passport collection
Depending on which options (normal or fast track), you can expect your passport in about two to ten days, depending on the backlog.
Renewing a Latvian Passport
To renew a Latvian passport, schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest Latvian Embassy. Bring your current passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and any other documents required for changes in your personal details such as a marriage certificate.
Latvian Passport Validity
The Latvian passport is valid for a total of ten years for adults (20 years and older) and five years for minors (under 20). Always ensure that your passport has at least six months validity before travel.
Latvia Passport Processing Time
The processing time for a new passport varies, depending on which route you take. For example:
- Applications within Latvia (normal): Around ten days
- Applications within Latvia (fast track): Two days
- Outside of Latvia: Varies depending on the local embassy, generally between 4-6 weeks.
Latvia Passport Price
As of 2025, the Latvia passport prices are as follows:
Latvians aged 20 to 62 | €34 ($35.86) |
Latvians under 20 or over 65 | €15 ($15.82) |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Latvian Passport
How to get a Latvian passport?
You can obtain a Latvian passport by becoming a Latvian citizen through:
- Descent
- Naturalization
- Investment
- Marriage
Once you have Latvian citizenship you can apply for your Latvian passport at the nearest Latvian embassy or Citizenship Office in Latvia.
Do Latvians need a visa to enter the USA?
No, Latvian citizens do not need a visa to visit the United States for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days. Latvia is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing visa-free travel under these conditions.
How strong is a Latvian passport?
Based on the Global Passport Ranking from Global Citizen Solutions, the Latvian passport ranks 43rd out of 199 passports worldwide. This is based on investment opportunities, quality of life, and enhanced mobility.
How to apply for a Latvian passport?
- Schedule an appointment at a Latvian embassy or consulate.
- Complete the application form before your appointment.
- Bring the completed application form, previous passport or eID card, and a recent photo.
- Return any previous identity documents, even if expired.
- If your previous document was lost or destroyed, submit a notice of loss.
Can I reapply for my Latvian passport online?
No, Latvian passports cannot be renewed online. To renew your passport, you must schedule an appointment and visit the nearest Latvian Embassy in person.
How many countries can a Latvian passport enter?
You can travel visa free to over 100 countries with a Latvian passport. Some popular options include Germany, Greece, Ireland, the US, Mexico, the UAE, the UK, and many other countries.
Can I have dual citizenship in Latvia?
You can obtain dual citizenship in Latvia if you are from an EU country, NATO member state, EFTA member state, Australia, Brazil, or New Zealand.
Is there a new Latvian passport?
As of February 2024, the Latvian Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs has issued new Latvian passports that have better anti-counterfeiting solutions. Latvian passports contain advanced security features, including UV printing, a holographic strip, and optically variable ink.
How long does it take to get a Latvian passport?
A Latvian passport is typically issued within 10 working days, or in just 2 working days with expedited processing.
What are the benefits of a Latvian passport?
Benefits of the Latvian passport include:
- EU membership
- Visa free travel to 181 countries
- Access to fantastic healthcare and education
- Investment and business opportunities
How much does a Latvian passport cost?
The Latvian passport costs between €15-€34 ($15.82-$35.86).
What are the requirements for a Latvian passport?
- Proof of Latvian citizenship
- Valid Latvian ID card
- Passport photos
- Marriage certificate (if changing name)
- Birth certificate (minor)
- Parental consent from both a child’s parents (minor)