Is Latvia Safe: Guide for Expats and Residents in 2026

If you’re wondering, “Is Latvia safe?” you’re not alone. Latvia is generally considered a safe country for tourists and expats, with a low terrorism threat and moderate crime rates.  

The main safety concerns are petty theft and scams, which are most common in the capital city of Riga. Like in any major city, you should take normal precautions, and there should be no safety concerns.  

In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about safety in Latvia, including how to stay safe, home security, and crime stats.  

Is Latvia Safe? Key Takeaways

Latvia is considered a very safe country for expats and travelers. 

Crime in Latvia has declined significantly over the past decade, with most incidents limited to petty theft and scams. 

Latvia’s theft rate (569 per 100k) is lower than Sweden, Denmark, and France. 

Riga is generally safe, though pickpocketing and taxi scams can occur in busy tourist areas like Old Town and Central Market. 

Public transport is reliable and safe; seat belts are mandatory on long-distance buses, and taxis should be booked via apps like Bolt. 

Solo female travelers generally feel safe, particularly in well-lit, central areas of Riga. 

Families and children are safe, with parks, museums, and kid-friendly attractions widely accessible. 

Latvia is a safe country for tourists and expats alike. Violent crime in Latvia is rare; the biggest issues are more with petty crime and scams.  

Based on data from the Official Statistics of Latvia Government Portal, statistics show a clear decline in overall crime over the past decade: 

• Total reported crimes fell from 47,406 in 2015 to 37,373 in 2025, a decrease of 21%. 
• Theft dropped from 10,247 to 3,368 cases, a decline of 67%. 
• Robbery fell from 779 to 231 cases, a 70% reduction. 
• Domestic burglary decreased from 2,112 to 416 cases, a drop of 80%. 
• Violent crime remains rare, with murder at 53 cases in 2025 (39% decrease since 2015) and serious bodily injury at 94 cases (47% decrease). 

Latvia’s safety has improved significantly over the past decade, with major decreases in theft, robbery, violent crime, and burglary.  

This is a major benefit, with many expats choosing Latvia as a “Plan B” destination for their families. The Latvia Golden Visa program offers the ideal option for those looking to obtain EU residency for a minimum investment of €50,000.  

Based on statistics from Eurostat, here are some of the theft rates per 100,000 inhabitants from 2015 to 2023 in the EU: 

As we can see, Latvia has a moderate crime rate compared to some of the most popular countries in the EU. Latvia had 569 per 100,000 thefts in 2023, compared to 1,991 (France), 2,672 (Denmark), and 2,737 (Sweden).  

Petty Crime 

Petty crime is the most frequent safety issue in Latvia. Pickpocketing and bag snatching often occur in: 

• Riga’s Old Town 
• Central Market 
• Bus and train stations 

Tips to avoid petty crime: 

Here are some tips to help you avoid petty crime in Latvia: 

• Keep valuables secure and close to your body. 
• Avoid showing expensive items or large amounts of cash. 
• Use safes for passports, valuables, electronics, and money. 

Violent Crime in Latvia 

Violent crime against tourists and expats is uncommon in Latvia. When it does occur, it is often related to organized crime or targeted incidents. 

Tips to avoid violent crime:  

• Avoid isolated areas at night. 
• Be aware of your surroundings in areas you don’t know. 
• Stay away from those involved in illegal activity 
• Avoid standalone ATMs, stick to well-lit machines that you’ve used before.  

Scams in Latvia 

Like in all countries, scams are prevalent in Latvia. But as long as you know what to avoid, you can mitigate the risks.  

Common scams in Latvia include: 

• Overcharging in bars/clubs: Some restaurants or bars may overcharge. Always insist on seeing the menu for yourself.  
• Taxi scams: Unregistered drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. If you take a metered taxi, always insist that the meter is within view, or use a ride service like Bolt.  
• Over-friendly strangers: If you are approached by someone on the street at night who appears over-friendly, it’s best not to interact. They may be trying to lure you into a bar or nightclub.  

Protests in Latvia are mostly peaceful and generally only occur in Riga. It’s always best to avoid large gatherings, as demonstrations can occasionally turn confrontational. 

Protests may also lead to travel delays, so it’s best to find an alternative route if possible. You can keep updated through local media and authorities.  

Latvia shares a border with Belarus, which has faced security concerns due to illegal border crossings. Travelers should stick to official crossing points and keep up to date with local government travel advice. 

A 280-kilometer-long fence has been completed along the border with Russia, and a separate fence is planned for the Belarus border. Both borders have strong security measures in place, including regular patrols and surveillance systems. 

Enhanced border controls along the Belarus border have been extended until June 30, 2026, due to ongoing illegal crossing attempts. Most attempts are stopped, though a small number of individuals are admitted on humanitarian grounds. 

If you plan to cross the Belarus or Russia borders, be aware that attempting to cross outside official points is illegal. Always use official crossings and carry valid travel documents at all times.  

As the capital of Latvia, Riga is the main tourist destination in the country. Try to keep aware of your surroundings, particularly in petty crime hotspots, including 

• Central Market 
• Old Town  
• Origo shopping center 

If you’re going out at night, keep to busier streets that are well-lit, and always keep your personal belongings close to you.  

The city center is generally safe, with police and surveillance present in major squares. 

Road safety in Latvia has improved in recent years, but it still ranks among the higher-risk countries in the EU for road fatalities. This is mainly due to speeding, road conditions in rural areas, and driving behavior. 

Key road rules and requirements 

• Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 110 km/h on highways. 
• Alcohol limits: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05 g/dl, with stricter limits for new drivers. 
• Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers (front and back) 
• Child safety: Children under 135 cm must use an appropriate child seat. 
• Headlights: Daytime running lights must be used at all times. 
• Winter tires: Compulsory from December 1 to March 1. 
• Mobile phones: Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. 

Tips for staying safe while driving in Latvia: 

• Drive defensively and follow speed limits. 
• Avoid driving at night in rural areas if unfamiliar with the roads. 
• Ensure your rental car is equipped for winter if traveling in colder months. 
• Always carry your driver’s license and vehicle documents. 

Public transportation in Latvia is generally safe, affordable, and reliable. Riga has an extensive network of buses, trams, and trains.  

While safety standards on public transport are good, local authorities have increased checks on seatbelt use on long-distance buses following recent accidents. Seatbelts are legally mandatory when travelling long distances by bus in Latvia. Generally, if a bus has seatbelts, you must use them.  

Crime is uncommon on public transport, but you should still keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas.  

When using taxis in Latvia, it’s best to use reputable services or ride-hailing apps like Bolt, as street taxis can sometimes overcharge. 

Latvia is generally safe for women traveling alone. Solo female travelers report feeling secure, even when walking alone at night in Riga. 

That said, standard precautions still apply, including: 

• Sticking to well-lit streets at night. 
• Avoiding isolated areas. 
• Exercising caution when using public transport after dark. 

Overall, Latvia offers a safe and welcoming environment for women, especially when following basic travel safety practices. 

Latvia is considered safe for LGBTQ+ people, particularly in Riga. However, social attitudes can be more conservative than in other EU countries.  

While same-sex relationships are legal and registered partnerships have been introduced, public acceptance remains mixed.  

In Riga, LGBTQ+ people will find a more open and tolerant environment, including a small but visible community. However, in rural areas, discretion is advised, as public displays of affection may invite unwanted attention.  

Latvia is safe for retirees and older visitors. Cities like Riga and Jurmala are the most popular options for those looking to retire in Latvia. Here are some top things to consider:  

• Healthcare access: Healthcare in Latvia offers both public and private services. However, private clinics are often preferred as they offer shorter waiting times and the possibility of finding an English-speaking doctor.  
• Mobility and infrastructure: Older individuals should note that sidewalks and public transport in smaller towns may be less accessible. 
• Cost of Living: The cost of living in Latvia is affordable compared to other European countries. 

Latvia is safe for American travelers. The U.S. Department of State rates it Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. 

Tips for U.S. visitors: 

• Be aware of petty crime in Riga and major tourist areas. 
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. 
• Avoid protests and monitor local news. 

Whether you are buying property in Latvia or renting short-term, home security is essential to keep you and your belongings safe.  

Here are some key tips on home safety in Latvia: 

• Choose safe neighborhoods: Do your research before buying or renting property in Latvia. You want to choose an area that is safe. Global Citizen Solutions can help here in finding the ideal investment property that meets the requirements for obtaining Latvian residency.  
• Lock doors and windows: Ensure you keep your property locked up and always use safes for valuables. 
• Verify credentials: If you are hiring local staff or services, you must verify their credentials. It’s best to find those with contactable references.  
• Insurance matters: You should always consider property and travel insurance. 

If you’re living in Latvia long-term, there is a range of Latvian banks to choose from. They can assist with asset security and, in many cases, offer or recommend insurance products. 

Latvia is generally safe for children and families, offering a low-crime, welcoming environment with several international schools in Latvia for expat families to choose from. 

Riga and other cities offer child-friendly attractions, parks, and interactive museums, with most of the top things to do in Latvia being kid-friendly.  

Overall, families can enjoy a secure and positive experience in Latvia. 

Here are some things to consider throughout the year in Latvia:  

If you are unsure of what to expect while in Latvia, keep an eye on local weather updates to know how to prepare. Winter in Latvia may have possibly hazardous weather, so it requires preparation in advance.  

It’s important to note the laws and customs in Latvia to prevent getting into a difficult situation. Here are some things you should consider: 

• Drugs and alcohol: Illegal drugs carry severe penalties. Drinking in public is prohibited and enforced with fines. 
• Identification and police: Always carry a passport or ID; failure to present it can lead to detention. You should always be respectful to local police.  
• Driving laws: Drunk driving is strictly prohibited, with severe consequences including arrest. 
• Social etiquette: Latvians value privacy, punctuality, and formal greetings (firm handshake, with eye contact). It’s best to avoid overly personal questions. 

Knowing who to contact in case of an emergency in Latvia is essential. Here are the most important contacts:  

• General Emergencies: 112 
• Ambulance / Medical Assistance: 113 
• State Police: 110 
• Gas Emergency Service: 114 
• Coast Guard / Search & Rescue: 115 

If in doubt, contact 112, and you will be directed to the correct service. If at any time you feel unsafe or unsure of your surroundings, call emergency services or flag down an officer for assistance.