Latvian citizens have until September 5, 2020 to apply for an ETIAS visa. If you are a citizen of Israel and you plan on visiting Latvia during this time, here are the steps you need to take:
File Form I-539, Application for Travel Document, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at least five days before your trip. You will need to provide your passport information, as well as other documentation that proves your identity and citizenship.
Request entry to Latvia through your government’s diplomatic mission in the United States. Some visas require an appointment, so make sure to inquire about this in advance.
If you are granted a visa, make sure to carry both a valid passport and your Form I-539 with you when traveling to Latvia. You may also be asked to prove your income and expenses.
Remember: This process is just for Latvian citizens. If you are not a Latvian citizen, please see our advice on obtaining an ETIAS visa if you are travelling to the United States.
Applying For Latvia ETIAS From Israel
If you are a citizen of Israel and would like to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETIAS) from Latvia, please follow these steps:
- Go to the website of the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and click on the “Apply for visa” link.
- Complete the online application form and upload the required documents. Please note that you will need to supply your Israeli passport or a valid ID card with your photograph.
- Pay the applicable visa fees through bank transfer or electronic money transfer. The total cost of an ETIAS visa is US$60.
- Once your application has been processed, you will be sent an email notification confirming the approval or rejection of your application. If it is approved, you will receive an ETIAS visa stamp in your passport and be able to travel to Latvia without having to obtain a visa in advance.
Reasons You Should Get An Latvia ETIAS
As of 1 January 2020, citizens of Israel will need a visa to enter Latvia, with the exception of Israeli artists and cultural representatives. The Latvian authorities have announced their intention to implement an ETIAS (Entry-Exit Inspection System) for visitors from European Union member states. This system is designed to speed up the processing of visas by verifying the identity of visitors against databases held by both Latvian and EU authorities.
ETIAS is already in use at some airports in the EU, including Barcelona, Vienna and Prague, and has been implemented for tourists from a number of other countries, including Japan, Canada and South Africa. In theory, it should be a simple process for Latvian authorities to add Israel to the list of countries requiring an ETIAS visa.
Israel is not currently a part of the EU, but is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union which includes countries such as Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Israel is also a member of the Schengen Zone which allows passport-free travel within most European Union member states. Therefore, Israeli citizens should not experience any major difficulties when travelling to Latvia on an ETIAS visa.
There are several reasons why you might want to obtain an Latvia ETIAS visa. First, it may increase your chances of being granted a visa if you are applying through the official Latvian visa application mechanism.
Latvia ETIAS For Citizens Of Israel – FAQ
What is theLatvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
The Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel is a visa-free travel arrangement allowing holders of a valid Schengen visa to visit Latvia without having to obtain a new visa. The arrangement will come into effect from 14 May 2018 and will be applicable to individuals travelling on business, leisure or transit purposes.
How do I apply for the Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
To apply for the Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel, you must first complete the online application form found at https://etias.latvia.gov.lv/. Once you have completed the form, please ensure that all required documents are attached and email it to [email protected] along with your passport copy. Alternatively, documents can also be submitted to the Latvian Embassy in Tel Aviv directly.
How long will it take to receive my Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
Once all required documents have been received, processing time for the application can range from 2-4 weeks, depending on its completeness.
What are the benefits of applying for the Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel?
The main benefit of applying for the Latvia ETIAS for citizens of Israel is that it will allow you to travel to Latvia without having to obtain a new visa.
Conclusion
As of January 1, 2020, the Latvia Citizenship and Entry-Exit System ( ETIAS ) will be in place for citizens of Israel. This system will allow for the tracking of Latvian citizens entering and leaving the country, as well as their travel status.
Latvia has been a welcoming country for Jewish refugees since World War II. Today, there are over 5,000 Jews living in Latvia, making up about 1 percent of the population. The Latvian government is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its Jewish citizens and welcomes any questions or concerns they may have about this new system.