Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Thieves target tourists.

Theft occurs in Riga, especially in the old town, the central market area and the central railway and bus stations. Car theft is common.

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• avoid walking alone after dark
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in several European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including police stations
• schools, including universities
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
• cultural venues

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

The Government of Latvia maintains a public alert system on terrorism. Latvia’s current threat level is 1, “low,” on a 4-step scale. Local authorities publish threat level changes online and through local media.

Counterterrorism – Latvian State Security Service (VDD)

Fraud

Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud

Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud is a concern.

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overcharging

Certain establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, may try to overcharge you. Strangers may invite you to visit local bars. This is often a ploy to overcharge customers for drinks.

Discussions about overcharging have turned violent. Tourists have been threatened and forced to pay the bill.

• Always confirm the price of an item before ordering
• Do not leave an open tab
• Avoid giving your credit card to bar or restaurant staff
• Check the accuracy of your bill before paying

Cybercrime

Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion occur.

Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information.

Criminals can monitor social media and listen to your phone conversations.

Romance scams through dating sites and/or social media have occurred.

• Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
• Use your own USB adaptor or carry an extra battery pack
• Use secure public Wi-Fi networks
• Beware of people who show a keen interest in you online
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
• Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers

Useful links

• Overseas fraud
• Cyber security while travelling

Harassment

Individuals, including women, 2SLGBTQI+ persons and racialized groups, have been subject to harassment or verbal abuse. Online abuse and harassment, including calls for violence against individuals, occurs.

Avoid travelling alone, especially at night. If you are the victim of harassment, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Government of Canada office.

Useful links

• Advice for women travellers
• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Spiked food, drinks and other items

Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Roads

Road safety

Road safety may vary considerably across the country.

Road conditions

Roads are generally in good condition in and around major cities, but in rural areas, they may be poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• poor lighting
• uneven surfaces
• lack of shoulders or guardrails
• slow-moving machinery and agricultural equipment

Secondary roads may not be paved. Roads are not always cleared of snow in the winter.

Driving habits

Drivers are extremely aggressive and reckless. Drinking and driving is common.

Public transportation

On all modes of public transportation, you must validate your ticket at the start of your trip. You could be fined on the spot if you fail to show a validated ticket to an official upon request.

Always ensure that:

• you have purchased and validated your ticket
• the ticket matches the area and mode of transportation in which you are travelling

Taxis

Taxis may be limited outside city centres and in rural areas.

• Only use reputable taxi companies through establishments such as hotels or ride-sharing apps
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Confirm the fare in advance

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Latvian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Schengen area

Latvia is in the Schengen area. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

Useful links

• Schengen area
• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days*
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 14 days
Work permit: required
Student visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days*

* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.

Entry ban and restrictions on vehicles registered in Belarus or Russia

Latvia enforces an entry ban and restrictions on vehicles registered in Belarus or Russia. These restrictions are currently in place at the border and within Latvia and reflect European Union sanctions against Belarus and Russia.

Vehicles registered in Russia carrying Russian license plates will be refused entry into Latvia.

Restrictions on vehicles with Russian license plates are also in place in countries bordering Latvia. Check with local authorities before you try to leave Latvia in a vehicle with Russian license plates.

Certain exceptions apply. You should verify with the Latvian authorities before you attempt to cross the border in a private vehicle from Belarus or Russia.

Useful links

• Vehicles registered in the Republic of Belarus are officially prohibited from participating in road traffic in the Republic of Latvia – Financial Intelligence Unit of Latvia
• Persons with vehicles registered in the Russian Federation are banned from Entering Latvia – State Revenue Service

Health insurance

When entering Latvia, you must be able to show sufficient proof of medical insurance to customs officials, which must cover the entire length of your stay. If you do not have proof of insurance coverage, you may be required to obtain health insurance from a Latvian insurance company when you arrive.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is only available in major cities. The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.

Public clinics and hospitals may be overwhelmed. Public facilities may also lack medical supplies and equipment.

Most doctors will speak English, but not all medical staff will speak English or French.

Doctors and hospitals often require up-front payment for health services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Latvia.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Latvia.

Customs officials may ask you to show them your prescription to confirm that you’re entering the country with the correct amount for your stay.

• Bring enough medication for your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Latvia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Latvia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Latvia authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences or heavy fines.

Alcohol

You can only drink alcohol in public in designated spaces. You face the risk of detention and a fine if you drink alcohol in public.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Latvia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Latvia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

Mandatory military service

Latvian men aged 18 and over are subject to mandatory military service. There are different requirements for people who are pursuing higher education.

Latvians and dual citizens living abroad will be excluded from mandatory military service until 2027.

National Defence Service: Information for Diaspora ­– Ministry of Defence Republic of Latvia

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Latvia.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Latvia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Latvian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Latvia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Drones

Latvian and European laws regulate recreational and commercial drone operation.

You must register as a drone operator and apply for authorisation with the Latvian authorities. Depending on the size of your drone and the intended use, you may also need to take a proof of competency exam.

Certain areas are restricted or off limits for personal drones. These include:

• military sites
• certain nature conservation areas
• areas within 5 km of airports

If you don’t comply with these laws, your drone could be confiscated and you could face heavy fines, arrest and detention. You could also be deported and banned from the entire Schengen area.

Useful links

• Operating a drone – European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
• Drones – Latvian Air Traffic

Export of religious items and antiquities

Latvia enforces strict laws on the purchase and export of antiquities and objects of cultural heritage.

You should confirm with the Latvian authorities before exporting or leaving the country with such items.

Driving

You can drive in Latvia with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for one year.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02% for drivers with less than two years of driving experience and 0.05% for others.

If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines or jail sentences.

If you are involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle until authorized to do so by the police.

All vehicles must have a first aid kit and emergency travel equipment.

Road rules and safety – Latvia – Your Europe

Reflective items

Pedestrians are required to wear small reflectors from dusk until dawn on unlit roads or along roads in rural areas. These are usually worn as vests or pinned to coats or bags.

Money

The currency of Latvia is the Euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Latvia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains and melting snow can cause serious flooding and landslides, particularly along the Daugava River. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around rivers
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Floods – What to Do?