Entry into Latvia and stay by citizens of Member States of the European Union, countries of the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter: "Union citizens") and their family members is regulated by Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 586 of 18 July 2006 "Procedure for Entry into Latvia and Residence by Citizens and their Family Members of Member States of the European Union, the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation", with which Directive 2004/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and stay freely within the territory of the Member States is being implemented in Latvia.

Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 586 defines a "family member of a Union citizen" as:

• the spouse of a Union citizen
• the direct descendant of a Union citizen or his spouse who is under the age of 21 and is a dependant of the Union citizen or his spouse
• the direct relative of a Union citizen or his spouse in the ascending line, who is a dependant of the Union citizen or his spouse
• a person who is the ward of a Union citizen or their spouse and who has been part of a common household with the Union citizen in their former country of domicile

A Union citizen is not required a visa to enter or stay in Latvia. In order to enter Latvia, he/she is required a valid travel document such as a passport or personal identification document (ID card).

If a Union citizen wishes to stay in Latvia for a period of time in excess of 90 days counting from the first date of entry, he must register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and obtain a registration certificate.  

A family member of a Union citizen, being a person not exempted from the requirement for a visa, when crossing the external border of the Schengen area is entitled to enter and stay in Latvia for a period of up to 90 days from the first date of entry if he has:

• a valid Union citizen's family member residence permit issued by a European Union Member State
• a valid residence permit issued by a  state signatory to the Schengen agreement
• a valid uniform (Schengen) visa for travel within the Schengen area
• a valid long-term visa for entry into Latvia issued by a competent Latvian institution

A family member of a Union citizen who submits documentation confirming a family relationship and travels together with the Union citizen, or who wishes to stay together with him in Latvia, does not require an invitation approved by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs in order to apply for a visa.

If a family member of a Union citizen wishes to stay in Latvia for a period in excess of 90 days counting from the first date of entry, he must register with the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs and receive a registration certificate.  

Member States of the European Union, countries of the European Economic Area, and Swiss Confederation

Countries of the European Economic Area