Latvia

Latviahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/latviaLatviahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/health-risks-latviaLatvia is an up-and-coming destination for travelers to the Baltics, with plenty to see and do. Here are a few tips on staying healthy and avoiding illnesses in Latvia.2018-03-02T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/health-risks-latviahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Many travelers wouldn't put much thought into the health risks that Latvia poses – and although the risk is minimal, what they do have is still something to consider when booking your plane tickets.</p> <h2>Tick diseases in Latvia</h2> <p>Ticks are a pesky bug in Latvia (or anywhere in the world), but they are especially bad in the sense that they carry some not-so-friendly diseases in this region.</p> <p>Lyme disease from infected ticks is prevalent in all areas of the Baltic countries. If bitten and the bite turns into a bulls-eye rash (pale in middle) and is accompanied by fever, headache and malaise, then you should seek medical attention. Early treatment is the key when it comes to Lyme disease.</p> <p>Tick-borne encephalitis is another concern for travelers to Latvia that are looking to spend time outdoors and in the woods in the spring, summer and fall months. TBE saw an insurgence during the 90s and died down a bit after that, but the recent economic downturn has said to have had an impact on the number of cases. Poorer people have taken to the woods and forests to scavenge for berries and mushrooms, putting themselves into risk areas at a higher rate, therefore not necessarily posing increased threat to normal travellers.</p> <p>Travellers are urged to wear long sleeves and pants, preferably tucked-in, and also spray on DEET insect repellent when taking outdoor holidays that involve hiking and camping. You may not look very cool, but the protective measures do wonders.</p> <p>There are also TBE vaccines, so be sure to consult a physician before traveling if you know you'll be spending some time in the great outdoors.</p> <h2>Hepatitis A in Latvia</h2> <p>Hepatitis A is an easy disease to prevent with proper vaccination, so be smart and get those jabs. This is a common disease in Latvia, and back in 2008 there was a massive outbreak in the Baltic area. In Latvia alone, a total of 741 cases occurred from January 1, 2008 to September 24, 2008, and the outbreak started in October of 2007 with just 22 cases.</p> <p>Hepatitis A is transferred generally between fecal-oral contact, so wash your hands, and get your vaccines if you don't have them already.</p> <h2>Tuberculosis in Latvia</h2> <p>Latvia is considered a high-risk country when it comes to Tuberculosis, and unfortunately there are several strains of TB that are drug-resistant. Generally, TB is hard to acquire unless you are spending extended periods of time in enclosed quarters with an infected person. The areas at risk tend to be prisons, hospitals and crowded and poor environments, so unless you have a strange idea of what makes a good holiday, and have plans to drink unpasteurised milk you should be okay.</p>Getty Images/Daniele SCHNEIDER 1986920824 Getty Images Hikers in the forest near Zebrus Lake, Latvia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/driving-tips-for-latviaLatvia is a beautiful country to explore by car. Here are a few tips to keep you safe.2021-08-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/driving-tips-for-latviahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>With its coast, forests and pretty towns, scenic Latvia is ideal to explore by car. Here's what you need to know before hitting the road in Latvia. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#general"> General road rules in Latvia</a></li> <li><a href="#winter"> Winter driving conditions in Latvia</a></li> <li><a href="#tips"> Tips for road safety in Latvia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="general">General road rules in Latvia</h2> <ul> <li>You must drive on the right and overtake on the left</li> <li>Seat belts must be worn in all seats that have one</li> <li>Motor offenses can attract on-the-spot fines that must be paid within 30 days </li> <li>Drivers must have a valid driving license (you must also be 18 or over), a motor insurance certificate and the V5 registration document for your own car or the hire car</li> <li>Unless your headlights can be adjusted, you must carry headlamp converters (stickers that adjust the beam of your headlights when driving on the right, so you don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)</li> <li>Always carry a warning triangle in case of a breakdown</li> <li>The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, 20km/h in residential areas, 90km/h on country roads, and 100km/h on dual carriageways</li> <li>Drivers cannot use radar detectors or anything that could interfere with police equipment.</li> </ul> <h2 id="winter">Winter driving conditions in Latvia</h2> <p>Driving in harsh winter conditions <a href="https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/society/latvias-roads-still-among-europes-deadliest.a315302/" target="_blank" title="Latvia's roads are among Europe's deadliest">doesn't make getting around Latvia any easier</a>, so try to avoid planning a road trip between the months of December to March. Temperatures reach lows of -13ºF (-25ºC), and there are snow, ice and fog to navigate.</p> <p>In winter, be careful walking on icy paths and drive slowly on icy roads. Check with locals before you set out to see if there are any black ice spots. Snow covering major roads is plowed when necessary.</p> <p>During winter, daylight hours dwindle down to just six hours per day.<br /><br />Winter tires are required between 1 December and 1 March, and a special winter diesel fuel with a very high congealing point is available in winter. </p> <h2 id="tips">Tips for road safety in Latvia</h2> <p>To stay safe while driving in Latvia be alert, drive safely, study the map before you set out, and drive in daylight hours.</p> <ul> <li>Drivers must use their headlights at all times, including during daylight hours – winter months can be especially dreary even during the day  </li> <li>Never drink alcohol and drive. The legal limit is 0.05% (0.02% if you have less than two years' driving experience). If you are caught driving over the limit, you will face a large fine, license endorsement and possible imprisonment</li> <li>Using a mobile phone whilst driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device</li> <li>Always use headlights to maximize visibility on the roads </li> <li>Avoid driving during snowstorms, but if your schedule demands it, drive slowly</li> <li>Always stick to the speed limits, which are usually 30mi/h (50km/h) in cities and 55mi/h (90km/h) on roads outside of urban areas, and 62mi/h (100km/h) on motorways</li> <li>Use secure car parks whenever possible as car thefts and break-ins are common</li> <li>In Riga, you must not park on tramlines.</li> </ul>Getty Images/alekseystemmer 11176764173 Getty Images Road in a forest covered with snow in Latvia

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/safety-in-riga-latviaLatvia has a reputation for crime and scams targeted to travelers, and here's what you need to know to stay safe.2021-08-30T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/safety-in-riga-latviahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Latvia is a very safe country to travel to, whether you're a <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/12-reasons-to-travel-solo">solo woman</a>, traveling with friends, as a family or a couple. But there are a few things to know before you go, from petty crime to scams and stag party safety.</p> <h2>Pickpocketing in Latvia</h2> <p>Tourists often make the easiest targets for would-be pick-pockets, especially during the busy summer months (June to September). Most thefts happen in Vecriga (Riga's Old Town), Dzelzcela Stacija (central train station), the Autoosta (central bus station) and Centraltirgus (central market). Those carrying backpacks make themselves more appealing to thieves and travelers who are not alert are easy targets.</p> <p>Thieves may act alone, or work in groups to divert the attention.</p> <h2>Scams in Latvia: how to avoid them</h2> <p>Riga, being both the capital and most popular city, is the home to many of the tourist scam reports. Many of the reports revolve around pubs and clubs, and nightlife situations in general.</p> <h3>Overpriced drinks and credit card scams</h3> <p>While travelers have reported a scam in which they are charged exorbitant prices for drinks or had their credit cards skimmed, these reports have declined. Ask your accommodation to recommend trustworthy bars and clubs, and when using a card to pay, make sure the transaction happens in front of you and be wary of requests for you to re-enter your PIN number.<br /><br />Further suggestions for avoiding scams while out include asking drink prices in advance, paying for each round individually (so you're not smacked with a huge bill in the end) and avoiding using the ATMs in bars whenever possible.</p> <h3>Check if cover charges are normal</h3> <p>Another scam is for bars and clubs to charge a cover to foreigners only upon entry. Check with your hotel or hostel in advance, and always watch locals as they enter to know if your money is required.</p> <p>Some establishments that are considered shady for the above scams are Kapsula, Babylon and Sonali Pub to name a few. Clubs on Kalku lela and near the Freedom Monument have been pointed out as potential problem areas as well.</p> <h3>Avoid becoming a stag-party statistic</h3> <p>When doing an initial search for accommodation in Riga, you might find notes saying "no stag parties allowed". Riga is a popular destination for groups of European men, especially British, for pre-wedding Buck's weekends out on the town, and as you can imagine, they get drunk and loud.</p> <p>Besides being annoying to other travelers in the area, being in party mode puts you at risk of becoming a target for crime, and there have been reports of drunken tourists getting beaten up by locals.</p> <h2>Don't accept drinks from strangers</h2> <p>Although not widely discussed as a major problem in Latvia for travelers, there have been reports of travelers getting drugged at bars and then robbed. It doesn't matter where you are: <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/drink-spiking" target="_blank" title="How to avoid drink spiking while traveling">You should always watch your drinks being made and never leave a drink unattended</a>.</p> <h2>Discrimination and racism in Latvia</h2> <p>Verbal harassment in Riga towards those of ethnic backgrounds has been reported but is on the decline as tourism has increased. </p> <p>There is not a high level of tolerance towards LGBTQ+ travelers, a<span> hangover from the communist era when homosexuality was not allowed</span>. However, attitudes are changing, particularly since Latvia joined the EU and a senior politician came out as gay. A<span>nti-gay discrimination in the workplace is illegal. As a LGBTQ+ traveler, you will be safe in Riga, but discretion is advised away from<span> Riga's gay scene and more liberal nightclubs, and in more rural areas.</span> </span></p> <h2>Be aware of the car theft rates in Latvia</h2> <p>Not only does Latvia have a high traffic accident rate, it also has a high car theft rate. If you're on a driving holiday, keep your doors locked and valuables out of sight when it is parked or unattended. <br /><br />To report any crime, call the Riga tourism police on +317 67 181818 or the national police on 110.</p>Getty Images/RomanBabakin 1492311414 Getty Images Narrow street leading to St. Peter church in Old Riga