Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Canadian citizens can enter Latvia for tourism or business purposes without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is because Latvia is part of the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free travel for Canadians.

Key facts

For Canadian passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• The 90-day limit applies to your total stay within the entire Schengen Area, not just Latvia.
• Extensions are generally not possible for visa-free stays.
• Ensure your passport meets the validity requirements to avoid issues.
• Different rules apply for stays longer than 90 days or for purposes like work or study.
• Although not always checked, officials may ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay and accommodation.
• Travel insurance is highly recommended.
• Always carry your passport; a copy is not sufficient for identification.
• The 90-day limit counts across the whole Schengen Area, not just this country.
• ETIAS applications are not open yet — don't apply or pay for it now. No launch date is guaranteed.
• The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) takes your photo and fingerprints at the border; this is not advance permission.
• Business visits without a visa are limited to 14 days, per Canada's travel advice — the 90-day tourist rule does not cover business.
• Canadian citizens are exempt from Latvia's 48-hour electronic travel declaration (Latvian Foreign Ministry, updated 19 May 2026). The declaration is not an entry permit.

Before you travel

• ✓Count your days across the whole Schengen Area (max 90 in 180)
• ✓Passport valid 3 months after you leave Schengen
• ✓Expect photo and fingerprints at the border (EES)
• ✓Don't apply for ETIAS yet — it isn't open

Common questions