Latvia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Latvia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated April 1, 2026
Latvia recorded 2.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Latvia #103 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Latvia at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
2.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#93 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1992-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Latvia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Latvia, the homicide rate for men is 0.7× that of the rate for women — 2.1 vs 2.9 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Latvia:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Advisory summary Latvia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Review our travel guidance for Latvia to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. If you decide to travel to Latvia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Latvia.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Latvia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 10, 2024).
Terrorism
Credible information indicates terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. European governments are taking action to guard against terrorist attacks. However, all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to attacks from transnational terrorist organizations. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
Crime against foreign visitors is generally non-violent in nature; however, violent assaults and robberies have occurred. Harassment of foreigners and same-sex partners has also occurred in Latvia. Be aware of your surroundings and take personal security measures to stay safe. The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse snatching, pick pocketing, and mugging, especially during the summer tourism season. Thieves have targeted foreign vistiors in Riga’s Old Town (Vecriga), Central Train Station (Dzelzcela stacija), Central Bus Station (Autoosta), and Central Market (Centraltirgus). Avoid walking alone or using ATMs after dark. There have been cases of visitors partying at bars and nightclubs in Riga who have been drugged and subsequently sexually assaulted. Be aware of other common scams in restaurants and tourist pubs.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories Information regarding demonstrations in Latvia can be found on the U.S. Embassy Latvia website .
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
: Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(371) 6710-7000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. Assist you with a list of non-governmental organizations and centers providing a number of programs for victims of crime in Latvia. Please see our website for more information.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the local police at 112 and the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Tourism: The tourism industry is regulated and rules with regards to best practices and safety inspections are enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is available throughout the country. Outside of urban areas, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to provide assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Latvia Population & Demographics
Population of 1,866,124, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Latvia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Latvia at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Latvia?
Latvia has an intentional homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #103 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Latvia?
Latvia is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Latvia compare to other countries?
Latvia's homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and above the Europe average of 1.6.