Visa rules for Riga, Latvia?

[mycp2005]

Hi all,

It was supposed to be somwhere in December that tourist visas were no longer required for visiting riga, latvia countries.
Anyone has update on whether this has come into effect or do we still need a visa?

[ScubaGirl]

It might depend on where you're from. My personal experience is outdated for sure. I went with a group of Swedes to Latvia in 1996 and I was the only one who didn't need a visa. I'd call the Latvian embassy if I were you.

[mycp2005]

sorry forgot to mention that I hold Indian passport and have finnish residence permit
I do shall call the embassy and check

[Nallis]

As far as I know, Latvia is joining schengen area on the 21st of this month, so no more visa needed after that. However, it's best to check with the embassy.

[chickensexer]

I don't think it's as plain as "no more visa". Yes, it is joining Schengen on Dec 21 (land and sea borders, March 29 2008 air borders), but what it means is that if you have a Schengen visa already then you can go there on that visa, without any extra paper work. I'm not sure it's related to residence permits though.

[raamv]

I don't think it's as plain as "no more visa". Yes, it is joining Schengen on Dec 21 (land and sea borders, March 29 2008 air borders), but what it means is that if you have a Schengen visa already then you can go there on that visa, without any extra paper work. I'm not sure it's related to residence permits though.

First of all, if you are a resident in a Schengen country, then you automagically have had a visa to enter that country and so are eligible to travel freely without a visa to the Schengen region. But at all times, you need to carry your passport. ( Non-EU residents of Finland will have their Schengen visa stanped as (permanent) Pysvaa or have start and stop dates specified to live here as residents)

[zam]

Maybe the answer is "hidden" here:

http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/visas/

Specifically here: http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/service/SchengenArea/more/#II2