Latvia

Latvia: More Scams in Riga’s Clubs and Bars

Date: July 16th, 2009 |

The U.S. Embassy continues to receive reports of foreigners being charged extortionate prices in bars, clubs and lounges in Riga. Some victims have been assaulted, threatened or forced to withdraw money from ATMs to pay inflated bills for drinks. As a result, the Embassy has placed many establishments off-limits for staff, their family members and [read more]

Russia and Eastern Europe: Economic Crisis Raises Fear of Unrest

Date: April 1st, 2009 |

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The global economic crisis has created fear of civil unrest in Russia and several Eastern European countries as millions have lost their jobs and are turning their anger against their governments. Russia has many towns throughout the country dependent on single industries, a carryover from the Soviet era, and when those industries fail the economies [read more]

Latvia: Phosphorus from Soviet Era Burns Tourists

Date: July 4th, 2006 |

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One of the odder remnants of the Cold War victimized a German couple recently when they were beachcombing near Bernati in the southern county of Liepaja. They picked up what they thought was amber only to have it spontaneously combust, burning the man’s fingers and the woman’s thigh. Such “false amber” is actually phosphorus, a [read more]

Latvia: Crimes Against Tourists Increasing in Riga

Date: June 24th, 2009 |

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The crime rate in Latvian cities is moderate compared to U.S. cities of similar size, but crime still exists, especially in Riga, Latvia’s main draw for foreign tourists. Since 2008 Riga has seen a trend of extortion and intimidation in bars, clubs and lounges where foreigners are presented with a bill from a separate menu [read more]

Latvia: Scams Common in Riga’s Clubs, Bars

Date: November 26th, 2008 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Riga warned Americans about crime against foreigners in Riga’s bars, clubs and lounges. Numerous incidents have occurred in which foreign tourists were charged extortionate prices for drinks, with some being assaulted, threatened or forced to withdraw money from ATMs to pay their bills. Local police have been unable or unwilling to [read more]

Baltic States and Scandinavia

Date: November 2nd, 2004 |

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The U.S. State Department warned that it had received reports of possible terrorist attacks in the Baltic States or Nordic countries, and advised travelers or resident Americans to remain vigilant, especially “in centers of ground-based mass transit” and to avoid “large shopping areas and transportation hubs.” Government officials in Finland and Denmark said they knew [read more]