Is Latvia Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? (2024 Safety Rating)

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Latvia is overall safe to travel to, the crime rates are relatively low, and even pickpockets are not that common. However, it is advised that you remain vigilant at all times, especially on the streets.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

As in other Baltic countries, traffic is not very safe in Latvia. It is filled with reckless drivers and even crossing the street is dangerous. Some roads are badly kept and riddled with holes. Be very careful when included in Latvia”s traffic.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Pickpocketing exists in Latvia but it is not too big of an issue. There are specific areas to watch out for such as Vecriga (Riga’s Old Town), Dzelzcela Stacija (central train station), the Autoosta (central bus station) and Centraltirgus (central market) notorious for pickpockets. Be careful and keep your valuables close by your side.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

As for natural disasters, there are no greater risks, apart from flooding caused by heavy rains, mostly in the eastern part of the country.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

It is not likely you will get mugged or kidnapped in Latvia. Still, don’t let your guard down and stay away from dark and deserted areas of bigger cities.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven’t been any terrorist attacks in Latvia’s recent history, but they shouldn’t be ruled out, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There are several scams performed in Latvia, especially in Riga, and they are mostly connected to bars and pubs. People lured into a pub or a bar by a pretty lady are mostly ridiculously overcharged. This happens in shady pubs such as Kapsula, Babylon and Sonali Pub to name a few. Never accept drinks from strange people or leave your drink unattended.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Overall, Latvia is very safe for women traveling solo. Just use your common sense and have your wits with you. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night and finding yourself in places filled with drunken people.

So… How Safe Is Latvia Really?

Latvia is generally safe to travel to, and petty crime is relatively low although it exists.

Pickpocketing is mostly common in larger cities and some of the most notorious locations for this crime are Vecriga (Riga’s Old Town), Dzelzcela Stacija (central train station), the Autoosta (central bus station) and Centraltirgus (central market).

Another issue to bear in mind is that bicycle theft is also common so make sure to lock your bicycle before walking away, even if it’s the smallest distance from your vehicle.

As other Baltic countries bear in mind that traffic isn’t the safest.

Latvia is filled with reckless drivers and some roads are very unsafe, which is why the accident rate in Latvia is very high.

Be careful when crossing the road and especially mind the forest roads since collisions with wildlife animals can easily occur.

Since half of Latvia’s territory is covered in forests, you should watch out for forest ticks as they can be abundant from May to September, depending on the humidity of the previous year’s weather, and bear in mind that they can occasionally be found even in old town parks.

Their bite carries the risk of tick-borne encephalitis (these infected ticks can be quite common) and Lyme disease which is less common.

If you do get bitten by one, keep in mind that delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to disabilities.

There are also some snakes in Latvia, but they are mostly not venomous, except for the European Adder which carries a possible death threat if you get bitten and not treated within the next couple of hours.

How Does Latvia Compare?Useful InformationVisas

For most countries, visas are not required for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that and you have to obtain a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Currency

Euro is the official currency for Latvia and most of Europe. ATMs are very easy to find and credit cards are accepted in many establishments such as hotels and restaurants.

Weather

Latvia has a warm temperate humid climate with pleasant summers and reasonably mild winters that last from January until March. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C in winter, but temperatures sometimes drop as low as -6.6°C

Airports

Riga International Airport is the biggest international airport of Riga, the capital of Latvia, and it’s located in the Mārupe Municipality west of Riga. It is a state-owned joint-stock company, while the owner of all shares is no one other than the government of Latvia.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Latvia since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance Latvia Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan -4° C

Feb -3° C

Mar 1° C

Apr 7° C

May 12° C

Jun 16° C

Jul 19° C

Aug 18° C

Sep 13° C

Oct 8° C

Nov 3° C

Dec -2° C

Average High/Low TemperatureTemperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecHigh
°C-1051217212423181151Low
°C-6-6-316101312840-4High
°F303241546370757364524134Low
°F212127344350555446393225Latvia – Safety by City

Source link : https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/latvia/

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Publish date : 2023-11-07 08:00:00

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