Published on
August 30, 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia will join a growing list of countries, including Canada, the UK, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, and Ireland, in introducing its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This action aims to improve stricter border control while making it easier for international tourists to enter the country. Through the use of mandatory online declarations prior to arrival, Latvia hopes to better monitor who aspires to visit the country while at the same time facilitating the entrance of legitimate travelers.
Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia will introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, marking a significant shift in the country’s border control measures. This online declaration will be mandatory for many travelers, including those transiting through Latvia, and is part of the broader trend in Europe and globally to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for international visitors. Latvia joins a growing list of countries like Canada, the UK, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, and Ireland in implementing similar systems to regulate the entry of non-EU nationals.
What is the Latvia ETA?
The Latvia ETA is an online declaration, not a visa or a permit to stay in Latvia. It requires travelers to provide their personal details, travel plans, and other necessary background information. Once completed and submitted, travelers will receive a confirmation email. The ETA serves as a mandatory declaration, not as an entry permit.
Notably, travelers who fail to submit the ETA or provide false information may face refusal of entry or fines of up to €2,000.
Who Needs to Apply for the Latvia ETA?
The ETA requirement applies to all third-country nationals who enter Latvia starting September 1, 2025, and meet the following criteria:
Non-EU Citizens: Citizens from countries outside the EU, EEA, OECD, NATO, Switzerland, or Brazil must apply.No Visa or Residence Permit: Travelers who do not hold a valid visa or residence permit issued by Latvia are also required to submit the ETA.Key Points:Schengen Visa Holders: Travelers holding a Schengen visa issued by another country will still need to submit the ETA.Transit Travelers: Even those simply transiting through Latvia will need to complete the ETA form.Exemptions to the Latvia ETA
There are some exemptions from the ETA requirement:
Stateless persons recognized under Latvian law.Diplomats and individuals with international immunity.Travelers who enter before September 1, 2025, and remain in the country.Short-term official or technical stays.Special Cases:Russian Citizens: Must complete the ETA, even if they hold an Estonian residence permit.Ukrainian Citizens: Must apply for the ETA if they do not hold a Latvian visa or residence permit.Non-Estonian Citizens residing in Estonia are exempt from the ETA for Latvia.How to Apply for the Latvia ETA
To apply for the Latvia ETA, travelers must complete the online form at least 48 hours before arrival. The online portal, eta.gov.lv, will open on August 29, 2025, at 11 p.m. local time.
The form will require travelers to provide:
Purpose of travel and planned stay.Travel route and destination details.Contact details.Information regarding government service, military background, or political roles (for the traveler or their relatives).
Once submitted, travelers will receive a confirmation email, which must be kept for verification when entering Latvia.
Why Latvia Introduced ETA
Latvia’s government introduced the ETA system as a measure to identify and assess high-risk travelers before their arrival. It will provide security services and border control authorities direct access to the information, making the entry process more efficient while enhancing national security.
Latvia ETA vs. EU ETIAS
While the Latvia ETA system is launching soon, it is important to distinguish it from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be implemented across the EU by late 2026.
Latvia ETA: A national system for entry into Latvia only. It is free to apply and serves as a mandatory declaration.ETIAS: An EU-wide system covering all 30 Schengen Area countries, with a €20 application fee and valid for three years.
Currently, Latvia’s ETA will operate independently from ETIAS, but there may be a complementary system once ETIAS is launched in the future.
Countries That Have or Are Launching ETA Systems
Latvia is part of a growing list of countries implementing or planning to introduce Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) systems for travelers. These systems are being introduced to enhance border security, streamline entry procedures, and better manage the flow of international travelers. Here’s a detailed list of countries that have already launched or are set to launch ETA systems:
European Countries:United Kingdom: The UK will begin requiring ETA from January 8, 2025, for travelers from visa-exempt countries. This online application will allow multiple entries over a two-year period and aims to ensure better border control and security for international arrivals.Russia: Starting June 30, 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain an ETA before entering Russia. This mandatory system will apply to all non-EU nationals from eligible countries and aims to enhance security measures.Ireland: While not part of the Schengen Area, Ireland does not currently have plans to introduce an ETA system. However, travelers are encouraged to stay updated on any future developments by checking with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).North American Countries:Canada: Canada has been using the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for many years. Most visa-exempt foreign nationals are required to obtain the eTA before flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. The eTA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.United States: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), operating under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allows citizens from participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Travelers must apply for ESTA approval online before traveling, though ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.Mexico: Mexico has an Electronic Authorization System (SAE) for travelers from certain countries. This system allows visa-exempt citizens to obtain electronic authorization to travel to Mexico for transit, tourism, or business purposes. The SAE is valid for 30 days and allows a single entry. Upon arrival, visitors can stay as tourists for up to 180 days. However, the SAE does not apply to travelers entering Mexico by land or sea.Asian Countries:Thailand: Thailand will introduce its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system on June 1, 2025. This system will be mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers entering Thailand by air, land, or sea. The ETA must be submitted 72 hours before arrival, and it aims to improve security and streamline entry processes for travelers.Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has implemented an ETA system for travelers from most countries, including visa-exempt nationals. The ETA is valid for 30 days and can be extended for up to six months. Travelers must apply online through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal, with a typical processing time of three working days.Japan: Japan has announced plans to introduce an ETA system by 2030 for visa-exempt travelers. The ETA will require travelers to complete an online application before entering Japan, enhancing the country’s security measures and improving the border entry process.South Korea: South Korea’s Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries. The K-ETA must be obtained online at least 72 hours before departure. This system is designed to ensure enhanced border security and facilitate smoother entry for visitors.Malaysia: Malaysia offers an eVisa system for travelers from certain countries. The eVisa is typically used for tourism and is valid for 30 days. Travelers can apply online via the official Malaysia eVisa portal, and the application process is relatively straightforward.Other Countries:Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has introduced an eVisa system for travelers from eligible countries. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and can be obtained online. This system aims to simplify the entry process for international travelers while enhancing border security.Israel: Israel has launched an ETA system for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Travelers must obtain the ETA before departure, and it is valid for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. This system helps streamline entry and improve security measures.Armenia: Armenia offers an eVisa system for citizens of several countries. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and can be obtained online before travel. This system is part of Armenia’s effort to improve border control and enhance visitor management.Georgia: Georgia’s eVisa system is available for travelers from select countries. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and must be applied for online. It aims to streamline the entry process and boost tourism to Georgia.Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan has introduced an eVisa system for citizens of several countries. The eVisa is valid for 30 days, and travelers can apply online before their visit. This system enhances the country’s ability to manage visitor entry and improve security.
These ETA systems are part of a broader trend to streamline travel, improve security, and ensure better border management across multiple regions. Travelers are advised to check the specific ETA requirements of their destination country before planning their trip.
The ETA system is a significant development in Latvia’s border security and immigration process. Travelers planning to visit Latvia should make sure to complete the ETA application at least 48 hours before their arrival to avoid fines or refusal of entry.
Latvia is set to implement its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system starting September 1, 2025, following the lead of countries like Canada, the UK, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, and Ireland. This initiative is designed to enhance border security and simplify the entry process for international tourists.
The global trend toward ETA systems is growing, with countries like the UK, Canada, Russia, Thailand, South Korea, and others taking similar steps to improve border security. Travelers need to stay informed about the requirements of the countries they are visiting to ensure smooth travel experiences in the coming years.
