Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Latvia is a safe EU, Schengen and eurozone country. Watch for pickpockets and bar scams in Riga's Old Town.
- Overall risk
- Low; among the safer countries in Europe
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing and Old Town bar overcharging scams
- Emergency number
- 112 (all services)
- Latvia is a stable Baltic EU member with reliable public services. Exercise normal precautions and stay alert around Riga Old Town nightlife, where touts and inflated bar bills target tourists.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Use normal caution around Riga Old Town nightlife at night.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- At night
- Riga Old Town bar and club areas warrant extra care
- Latvia has no restricted zones for visitors. The main hotspot for problems is Riga Old Town after dark, where aggressive touts for bars and strip clubs and scam venues operate; stick to reputable, well-lit places.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Natural disaster risk is low. The main hazard is harsh winter weather: snow, ice and short daylight hours from November to March.
- Winter
- Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and very short daylight
- Spring
- Localised river flooding as snow melts (e.g. Daugava)
- Seismic risk
- Negligible
- Winters are cold with icy roads and pavements; dress warmly and take care when walking. Snowmelt can cause seasonal flooding along the Daugava and other rivers, but severe natural disasters are rare.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Latvia has good healthcare and safe tap water. Consider tick precautions if hiking in forests in spring and summer.
- Healthcare
- Good public and private care, best in Riga
- Tap water
- Safe to drink
- Ticks
- Tick-borne encephalitis risk in wooded areas
- Medical facilities in Riga are modern; care may be more limited in rural areas. Tap water is safe. If hiking or camping in forests, use insect repellent and consider tick-borne encephalitis vaccination. Carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas of Riga. The main scam is inflated bar and strip-club bills lured by street touts in Old Town.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and Old Town bar/strip-club overcharging scams
- Hotspots
- Old Town nightlife, public transport, markets, stations
- Advice
- Avoid touts; check prices before ordering; use official taxis
- A common scam is being invited by touts (sometimes women) to a bar, "Pirts" or strip club and then charged extortionate bills, with card details at risk. Decline street invitations, choose reputable venues, confirm prices in advance and never let your card leave your sight.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
Latvia is a stable parliamentary democracy, EU and NATO member with a high standard of civil order.
- Government
- Stable parliamentary republic; EU and NATO member
- Demonstrations
- Generally peaceful and rarely affect tourists
- Political unrest is uncommon. Occasional demonstrations in Riga are generally peaceful; avoid large gatherings as a routine precaution and follow local news.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
EU norms apply. Traffic drives on the right, drink-driving limits are strict, and drinking alcohol in public places is generally prohibited.
- Driving
- Drive on the right; dipped headlights required at all times
- Drink-driving
- Low legal limit (0.05% BAC), strictly enforced
- Public drinking
- Banned in most public places; drugs penalties are severe
- Latvia drives on the right and requires dipped headlights day and night. Drinking alcohol in the street and other public areas is generally illegal. Penalties for drug offences and drink-driving are severe. Carry photo ID as police may ask to see it.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. Operators can usually assist in English.
- All emergencies
- 112
- Police
- 110 (State Police direct line)
- Fire and rescue
- 112
- 112 covers police, ambulance and fire nationwide and connects you to the right service. You can also reach the State Police directly on 110.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Europeans can use an EHIC/GHIC where valid; all other travellers should carry comprehensive travel insurance.
- EU/EEA/UK
- EHIC or GHIC covers necessary state care
- Others
- Comprehensive insurance with medical cover
- Include
- Repatriation and winter/outdoor activities if relevant
- An EHIC/GHIC is not a substitute for full travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, repatriation and any winter or outdoor activities such as hiking.