Traveler Toolkit
Latvia Country Security Report
Latvia Country Security Report
Published: August 24, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Latvia Travel Advisory and Latvia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
1 Samnera Velsa iela, Riga 1510
Tel: +371-6710-7000; After-hours emergencies: +371-2920-5708
Hours: 0830 – 1700, Monday – Friday
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Latvia established an OSAC Country Chapter in 2019 and hosts quarterly meetings.
Contact OSAC’s Europe Team with any questions.
Latvia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Latvia.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Riga as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia.
The crime emergency line in Latvia is 112. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Latvia is a relatively safe country where the overall crime and safety situation has remained static for several years. Crime statistics trend higher during the summer due to increases in tourism and associated crimes of opportunity. Overall crime rose about 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, although serious crimes, including assaults, sexual crimes, and homicides decreased. Petty theft, residential burglary, and fraud drove this overall increase, representing about 82% of all crime in the country. Latvia has a slightly higher homicide rate than other European countries per capita, but this is relative to Latvia’s size; the country records between 70 to 80 murders per year.
Opportunistic, non-confrontational property crimes (e.g., pickpocketing, swindling, bag snatching) may occur at any time. Residential and commercial burglaries – traditionally non-confrontational crimes of opportunity – also occur in Riga, especially during evening hours. Burglars will not hesitate to enter unlocked/unalarmed dwellings where they believe occupants are either inattentive or asleep.
Latvia’s relatively safe environment may mislead travelers to believe they are immune from crimes of opportunity. Use caution when using ATMs on the street, especially in Old Town. Latvia is not immune from credit card fraud, but concerted law enforcement efforts have helped reduce the number of incidents. By law, merchants must conduct all credit card transactions in front of customers. Therefore, the customer should decline any attempt by a merchant to walk away to process a credit card. All merchants in Latvia will take cash payments.
Travelers should be aware of strangers asking visitors to buy them drinks – particularly young, attractive women. Scams sometimes occur in less reputable establishments, in which the visitor is presented with an exorbitant bill based on a separate menu and is detained until the bill is paid, sometimes through physical intimidation. Local authorities have cracked down on notorious establishments. As a result, incidents of scams and fraud at these places have decreased over the years. Prostitution occurs on a small, localized scale.
Riga Police have reported an increase in reports of “Drink Spiking” at clubs and bars, followed by robberies of the victims. Drugs such as Rohypnol, Ketamine, or GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) are scentless, colorless, and tasteless and can be easily slipped into unsuspecting victims’ drinks. These drugs can make people feel disorientated, confused, temporarily paralyzed, or lose consciousness. Please use the “buddy system” when going out, do not allow someone you do not know to order a drink for you, watch your drink at all times, and keep your drink covered with your hand or something else when you’re not looking. If you see someone who appears to be in distress, is wandering alone late at night, or is dressed unsuitably for the weather, report it to anyone who can assist. Most of the victims reported waking up in their hotel rooms realizing their belongings were gone, that their ATM card was used to withdraw cash, and thousands of dollars charged to their credit cards. Report such crimes to Latvian police immediately.
Eastern European organized crime syndicates are active in cybercrime, narcotics, prostitution, and other illicit enterprises. Harassment of foreigners and same-sex partners has also occurred in Latvia.
Crime: Areas of Concern
Riga’s Old Town, Central Train Station (Dzelzceļa stacija), Central Bus Station (Autoosta), and Central Market (Centrāltirgus) are areas popular with pickpockets. The underground tunnels linking Old Town to the bus station and nearby shopping malls are also particularly attractive to opportunistic criminals. Most incidents affecting U.S. nationals involve property crime and occur in public parks or Old Town Riga. These hubs of activity often contain large numbers of intoxicated visitors and locals, as well as others intent on taking advantage of visitors, especially at night. Take extra care to safeguard wallets and purses in Old Town and the underground tunnels. Avoid dimly lighted parks and streets at night. If possible, travel in a group.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia.
Kidnapping in Latvia is exceptionally rare.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Riga as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia.
There are no known indigenous terrorist organizations present in Latvia. Latvia faces the same threat of international terrorism as other European countries due to its participation in the Schengen area.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Riga as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Latvia is a stable and functioning democracy. Latvia is expected to hold its next parliamentary elections in October 2026. There are no security concerns regarding elections or political stability.
The geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe has raised concerns that events, unrest, and tensions could affect the Baltic countries, at least indirectly. There is no indication of these broader regional issues extending to Latvia, but travelers would do well to stay abreast of current events for the region in the news and post-specific information.
Protests & Demonstrations
Demonstrations are common in Latvia and are generally peaceful and well-organized. Demonstrations are often registered with the local police ahead of time and spontaneous demonstrations rarely occur.
While Latvia has experienced peaceful demonstrations related to political issues, there have been few incidents when these devolved into crimes against property, such as breaking shop windows or damaging parked cars. U.S. citizens are cautioned to avoid any large public demonstrations since even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Anti-U.S. sentiment in Latvia is virtually nonexistent on a mainstream political or societal level. Public opinion and official strategy strongly view the United States as a key strategic ally and NATO partner.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement
Latvia’s Interior Ministry police forces include the Latvian State Police, Latvian State Security Service (VDD), municipal police agencies, and municipal port police agencies. The Latvian State Police are generally responsible for community policing, traffic, criminal investigations, and public order. The Latvian State Security Service (VDD) focus on counterterrorism, protection, and intelligence. Municipal police agencies, including the City of Riga, operate within their jurisdictions similar to the State Police. The port police for the city of Riga cover all of the seaports of Riga located along the Daugava River, an area called the Freeport of Riga. Seaports in other cities have their own port security services or contracted private security companies.
Police Response
The police forces are proficient and capable, though response times can be lengthy depending on the nature of the call, time of day, call volume, and resource constraints. Senior officers benefit from training abroad in areas of community policing and racial sensitivity. Municipal police officers maintain a high profile and are abundant throughout the public parks and in Old Town Riga. To respond to the needs of visitors, police concentrate vehicular and foot patrols in highly populated and popular tourist areas.
Camera technology reduces police response times and identifies potential criminal incidents. Riga’s Tourist Police unit, composed of specially trained officers skilled in a variety of languages, has reduced the number of criminal incidents reported against foreign visitors in Old Town Riga.
In the unlikely event that police detain or harass a foreign visitor, the individual should comply with police instructions. However, request an interpreter and contact the individual’s respective embassy immediately.
The emergency line in Latvia is 112. English-speaking operators are available. Reach the Tourist Police unit’s special 24-hour tourist hotline at +371-6718-1818. The operator can advise a victim where to file a police report.
Armed Conflict
The geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe has raised concerns that events, unrest, and tension could affect the Baltic countries. Latvian leaders have expressed concern regarding Russian acts of sabotage and hybrid actions, particularly since the war in Ukraine started. To bolster its eastern flank, Latvia has joined neighboring Baltic states to build fortified borders and coordinate comprehensive national defense strategies. Still, Latvia faces ongoing concerns regarding Russian hybrid warfare, including airspace violations, GPS jamming, and the sabotage of critical infrastructure.
Latvia has experienced multiple airspace incursions and accidental drone crashes, including a May 2026 incident where stray Ukrainian long-range drones (diverted by Russian electronic warfare) struck an oil storage site in Rēzekne. These cross-border incursions have triggered NATO fighter jet scrambles, public safety alerts, and major political fallout in Latvia.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Latvia’s rate of automobile accidents and fatalities is one of the highest in Europe. If you plan to drive in Latvia, refer to the Embassy’s Driving in Latvia webpage. If you drive without a valid license, the police may confiscate your vehicle.
Vehicles must use headlights at all times. Speed limits are usually 50 kph (31 mph) in the city and 90 kph (55 mph) on the highways. There are currently many mobile and fixed speed cameras deployed throughout the country. It is illegal to turn right on a red light.
Roads in the cities are well maintained, and drivers are generally courteous. Many streets in older areas are cobblestone. Road conditions in rural areas vary from good to poor. In the cities, the streets are often narrow but are generally illuminated. Major highways are in good repair, but road conditions change quickly due to extreme weather (e.g., snow, ice, severe cold). Secondary roads may suffer disrepair with potholes, poor lighting, and a lack of proper signage. Exercise extra caution while driving during the winter, as snow accumulation and long periods of darkness make it difficult to see other vehicles and pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right of way, and often cross the roadway without hesitation or pausing to look for oncoming vehicles. Drivers should use utmost caution when approaching pedestrian crosswalks.
Speeding and drunk driving are often contributing factors in vehicle accidents. The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in Latvia is 0.05%. Alcoholic beverages in Latvia contain higher concentration of alcohol, which may cause an average person to be above the legal BAC limit after only one bottle of beer. Latvian police occasionally and randomly set up sobriety checkpoints requiring drivers to submit to a breathalyzer test. Authorities place violators under administrative arrest and may detain them for up to 12 hours and levy fines up to 2,000 Euro.
During the winter, extreme weather and fewer than six hours of daylight limit visibility and exacerbate already poor driving conditions, making seeing pedestrians difficult. Pedestrians should use reflectors and reflective clothing, available in all major supermarkets. Walk on sidewalks and cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. Latvian laws require the use of winter or studded tires in winter. If you drive without winter tires and are involved in a traffic accident, you will be deemed at fault.
Motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle rental companies are readily available throughout the city. The flat and scenic terrain makes Latvia a perfect destination for bikers and motorcyclists during the summer season. However, fatal accidents involving motorcyclists and bikers have become a common occurrence. Safety equipment, lighting, and reflective vests can help prevent such accidents.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation is relatively safe and widely available in the cities. Visitors should use metered taxicabs or smartphone-ordered rideshares (e.g., Red Cab Taxi, Baltic Taxi, Bolt). If the taxicab does not have a meter, negotiate the price in advance. Be aware of overcharging; taxicabs at the airport often double the cost of travel between the airport and the city.
Aviation Concerns
Riga International Airport (RIX) is the main airport in Latvia and serves as the regional aviation hub for the Baltics. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Latvia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Latvia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
The Port Police in Riga cover all the seaports on the Daugava River, an area called the Freeport of Riga. Seaports in other cities have their own port security services or contracted private security companies.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Latvia, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia. If you are arrested or detained, ask police to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary arrest and detention and provide for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The government generally observes these requirements.
The law provided criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implemented the law effectively. Officials sometimes engaged in corrupt practices, and polling data consistently showed the majority of the public believed corruption was widespread, officials were rarely held accountable, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases were slow, and penalties were mild.
Corruption was a problem. Investigation of corruption cases improved, but prosecutions were slow, and penalties were mild and usually limited to fines. NGOs stated concerns regarding the quality of investigations and the efficiency of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau’s (KNAB) leadership. A lack of appropriate judicial training, quality of law education, lack of interagency communication, poor work organization, and lengthy written procedures were the main problems in the judicial sector. Public procurements entailed the largest corruption risks.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
Dial 113 to reach the Emergency Medical Services Agency. The quality of medical care in Latvia continues to improve, but often falls short of Western standards. Latvia has highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Many doctors speak at least limited English. There are few private clinics in major cities that offer services equal to Western European or U.S. standards. The elderly or those with health problems may be at increased risk. Western-quality dental care is available in Riga. Private hospitals require payment upon admission.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
If you intend to visit parks or forested areas (even within Riga), speak with your health care practitioner before travel. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme-disease are widespread throughout the country. 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. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations are given as a series of three doses, but the vaccine is not available in the United States. There are no vaccines against Lyme disease.
Hepatitis A is a significant health concern in Latvia. Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the U.S. Those with prolonged stays or travel in rural areas should receive the vaccine before travel. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Latvia.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Pharmaceuticals sold in Latvia are produced by companies certified in accordance with EU standards but may not necessarily carry the same brand names as in the United States.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Latvian tap water is potable and safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Latvia.
Spring floods regularly impact the southeast region along the Daugava River basin.
Falling ice from buildings can be a potentially deadly problem in the winter and spring, in addition to slippery roads and sidewalks.
The long hours of darkness and harsh winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions.
Cybersecurity
Internet crime is one of the fastest growing concerns in Latvia. Common fraudulent schemes involve both internet auction sites and internet job-search sites.
Disable WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS when not using them, and use caution with unsecured WiFi connections; they allow potential hackers to locate your phone with a simple scan. Avoid WiFi, if you can, and use your phone's secure mobile connection. Otherwise, install a virtual private network (VPN), which directs your traffic through encrypted connections. Even if you are using a VPN, never access your bank account or vital records on an unsecured connection.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
Those traveling to Latvia's eastern border should recognize the increased potential for cyber security threats and respond appropriately to avoid becoming a victim. Assume that Russian sources monitor all communications (e.g., emails, calls, texts), and avoid any communication you don't want to end up in Russian hands. The U.S. Embassy highly recommends the use of end-to-end encryption on all forms of communications.
Import/Export Restrictions
Latvian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Latvia of items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities, medications, business equipment, and drugs. Satellite phones are permitted for use.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.