Is Latvia safe to visit? Advice, scams and health

Visit Latvia if you follow standard European precautions: keep passports and cards in a money belt, use licensed taxis or rideshare apps, and stay alert in busy tourist zones. Adjust plans only if local alerts advise otherwise.

Taxi drivers may quote higher fares than the meter shows; insist on a metered rate or use a reputable app. Street vendors sometimes sell counterfeit tickets for museums or concerts – buy only at official counters. Pickpockets target backpacks and wallets in crowded places such as the Central Market and the Old Town.

Avoid unsolicited offers to exchange money on the street; use banks or ATMs inside banks for the best rates.

The US Department of State lists Latvia at Level 1 – exercise normal precautions. The UK Foreign Office gives a similar rating, noting low crime rates but advising vigilance in tourist hotspots. Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland also advise standard safety measures.

Check the latest advisory before travel, especially during large public events or elections, when temporary security measures may be in place.

Latvia has a modern healthcare system; EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public services. US, UK and other non‑EU travellers should have travel insurance covering medical treatment.

Tap water is safe to drink in cities and most towns. Pharmacies are widely available for over‑the‑counter medicines. In summer, stay hydrated and protect against sunburn, especially on the Baltic coast.