Latvia is the easiest Baltic Schengen visa to obtain from Baku, because Latvia has an embassy there, a consular section and a visa centre operated through VFS Global. On top of that, Latvia also represents Estonia in Azerbaijan, which makes a Latvian visa the logical choice for anyone planning a Baltic route.
This article explains how to apply, the costs, the documents, how to build a Riga–Tallinn–Vilnius route on one visa and the flight options from Baku to Riga.
Latvia visa: the essentials
| Visa type | «C» type Schengen visa |
| Who issues it? | The Latvian embassy in Baku |
| Where documents go | The Latvian visa centre, VFS Global |
| Consular fee | 35 euros; free under 12 |
| Centre’s service charge | About 21 euros |
| Processing time | Up to 15 days |
| Direct flights | Seasonal; mostly via Istanbul or Warsaw |
How to apply
The Latvian embassy has delegated document intake to VFS Global. You book an appointment online, hand in the documents on the day, give fingerprints, and the passport goes to the embassy. The embassy recommends applying at least two weeks before the trip, and processing takes up to 15 days. Official information is on the Latvian embassy’s consular page.
Documents for a Latvia visa
Documents are submitted in English or with a translation. Latvia asks for the standard Schengen pack and has no additional special requirements.
Read next: The Estonia visa is issued through Latvia: representation and the Baltic route
One visa, three Baltic countries
Riga sits in the middle of the Baltic route: four hours by bus to Tallinn, four to Vilnius. All three countries are in Schengen and one visa covers them, provided it is taken from the country where you spend the most nights. Because Latvia also represents Estonia in Baku, a trip combining Riga and Tallinn goes to the Latvian visa centre either way; Lithuania has a visa centre of its own. In practice, split the nights so that Latvia is the main country and the application goes to a single place.
How to get from Baku to Riga
Direct flights between Baku and Riga are seasonal; the steadiest routes are Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and LOT via Warsaw, taking 7 to 9 hours in total. Baku–Riga fares are lower than the Scandinavian routes, rising in summer and December. Jurmala beach is a 30-minute train ride from Riga.
Three-capital Baltic tours run in summer, with the visa documents prepared together with the operator.
Frequently asked questions about the Latvia visa
How long does it take?
Up to 15 days. With the appointment, the whole process runs three to four weeks.
Can you cross into Russia from Latvia?
The Latvia–Russia border is closed and crossings are very limited; although Russia admits citizens of Azerbaijan without a visa, do not plan this route.
Is Russian useful in Latvia?
A large share of people in Riga speak Russian, which is convenient for travellers from Azerbaijan, though official settings use Latvian and English.
In closing
The Latvia visa is straightforward to obtain in Baku and is the key to the Baltic route. The Viza.az team books the VFS appointment, prepares the documents and plans a three-country Baltic trip on a single visa.
Read more about Latvia as a destination and our service fees, or fill in the application form.
Note: the information here is accurate as of the publication date. Fees and visa centre procedures can change, so check the official pages again before applying.
