Latvia

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police, fire, and rescue.
• Dial 113 for ambulance. 
• Dial 116-006 for toll-free victims support hotline.

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations  may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories

Crime

Organized criminal activities

• Internet crime is increasing in Latvia. Common schemes involve internet auctions or job-search sites. International financial scams also occur.

Vulnerability of U.S. citizen tourists and residents

• Crime against foreign visitors is generally non-violent in nature. However, violent assaults and robberies have occurred. U.S. citizens are vulnerable to common tourist crimes, particularly during the summer tourism season.

Types and patterns of crime

The most common crimes that happen to foreign tourists are:

• Purse snatching
• Pick pocketing
• Mugging

Thieves have targeted foreign visitors in:

• Riga's Old Town (Vecriga)
• Central Train Station (Dzelzcela stacija)
• Central Bus Station (Autoosta)
• Central Market (Centraltirgus)
• There have been cases of visitors at bars and nightclubs in Riga who have been drugged and then sexually assaulted.

High risk areas or situations to avoid

• Avoid walking alone or using ATMs after dark.
• Watch out for scams at restaurants and tourist pubs. Check drink prices carefully. They can be very high for tourists. Some places may use force to make you pay.

Police responsiveness

Police responsiveness is generally reliable. U.S. citizens are advised to report crimes to local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +371-6710-7000.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.   

Financial and Internet romance scams are common in Latvia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Common scams include: 

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent and relative targeting 
• Free trip or luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Inheritance notices 
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Latvia: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
•  Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• The use of drones in public places is not permitted.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is regulated:

• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs. 
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities. 
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally. 
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.  

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. 
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Latvia seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Latvia.  
• Harassment of foreigners and same-sex partners has occurred in Latvia.
• Reports from trusted non-governmental organizations show that lesbian and gay people face widespread intolerance and discrimination. Many attacks and discrimination against lesbian and gay people are not reported to the authorities. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Latvia does not prohibit discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services. The law mandates access to buildings for people with disabilities. However, most buildings are not yet accessible. Although Latvia has made efforts to improve disabled access, only new and completely renovated hotels, guest houses, hostels, and public buildings provide accessible facilities for seriously disabled travelers.
• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities in newly constructed or completely renovated buildings.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging (except at renovated facilities), and general infrastructure.
• Accessibility is uncommon in public transportation and lodging. You will rarely find  public transportation and taxis that are easily accessible to people with disabilities. Free or reduced fares on public transportation are available only to people with disabilities who are Latvian residents. 
• There is a big difference between newer facilities and older infrastructure throughout the country.
• People with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different than in the United States. General information on accessibility and accommodations can be found on the website of the Latvian Tourism Board.
• Contact the U.S. embassy in Latvia to receive a list of providers. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Students studying for more than 1 year may become eligible for a Latvian temporary residency permit.  Students must check with their host institution about what documents they must bring.
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Latvia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 113 for emergency medical services.  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available in urban areas but not in the countryside. 

• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance in rural areas.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not. 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Many, but not all, Latvian hospitals and doctors will accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Latvia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.  The fees may be significantly higher for travelers than for Latvian residents.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Latvia.
• Credit card payment is available.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 
• Recommended for common diseases in Latvia:
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for those with prolonged stays or travel in rural areas.
• Tuberculosis: Check out the CDC’s information page.
• Tick-borne encephalitis: Recommended for travelers who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary. If you plan to visit parks or forested areas, use CDC recommended insect repellents containing either 20% DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 to help diminish bites from ticks and other insects.

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are available throughout Latvia. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. 
• Psychological an

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor. 

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Latvia.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Latvia.   
• Although Latvia has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Latvia, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• Check with the Medicinal Product Register of Latvia to ensure the medication is legal in Latvia. 
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals may be easy to buy with few controls. 
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Latvia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad. 
• Although not criminalized, Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Latvia.  For additional information, visit the Government-linked portal on human rights website.

Water quality and food safety 

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Latvia.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Travel and transportation 

Road conditions and safety

• Latvia has one of the highest rates of automobile accidents and fatalities in Europe. 
• There are many mobile and fixed speed cameras throughout the country.
• Pedestrians and cyclists are required to wear reflectors on clothing whenever it’s dark outside.

Traffic laws  

Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. Latvian authorities use roadblocks and breathalyzer tests as enforcement tools. You can be sent to jail immediately for driving under the influence of alcohol. Your vehicle may be seized, and you may be asked to pay the value of the vehicle or forfeit it. That includes rental cars.

• You must always use your headlights. 
• Speed limits are usually 50 km/hr (31 mph) in the city and 90 km/hr (55 mph) on highways.
• Cars drive on the right side of the street in Lativa. 
• There are good traffic signs across the country.
• If you plan to drive in Latvia as a tourist, you may use your U.S. state issued driver’s license. 
• If you are resident in Latvia for more than 6 months, you are required to apply for a Latvian driver's license.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis and ride-shares are generally safe. 
• Uber does not operate in Latvia. Bolt is the most common ride-share app. 
• Travelers are encouraged to select well-marked taxis. 
•  Bolt drivers should have the Bolt symbol painted on their car.

Public and commercial transportation 

• Public buses and metro are generally safe.  
• Visit the website of Latvia’s national tourist office for more information.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Latvia’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Latvia should check the following:  

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and Natural Disasters

Severe winter weather 

• Common from December to March.
• Heavy snowfall, ice storms, and extremely cold temperatures create dangerous road conditions. 
• Weather creates risky conditions for many automobile accidents. Pedestrians and cyclists must wear reflectors when dark outside.

Flooding

• May occur from March to May and from September to November.
• Spring flooding from snowmelt affects rivers like the Daugava. 
• Coastal flooding can occur along the Baltic Sea. 
• These events can disrupt transportation infrastructure and accessibility.

Severe storms with high winds 

• Common between September to March. 
• Strong winds from Baltic Sea weather systems bring heavy rainfall and potential coastal storm surges. 
• Storms can disrupt transportation and maritime activities.

U.S Citizens Living Abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.
• Check with your U.S. bank before you travel to make sure you can access your account while abroad. Opening bank accounts in Latvia may take a long time. 
• Consider assigning a local power of attorney to handle your business or financial matters while you are abroad.  

Embassies and consulates