Visa to Japan through Latvia: how to get a visa in Riga and what you need to know
Obtaining permission to enter the Land of the Rising Sun may seem like a complicated process, especially if there is no Japanese consulate in your country. In this case, a great alternative is applying for a visa to Japan through Latvia. Thanks to simplified procedures and a convenient location, this country and its capital Riga have become a popular destination for obtaining a Japanese visa for citizens of neighboring countries.
Why choose Latvia to get a visa to Japan?
- Proximity and accessibility: Riga is within easy transport reach for citizens of the Baltic countries, Ukraine, and other regional states.
- Consular support: The official Embassy of Japan in Latvia operates in Riga, where you can submit your visa documents.
- Comparatively short queues: Unlike consulates in major European capitals, applying for a visa to Japan in Riga does not involve long waiting lists and follows standard processing times.
What types of visas can you get to Japan through Riga?
When applying for a visa to Japan through Riga, you can request the following visa types:
- tourist visa;
- business visa;
- student visa;
- work visa.
Most applicants are primarily interested in obtaining a tourist visa to Japan through Latvia. This is because such entry permission to the Land of the Rising Sun is the most popular and relatively simple to obtain.
Visa application process for Japan in Latvia
To obtain a visa to Japan in Latvia, you need to follow these steps:
Document preparation
The standard document package includes:
- International passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Copy of all filled passport pages.
- Completed application form in English.
- Photo 4.5 x 4.5 cm (passport-style).
- Proof of financial solvency (bank statement).
- Flight and hotel reservations.
- Travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation (if staying with friends or relatives).
- Invitation letter (if invited by a private person or organization in Japan).
If you are applying for a visa to Japan through Latvia as a citizen of another country (for example, Ukraine), you will also need a Latvian residence permit or justification of legal stay in the country (visa, temporary residence permit, etc.).
Booking an appointment
The Embassy of Japan in Latvia accepts applications by prior appointment. You can schedule an appointment by phone or email, as indicated on the official embassy website.
Submitting documents
Documents are submitted in person at the consular section in Riga. In certain cases, submission through an authorized representative or a travel agency is permitted (to be confirmed in advance).
Processing times and fees
Typically, a visa to Japan in Riga is processed within 5 business days after submitting all documents. However, during peak travel seasons or high workload periods, processing times may increase. It is recommended to submit documents in advance — at least 2–3 weeks before your intended trip.
Consular fee
- Tourist visa: free of charge (in most cases).
- Business visa and other types — from 25 to 30 euros, depending on category and number of entries.
Who can apply for a visa to Japan through Latvia?
- Latvian citizens.
- Foreigners legally residing in Latvia (with residence permit or long-term visa).
- In certain cases — foreigners without a Latvian residence permit, if there is no Japanese embassy in their country of citizenship, but only upon agreement with the embassy in Riga.
Thus, if you are, for example, a citizen of Ukraine and currently in Latvia, you can obtain a visa to Japan in Riga if you provide proof of legal stay. If you are planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, consider applying for a visa to Japan through Latvia, as this is a convenient and proven way to discover the amazing world of Japanese culture, nature, and gastronomy.

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