Warden Messages
Security Advisory (November 20, 2008)
(updated 14-Sep-2009)
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:
- Babylon (formerly Roxy Klub) – Kalku 24, Riga; located near the entrance to Old Town on Kalku street.
- Royal (formerly Lord’s Pub and Groks Pub) - Kalku 22, Riga; located next door to Babylon (formerly Roxy Klub).
- Saxon – Laipu 7, Riga; located near Livu Square in a small street to the right of restaurant Steiku Haoss.
- Foxy Lounge – Terbatas 2, Riga; located below the “Fashion Café” in the basement of the Vegas casino at the corner of Terbatas and Merkela streets near the flower market.
- Infinity Bars (formerly Bar Fly) – Vagnera 8, Riga; located near Livu Square in a small street to the right of Babylon (formerly Roxy), Royal (formerly Lord’s and Groks) and Enigma (formerly Puzzle and Pink Panther).
- Mary – Audeju 13, Riga; located on the east side of Galleria Center Mall in Old Town.
- Enigma (formerly Puzzle and Pink Panther) – Kalku 22, Riga; located next door to Royal (formerly Lord’s Pub and Groks Pub).
- Roxbury (formerly Mademoiselle Cigar Club) – Valnu iela, Riga; located in Old Town across from Lounge 8.
- Versace – Maza Jaunavu, Riga; located down a dead end street in Old Town.
- Zephyr Bar – Audeju, Riga; located near Galleria Center in Old Town.
- Cognac Bar – Baznicas 1/3, Riga.
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 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://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.