Latvia Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Latvia.
Healthcare System
Latvia has a public healthcare system supplemented by private medical facilities. As an EU member state, the healthcare system meets European standards, with the best facilities concentrated in Riga. Public healthcare is available to residents, while tourists typically use private clinics or hospital private departments.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Riga East University Hospital, Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, and Children's Clinical University Hospital in Riga. Private clinics like ARS, Veselības Centrs 4, and Baltic-American Clinic cater to international patients with English-speaking doctors. Most tourist medical needs can be addressed at private clinics with shorter wait times.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (aptieka) are widely available in cities and towns, marked with a green cross. Many are open extended hours, with some 24-hour pharmacies in Riga. Common over-the-counter medications are readily available. Prescription medications require a prescription from a Latvian doctor or EU-recognized prescription. Pharmacists often speak English in urban areas.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare, though private care still requires payment. Non-EU visitors will pay full price for medical services. Insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical repatriation.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry copies of prescriptions for any medications you bring, preferably with generic names
- Private clinics require payment upfront or credit card guarantee; keep receipts for insurance claims
- Download the offline version of the 113 emergency app for quick access to services
- Dental care is of high quality and more affordable than in Western Europe; many clinics cater to dental tourists
- In winter, pharmacies stock tick removal tools and repellents for forest visits in warmer months
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur primarily in tourist areas, crowded markets, and public transportation. Thieves target distracted tourists, particularly in summer months when visitor numbers peak. Theft from unattended vehicles is also reported.
Incidents of drink spiking have been reported in nightlife areas, particularly targeting solo travelers. Some bars and nightclubs may overcharge tourists or add unexpected service charges. Occasional reports of tourists being befriended and then robbed after accepting drinks.
Latvian drivers can be aggressive, and traffic rules aren't always strictly followed. Pedestrians should be cautious as drivers may not yield at crosswalks. Rural roads can be poorly maintained with inadequate lighting. Winter driving conditions are hazardous with ice and snow.
Latvia experiences harsh winters with temperatures dropping below -20°C. Icy sidewalks and paths are common, leading to slip and fall injuries. Frostbite and hypothermia are risks for unprepared travelers. Buildings may be overheated, causing discomfort when transitioning between indoors and outdoors.
Ticks carrying Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are present in forests and grassy areas, particularly from April to October. Latvia has one of the highest rates of TBE in Europe.
Latvia has a culture of heavy drinking, and alcohol-related incidents can occur, particularly during weekends and celebrations. Intoxicated individuals may become aggressive. Public drinking is restricted in certain areas.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers, especially at airports, train stations, and tourist areas, charge inflated rates or take unnecessarily long routes. Some taxis don't use meters or claim the meter is broken.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants and bars add hidden service charges, charge for items not ordered, or bring expensive items without mentioning prices. Menus may not show prices or have different prices for locals and tourists.
Unofficial exchange offices or individuals offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand, miscounting, or hidden fees to shortchange tourists. Some ATMs at tourist locations have unfavorable rates or high fees.
An attractive person befriends a tourist (usually male), suggests going to a specific bar or club, orders expensive drinks, and then the tourist receives an exorbitant bill. Staff may become threatening if payment is refused.
Individuals posing as plain-clothes police officers approach tourists, claim to be checking for counterfeit money or drugs, and ask to see wallets or passports, then steal money or personal items.
Online accommodation listings show attractive photos and descriptions, but the actual property is significantly different, in poor condition, or in an unsafe location. Some properties don't exist, and scammers collect deposits.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy if staying for an extended period
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Learn basic Latvian or Russian phrases; English is widely spoken in Riga but less common in rural areas
- Download offline maps as mobile data may be limited in rural areas
- Be aware that Latvia shares borders with Russia and Belarus; avoid border areas and follow local guidance
- Respect local customs, particularly in rural areas and religious sites
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
Money and Valuables
- Latvia uses the Euro; credit cards are widely accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas
- Use ATMs located inside banks during business hours when possible
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Split money and cards between different locations
- Be discreet when accessing money from ATMs or paying bills
- Keep small denominations for taxis and small purchases
Transportation
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps (Bolt is popular and reliable)
- Public transportation is safe and efficient in Riga; validate tickets to avoid fines
- If renting a car, ensure it has winter tires between November and March (legally required)
- Be extremely cautious of pedestrians and cyclists when driving
- Avoid hitchhiking; use legitimate transportation services
- Keep car doors locked and windows up when stopped in traffic
- Zero tolerance for drinking and driving; legal limit is 0.05% BAC but 0.02% for new drivers
Accommodation
- Use hotel safes for passports, excess cash, and valuables
- Check that doors and windows lock properly
- Keep the hotel's business card with you for easy navigation back
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Read reviews before booking, especially for apartments and private accommodations
- Ensure accommodations have working smoke detectors and know emergency exits
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card or EU roaming plan for reliable communication
- WiFi is widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces in cities
- Save important addresses in Latvian for taxi drivers
- Learn that Latvian and Russian are both commonly spoken; English is prevalent in tourist areas
- Download translation apps for use in rural areas
- Keep your embassy contact information easily accessible
Health Precautions
- Tap water is safe to drink in cities but may taste different due to treatment
- Consider TBE vaccination if planning outdoor activities in forests
- Bring any prescription medications in original packaging with documentation
- Be prepared for heavy, rich food; many dishes are meat and potato-based
- Protect against sun exposure in summer, especially near water (reflection intensifies UV)
- Dress appropriately for cold weather to prevent hypothermia and frostbite
Cultural Awareness
- Latvians value personal space and privacy; avoid being overly familiar with strangers
- Remove shoes when entering someone's home
- Be respectful when discussing Soviet history; it's a sensitive topic
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% is standard for good service
- Many shops and services close on Sundays, especially in smaller towns
- Public behavior is generally reserved; loud or boisterous behavior may be frowned upon
- Photography restrictions apply to some government buildings and military sites
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Latvia is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The country has relatively progressive gender equality, and women traveling alone are not unusual. However, as in any destination, women should exercise standard precautions, particularly in nightlife areas and when traveling alone after dark. Harassment is not common but can occur, particularly from intoxicated individuals in bar districts. Latvian women typically dress stylishly but conservatively in professional settings.
- Solo female travelers are common and generally safe; trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable
- Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas; use taxis or ride-sharing apps
- Be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers in bars and clubs
- Dress codes are relatively liberal, but modest dress is appreciated in religious sites
- Book accommodations in well-reviewed, central locations with good lighting and security
- Keep your phone charged and share your itinerary with someone
- Be aware that some men may be persistent in nightlife areas; firm refusal is acceptable and understood
- Women-only compartments are not available on trains, but train travel is generally safe
- Harassment should be reported to police; call 110 for emergencies
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or invitations
- Sanitary products are readily available in pharmacies and supermarkets
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Latvia, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by law. However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. The age of consent is equal (16) regardless of sexual orientation. Latvia's legal protections meet EU standards, though implementation can be inconsistent.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection, particularly outside Riga's center
- LGBTQ+-friendly venues exist primarily in Riga; research locations in advance
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation to strangers, especially in rural areas
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps and resources to connect with the local community
- Book accommodations that explicitly advertise as LGBTQ+-friendly when possible
- Be aware that some hotels may have policies or staff attitudes that are not welcoming
- Avoid confrontations if you encounter negative attitudes; prioritize your safety
- The Latvian LGBTQ+ organization 'Mozaīka' offers resources and support
- Consider attending Baltic Pride if visiting during the event (usually June) for community connection
- Be prepared for potential language barriers when seeking LGBTQ+-specific services
- Trans travelers should carry documentation for any medications; medical transition is possible but bureaucratic
- Rural areas and smaller towns are significantly less accepting than Riga
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Latvia. While Latvia is an EU member state with good healthcare, medical services for tourists can be expensive, especially private care which offers English-speaking staff and shorter wait times. Insurance provides crucial protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Winter travel poses additional risks (accidents on ice, weather-related delays), making insurance particularly important during cold months. EU citizens with EHIC cards still benefit from additional private insurance for comprehensive coverage.
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