A-type — Airport Transit Visa (Type A) (Lidostas tranzītvīza)

The Airport Transit Visa (Type A) is a specialized travel authorization established under the Schengen Agreement to regulate movement through the international transit zones of member states. It fills the gap for travelers from specific non-EU countries who must pass through a Latvian airport during a layover while traveling between two non-Schengen destinations. By requiring this visa, Latvia ensures that travelers who do not have visa-free access to the Schengen Area remain strictly within the international transit zone, preventing unauthorized entry into the territory while facilitating their onward international journey.

This visa is intended for nationals of designated countries who are required to hold a transit visa when changing flights at a Schengen airport. It is distinct because it does not grant the holder permission to enter Latvian territory or leave the airport's transit area. It is strictly a logistical tool for international transit, requiring proof of a confirmed onward ticket to a non-Schengen destination and valid health insurance, ensuring the traveler is fully prepared for their international connection without intending to enter the country.