Visa to England via Latvia — How to Get a British Visa in Riga?

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom and wondering where it’s easiest to obtain entry permission? One of the most convenient options is to apply for a visa to England via Latvia. Why? Find out in our article below.

Why Apply for a Visa to England via Latvia?

Applying for a visa to England in Riga is a legal and commonly used method for those who are unable to submit a visa application in their home country. Why is that?

1. Accessibility. Latvia remains one of the few EU countries that can be entered relatively easily with a Schengen visa or a residence permit.
2. Russian-speaking staff. For Russian-speaking applicants, the interview process and form filling become much easier.
3. Fast processing times. On average, the waiting period for a visa ranges from 2 to 3 weeks.

What Types of UK Visas Can Be Applied for in Latvia?

At the UK Visa Application Centre in Riga, you can apply for various types of visas, including:

1. Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) — suitable for short-term stays, sightseeing, or visiting friends.
2. Business Visa — for those traveling to England on business, to attend a conference, or a business meeting.
3. Student Visa (Student visa) — for long-term study at a college, university, or English language course.
4. Work Visa — if you have a job offer from a UK employer.

Important: Although the visa to England application is submitted via Latvia, the final decision is made by the UK Home Office.

What You Need to Apply for a UK Visa in Latvia

To apply for a UK visa in Riga, you will need to prepare a complete document package, including:

1. International passport — valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission.
2. Completed application form on the UK Visas & Immigration website.
3. Financial documents — bank statements, proof of income.
4. Proof of travel purpose — hotel booking, tickets, invitation letter, etc.
5. Photograph — usually taken directly at the visa center.

How to Get a Visa to England via Latvia: Step-by-Step Guide

To get a visa to England via Latvia quickly and without complications, follow these simple steps:

1. Register on the gov.uk website. Create an account, complete the application form, choose your visa type, and pay the visa fee.
2. Choose a visa application center. Select Riga as your application location. The system will show the next available appointments.
3. Prepare your documents. Ensure you have all required documents from the list above. It’s recommended to have them translated into English.
4. Book your appointment at the visa center. After paying the visa fee, you will be able to choose a date and time for your visit to the UK Visa Application Centre in Riga.
5. Travel to Latvia and submit your documents. Arrive early and bring all original documents. The visit includes photo capturing and biometric data collection.
6. Wait for the result. Within 15–30 working days (depending on volume and visa type), you’ll receive a decision email. You can collect your passport in person or via courier.

Tips and Recommendations

1. Book in advance. During summer and before Christmas, the visa center in Riga may be very busy.
2. Consider total costs. In addition to the visa fee (starting from £115), factor in travel, accommodation, and meals in Riga.
3. Use an agency’s services if you're unsure about filling out the application form correctly. This is especially useful if you're applying for a UK visa in Latvia for the first time.

As you can see, applying for a visa to England via Latvia is a practical and effective solution for those facing restrictions in their home country. If you still have questions or need qualified assistance, feel free to contact our agency. Our specialist will provide you with all the necessary information and support you through every stage of the visa process.