Latvia Rolls Out ETA for Travelers in 2025 — Because Paperwork Deserves a Digital Makeover
From September 1, 2025, Latvia has officially join the global club of countries saying, “We love visitors, but please fill out this online form first.” Yep — if you’re traveling from certain countries without a visa or residence permit, you’ll soon need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before setting foot in Latvia.
Think of it as a polite “heads-up” to the Latvian border — a quick digital handshake before you arrive.
What Exactly Is This ETA Thing?
The ETA is basically Latvia’s new way of collecting travel and personal info before you arrive — names, plans, and even a few details about whether you’ve ever worked in, say, border control or the armed forces. (Apparently, Latvia likes to know who’s coming to dinner.)
According to the Saeima — that’s Latvia’s Parliament — “third-country nationals who don’t have a Latvian visa or residence permit will need to submit personal and travel information before entry.”
In normal human words: if you’re not from the EU, EEA, OECD, NATO, Switzerland, or Brazil, and you don’t already have a Latvian visa, this one’s for you. Even if you’ve got a Schengen visa issued by another country, Latvia still wants your ETA.
And yes — this includes transit travelers just passing through. So if your flight connection involves a Latvian layover, you might want to get that form sorted before your feet hit Riga’s airport floor.
Need more information about traveling to Latvia?
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Some exceptions exist (because of course they do):
- Stateless persons officially recognized under Latvian law? You’re off the hook.
- Russian citizens? You’ll still need to complete the ETA — even if you’ve got an Estonian residence permit.
- Non-Estonian citizens? Surprisingly, you’re in the clear.
- Ukrainians? If you don’t hold a Latvian visa or residence permit, you’ll need to fill it out too.
- Diplomats and official visitors remain exempt — perks of the job.
If you’re already lounging in Latvia before September 1, 2025, congratulations — you don’t have to do anything. But if you’re arriving after that, consider this your friendly reminder.
How to Apply (and When to Panic)
You’ll need to submit your info at least 48 hours before arriving, including:
- Why you’re visiting and where you’re staying
- Your travel route
- Contact details
- Any elected positions held (because Latvian immigration apparently loves politics)
- Info about service in the armed forces, customs, or diplomatic corps
Once you hit “submit,” you’ll get an email confirming receipt — not an entry permit, just a digital thumbs-up that your declaration’s in. Skip it, though, and you could face a fine of up to €2,000.
ETA vs. ETIAS — Because One Acronym Wasn’t Enough
If all these letters are starting to feel like alphabet soup, you’re not alone. Latvia’s ETA is its own national system — just for entering Latvia.
Meanwhile, ETIAS (the European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set to launch across the Schengen area in late 2026. It’ll cover 30 European countries, cost €20, and be valid for three years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
For now, Latvia’s ETA and the EU’s ETIAS will run side by side like two cousins who haven’t quite figured out how to share the sandbox. How they’ll work together later? No one’s saying just yet.
The Bottom Line
Latvia’s new ETA system is all about modernizing border management — a digital step toward better security and smoother travel. It’s not a visa, but it is mandatory, and skipping it could land you in hot water (or at least an awkward chat with border control).
So if you’re dreaming of cobblestone streets, medieval castles, and a pint in Riga’s Old Town, just remember: before you pack your bags, pack your paperwork — digitally.
Because in 2025, even Baltic adventures come with a bit of online admin.
