2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Latvia. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Latvia country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Latvia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

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. 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. Non-confrontational property crimes of opportunity (e.g. pickpocketing, swindling, bag snatching) may occur at any time.

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.

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 the 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. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Be aware of individuals 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.

Tourists reports of possible spiked drinks at bars that render victims unconscious have increased. Most of the victims reported waking up in their hotel rooms realizing their belongings were gone. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security. Do not accept any beverages from strangers, nor drink a beverage if left unattended for any amount of time. Report such crimes to Latvian immediately. Review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

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.

Cybersecurity Issues

Internet crime is a growing concern 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, and Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices.

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Latvia’s rate of automobile accidents and fatalities is one of the highest in Europe. If you plan to drive in Latvia, you must obtain an International Driving Permit. If you are resident in Latvia more than six months, you must apply for a Latvian driver’s license. If you drive without a valid license, the police may confiscate your vehicle.

You must use your headlights at all times. Speed limits are usually 50 km/hr (31 mph) in the city and 90 km/hr (55 mph) on the highways. There are currently many mobile and fixed speed cameras deployed throughout the country.

Roads in the cities are well maintained, and drivers are generally courteous. Road conditions in rural areas vary from good to poor. In the cities, the streets are often narrow but are generally illuminated. highways are in good repair; however, 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. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Speeding and drunk driving are often contributing factors in vehicle accidents. The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level in Latvia is .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 700 Euro.

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation is relatively safe and widely available in the cities. Visitors should use radio- dispatched and metered taxicabs (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. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

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 ’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Other Travel Conditions

During the winter, extreme weather and short days make 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.

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.

Terrorism Threat

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. There are no known indigenous terrorist organizations present in Latvia. With its inclusion in the Schengen Zone, the ease with which undesirable elements can enter Latvia has increased, and the country’s terrorism threat is consistent with most of Europe.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

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. Demonstrations relating to particularly sensitive social topics have rarely turned violent but occasionally result in arrests and disruption. Avoid demonstration activity whenever possible. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Latvia has a large ethnic-Russian population. Though tension between ethnic-Russian and ethnic-Latvian residents is sometimes visible in news media and political debate, it rarely results in violence.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Spring floods regularly impact the southeast region along the Daugava river basin.

The long hours of darkness and harsh winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions.

Economic Concerns

Bank and currency exchange counters may refuse to accept crumpled, torn, discolored, or defaced U.S. currency - even small pen strokes. Exchange accepting such notes may levy additional processing fees, based on the size of the transaction. Cashing personal and Treasury checks issued in the United States may be time-consuming and costly.

Personal Identity Concerns

The law prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, education, access to health care, and other state services; the government generally enforces these provisions. The law mandates access to buildings for persons 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 suitable facilities for seriously disabled travelers. Find general information on accessibility and accommodations on the website of the Latvian Tourism Board. You will rarely find easy-access public transportation and taxis. Free or reduced fares on public transportation are available only to persons with disabilities who are Latvian residents. Travelers with disabilities may encounter difficulties accessing some establishments in Old Town Riga because wheelchair-accessible entrances are uncommon. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Latvia. Credible non-governmental organizations reported widespread intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI+ persons, as well as underreporting to authorities of attacks and discrimination against LGBTI+ individuals. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Drug-related Crimes

The most frequently seized illegal drugs entering Latvia and/or transiting to Russia are cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs. Drug cartels have used Baltic banks for money laundering operations. Officials work closely with U.S. and international law enforcement agencies to curb the flow of illegal narcotics and its proceeds into and through Latvia. Criminals use depressant drugs (possibly sedatives) to spike drinks at bars, rendering their victims unconscious or unable to recollect course of events. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Latvia are severe. You can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Other Issues

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. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

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. For local first responders, refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Latvia’s Interior Ministry police forces include the State Police, Security Police, and Riga Port Police. The State Police are generally responsible for community policing, traffic, criminal investigations, and public order. The Security Police focus on counterterrorism, protection, and intelligence. The Port Police control the port. Municipal police agencies, including the City of Riga, operate within their jurisdictions similar to the State Police.

The police forces are proficient and capable, though response times can be lengthy. 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. 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. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Medical Emergencies

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. If you are elderly or you have health problems, you may be at increased risk. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

You may obtain Western-quality dental care in Riga.

Pharmaceuticals sold in Latvia are produced by companies certified in accordance with EU standards, but may necessarily carry the same brand names as in the United States.

Private hospitals require payment upon admission. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

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 if you intend to visit parks or forested areas. 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. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Latvia.

OSAC Country Council Information

Latvia established an OSAC Country Council in 2019. Contact OSAC’s Europe team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Location Information

1 Samnera Velsa iela, Riga 1510 Hours of Operation: 0830 – 1700, Monday – Friday Switchboard: +371-6710-7000 Regional Security Office: +371-6710-7100 Duty Officer: +371-2920-5708 (After hours only) Website: https://lv.usembassy.gov/

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)