Europe - Latvia
Travel Safety & Secutiry Report: Crimes Against Foreigners in Riga, Latvia
 

On November 20, 2008, U.S. Embassy Riga released the following Warden Message:

"The American Embassy is concerned about the number of reported instances of crimes perpetrated against foreign clientele at local bars, clubs and lounges in Riga.  There have been a number of additional reports recently of foreign tourists being charged extortionate prices for drinks in bars.  Some have then been assaulted, threatened or forced to withdraw money from an ATM to pay for the bill.  Local police have been unwilling and/or unable to provide assistance and victims have reported that they believe police have been involved in some of these schemes.  On 19 November 2008, the Regional Security Officer at the American Embassy placed the following establishments off-limits for American staff, their family members and TDY official visitors: 

“Foxy Lounge”—Terbatas 2; located below the “Fashion Café” in the basement of the “Vegas” casino at the corner of Terbatas and Merkela streets near the flower market.

“Roxy Klub”—Kalku 24; located near the entrance to Old Town on Kalku street.

“Lord’s Pub”(formerly “Groks Pub”)—Kalku 22; located next door to Roxy Klub.

“Puzzle” (formerly “Pink Panther”)—Kalku 22; also located next door to Groks Pub.

“Mary”—Audeju 13; located on the east side of Galleria “Centrs” Mall.

“DD Bars”

“Saxon” – Laipu 7; located near “Livu Square” in a small street to the right of restaurant “Steiku Haoss”.

“Doll House” a.k.a “Zig Zag” – Marstalu 12; located to the right of Reformed Church.

“Bar Fly” – Vagnera 8; located near “Livu Square” in a small street to the right of Roxy, Groks and Pink Panther.

“Zephry Bar” – located near Galleria Center in Old Town near the youth hostel. 

“Mademoiselle Cigar Club” – Valnu iela;  located in Old Town across from Lounge 8.

“Nobu Sushi” -- Grecinieku 28; located in Old Town.

 

"These establishments have become notorious for credit card fraud extortion scams, prostitution rings and violence by organized criminals. Embassy staff and their family members are officially prohibited from patronizing these locals.  These prohibitions were put into place to ensure the safety of American Embassy employees and their family members.  As noted in the Country Specific Information, these scams can occur at other facilities as well.  All American citizens are reminded to be vigilant to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime.

 

"If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy or Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

 

"In the event of an emergency, The U.S. Embassy in Riga can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at +371 6703-6200. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Latvia, is at http://www.usembassy.lv/.

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Latvia: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Latvia: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Latvia: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in Latvia should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Latvia: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

We at Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services are happy to provide you free consultation and free quotes for the appropriate insurance plan that meets your needs. We invite you to visit our websites at: Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services

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