Getting a visa
Table des matières
Do You need a visa ? 
Several factors determine whether a visa is waived :
the nationality of the foreign national ;
the length of stay ;
and which part of the territory of the French Republic the foreign national is to visit (the European territory of France, which is part of the Schengen area, the territory of Overseas Departments or Overseas territorial communities).
Competence of the visa section
The Embassy of France in Riga may only accept visa applications for the following areas :
short stay (under 90 days) and long stay (over 90 days) visas for the European territory of France, which is part of the Schengen area, for the territory of Overseas Departments (Reunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana) and for Other territories of the French Republic located overseas (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte) ;
short stay visa for Portugal, Andorra and Monaco ;
short stay visa for Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Gabon, Mauritania, Senegal, Togo ;
Eligibility
The Embassy of France in Riga may only accept applications from persons physically presents within its jurisdiction extended for three Baltic states, such as Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian nationals, Latvian and Estonian non-citizens and other country’s nationals residing in Baltic states. Under current regulations, all applications should be logged in person.
A visa is waived for :
citizens of Latvia, Lithuanian, Estonia for short stay and long stay in France, in territory of Overseas departments and Other territories of the French Republic located overseas ;
“non-citizens” of Latvia and Estonia for short stay in France and in territory of Overseas departments. “Non-citizens” do not require a visa for stays up to 30 days maximum in Other territories of the French Republic located overseas ;
other country’s nationals holders of a residence document issued by Latvian, Lithuanian or Estonian authority’s for short stay in France.
Documents to apply for short stay visa
1) One short stay visa application form duly completed, dated and signed ;
2) Passport valid for a least 3 months upon return ;
3) 2 photographs meeting requirements ;
4) Accommodation documents :
- If staying in a hotel : confirmed hotel booking issued by travel agent or hotel (confirmation by email not accepted). If staying in different locations, you must provide all bookings.
- If visiting family or friends : original of certificate of board and lodging (Attestation d’accueil) to be obtained by the host at his/her local Town hall (form Cerfa n°10798*02) and to be sent to you.
- if business trip : Letter of invitation from the French company stating date, place and purpose of business meeting and Letter from the local company indicating : nature of business, contacts in France, whether expenses in France are covered by the company.
5) Information about your current occupation
- If working : recent letter of reference from employer, bearing official heading and stamp, and signed by company representative.
- If studying : student card.
- If housewife : letter from your husband’s employer + copy of your husband’s passport + copy of marriage certificate.
6) Recent bank statement ;
7) Travel insurance ;
8) Travel itinerary reservation or (and) original of ticket.
Processing time to obtain the short stay visa : 1-3 days, exception of Mauretania and Senegal (6-12 weeks).
Documents to apply for long stay student visa
1) Four long stay visa application form duly completed, dated and signed ;
2) Passport valid for a least 3 months upon return ;
3) 4 photographs meeting requirements ;
4) Enrolment certificate in a French university or an accredited college (document signed and stamped with the official seal of the establishment), specifying the length and purpose of studies.
5) Recent letter from an University, or evidence of degree most recently obtained.
6) Evidence of command of French language to the level required for the course
7) Evidence of sufficient financial means 450 EUR/day (bank statement)
8) Proof of ownership of property in France (if applicable). Or copy of tenancy agreement covering the full length of stay in France. Or signed letter from host together with copy of host ID (passport or ID card) + copy of recent utility bill. In all cases, a proof of ownership or rental of the property.
9) Motivation letter.
Application forms
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Fees
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Short-stay visa fees |
Long-stay visa fees | ||
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ЕUR |
LVL |
EUR |
LVL | |
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Visa for France |
60,00 |
42,55 |
99,00 |
70,21 |
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Visa for Overseas Departments |
60,00 |
42,55 |
99,00 |
70,21 |
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Other territories of the French Republic |
9,00 |
6,38 |
99,00 |
70,21 |
|
Visa for African states |
60,00 |
42,55 |
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- |
Please note that visa fees are subject to change due to variation in the exchange rate.
Non-refundable processing fee charged upon lodging a visa application.
No application shall be processed before payment of the correct fee.
Payment ONLY by cash in Lats.
Contact
Embassy of France in Latvia
Visa section
Raina bulvaris 9, Riga LV-1050
Phone : (371)67036600
Fax : (371)67036666
E-mail : webmestre.ambafrance-lv@diplomatie.gouv.fr
The visa section is available to the public : from Monday to Friday 9:00-12:00.