Messages for U.S. Citizens
Security Advisory
Updated on March 19, 2012
The American Embassy continues to be 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. The Regional Security Officer at the American Embassy has placed the following establishments off-limits for American staff, their family members and TDY official visitors, effective immediately:
- Ampir Club - Livu Square.
- Angels - 22 Elizabetes street.
- Baltic Saloon (formerly Red Lion Pub and Saxon) – 7 Laipu Street, located near Livu Square in a small street to the right of restaurant Steiku Haoss.
- Blow Style (formerly Monroe’s nightclub) – Skarnu Iela 7, behind Indian Raja.
- Burlesque (formerly Roxy Klub and Babylon) - 24 Kalku Street, located near the entrance to Old Town on Kalku Street.
- Ekselence - 8 Vagnera Street. Taxis outside this bar are charging more than average rates.
- Enigma (formerly Puzzle and Pink Panther) - 22 Kalku Street; located next door to Livu Krodzins.
- Golden Dolls (formerly Kapsula Bar and Zephyr Bar) - located on Audeju Street near Galleria Center in Old Town.
- Beer Pub - 12 Teatra Street.
- Livu Krodzins Bar/Pizzeria (formerly Royal Pub, Lord's Pub and Groks Pub) - 22 Kalku Street, located next door to Burlesque.
- Royal Nightclub (formely Sonali Pub) - 46 Brivibas Street.
The above-listed establishments are notorious for credit card fraud, extortion scams, prostitution rings and violent mafia types. Under no circumstances should anyone visit these places. Other businesses of similar design should be avoided as well. If you have questions regarding particular places, report back. These prohibitions are in place to ensure the safety of all employees and their family members. Please be careful.
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s "A Safe Trip Abroad."
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 6710-7000. The Embassy’s web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Latvia, is at: http://riga.usembassy.gov.
U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.
Americans living or traveling in Latvia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.