18.6% of the 1,314 Schengen applications made to Latvia from India in 2025 were refused — moderate by Schengen standards.
Latvia's capital Riga holds one of Europe's greatest concentrations of Art Nouveau architecture, wrapped around a cobbled medieval core. Beyond it stretch pine forests, a long Baltic coast, and a deep tradition of choral song.
Applying from India · the real numbers
Moderate- 1,314
- Applications
- 81.4%
- Approved
- 18.6%
- Refused
Handled by VFS Global. Consulates in New Delhi.
2025 figures · European Commission DG HOME (applications made in India). Across all applicants — not a forecast for your file.
Don't-miss places
- Art Nouveau district & Old TownRiga
- House of the Black HeadsRiga
- Jurmala beach resortJurmala
- Rundale PalaceBauska
- Gauja National Park & Sigulda castlesVidzeme
- Cape KolkaKurzeme coast
Things to do
- Admire Riga's Art Nouveau facades
- Relax on Jūrmala's white-sand beach
- Tour opulent Rundāle Palace
- Hike Gauja National Park's castle valley
What to eat
- Grey peas with bacon
- Rye bread
- Smoked fish
- Cold beetroot soup
- Rupjmaizes kārtojums (bread dessert)
The culture
Rye bread, smoked fish, and hearty soups. Latvians have a deep bond with nature and a rich choral-singing tradition. They can seem reserved but are sincere and welcoming.
When to go
May–Sep for warm days, beaches, and forest walks; song-festival years draw huge crowds to Riga.
Good to know
- Capital
- Riga
- Language
- Latvian
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Flight from India
- ~9-11 hrs (1 stop typical)
- Ideal trip length
- 3-4 days
Did you know? Riga has one of the world's largest collections of Art Nouveau buildings.
Latvia is a quieter pick with limited application slots in India. Check early so your timing lines up smoothly.
Photo: The House of Blackheads in Riga's Town Square · Rastapopulous · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons