No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-04-20T13:28:10Z
Full advisory →Is Daugavpils safe? 🇱🇻
Latvia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Daugavpils scores 84/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes — Daugavpils is safe for visitors, with petty crime risks comparable to other Latvian cities. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Daugavpils 🇱🇻
Latvia · Assessed 29 July 2026
84
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~91% of countries
What drives this score
Crime72/100GoodCrime index 36.0 / 100
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories97Good
Stability75Good
Health97Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Latvia: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-22T12:06:07.4254477-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
2.5 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Latvia2.5World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
82
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare; incidents are isolated and typically occur late at night near the railway station
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is common in busy markets, train stations and during large events
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveller reports on forums and review sites indicate visitors generally feel comfortable walking during daylight, but many note heightened vigilance around crowds and public transport.
Yes — Daugavpils is safe for visitors, with petty crime risks comparable to other Latvian cities.
Daugavpils scores 84/100 on the composite safety index, placing it well above the global average for visitor safety. While violent crime is low, pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are moderate concerns in crowded areas, and recent reports note a rise in petty theft. Official advisories from the UK, Canada and the US urge normal precautions, and there are no active disaster alerts.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Suspected one‑man crime wave apprehended in Daugavpils – police seized weapons and drugs— LSM
- Jul 2026Petty theft on the rise in Latvia – article highlighting increasing pickpocket incidents in Daugavpils city centre— LSM
- Apr 2026Airspace violations and military debris reported near Daugavpils; potential transport disruptions— travel.gc.ca
Common scams
- fake taxi overcharging
- overpriced restaurant bills
- counterfeit ticket scams at cultural venues
Full briefing
Safety briefing
Daugavpils is rated safe for travelers. The composite safety index of 84 / 100 puts the city ahead of 91 % of countries, and violent crime—including homicide—is well below the global average. Official government advisories from the UK, Canada and the United States ask visitors to “exercise normal security precautions,” reflecting only low‑level risks.
The most relevant current threats are petty‑crime related. Recent LSM reports (June 2026) describe a police‑led operation that dismantled a suspected lone‑offender crime wave in the city, and a July 2026 article notes a noticeable uptick in pickpocketing incidents in the city centre. While these events do not signal a surge in violent crime, they do mean that visitors should stay alert in crowded places such as the central market, railway station and popular tourist attractions.
Scams that specifically target tourists include fake taxi drivers who overcharge, restaurants that inflate bills after a “tourist menu” is ordered, and counterfeit tickets sold at cultural sites. The Canadian government’s travel advisory also warns of occasional airspace violations and military debris that can cause temporary transport disruptions; travelers should monitor local notices and allow extra time for transfers.
Practical safety tips
1. Keep wallets, phones and passports in a front‑pocket money belt or hidden pouch; avoid displaying valuables in busy areas. 2. Use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare apps; confirm the vehicle’s registration plate before boarding. 3. Stick to well‑lit, main‑street routes after dark, especially near the railway station and peripheral neighborhoods. 4. Carry a small amount of cash; pay larger bills only at established establishments, and double‑check receipts. 5. Stay informed of any sudden transport alerts—particularly those related to airspace or road closures—by checking the “112 Latvia” warning system or local news (e.g., LSM updates).
By following these steps, visitors can enjoy Daugavpils’ historic fortress, museums and summer festivals with confidence, while minimizing the modest risks of pickpocketing and occasional scams.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Daugavpils districts for visitors: 2 safer, 3 needing caution and 3 best avoided. See them plotted on the Daugavpils safety map.
Daugavpils Railway DistrictavoidKnown for transient populations and recent petty crime spikes; avoid after dark
Daugavpils South Industrial ZoneavoidIsolated industrial area with minimal lighting; higher risk of theft and trespassing
Daugavpils East Industrial AreaavoidSparse population and limited lighting; documented theft incidents in recent months
Daugavpils Central DistrictcautionHigh foot traffic and tourist activity; stay alert for pickpocketing, especially after dark
Daugavpils West SuburbcautionMixed residential activity; occasional reports of anti-social behavior near parks
Daugavpils North RiverbankcautionPopular for recreation but isolated stretches have limited surveillance; stay in groups
Daugavpils Old TownsaferWell-patrolled historic area with visible police presence; generally safe day and night
Daugavpils Private SectorsaferResidential and commercial zone with low crime; normal precautions advised
07 · After Dark
Is Daugavpils safe at night?
75% of people in Latvia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2020).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare; incidents are isolated and typically occur late at night near the railway station
After dark, be most careful around Daugavpils Railway District, Daugavpils South Industrial Zone, Daugavpils East Industrial Area, Daugavpils Central District. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Daugavpils's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight80
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight81
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight83
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight81
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight84
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight82
09 · Questions
Daugavpils safety FAQ
Is Daugavpils safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Daugavpils is safe for visitors, with petty crime risks comparable to other Latvian cities. Daugavpils scores 84/100 on the composite safety index, placing it well above the global average for visitor safety. While violent crime is low, pickpocketing and bag‑snatching are moderate concerns in crowded areas, and recent reports note a rise in petty theft. Official advisories from the UK, Canada and the US urge normal precautions, and there are no active disaster alerts. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Daugavpils should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Daugavpils Railway District, Daugavpils South Industrial Zone, Daugavpils East Industrial Area as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Daugavpils?
- fake taxi overcharging
- overpriced restaurant bills
- counterfeit ticket scams at cultural venues
How does Daugavpils compare with other places in Latvia?
Daugavpils ranks #2 of 3 Latvia destinations we've assessed, scoring 84/100. See the Latvia safety overview for the full list.
How is this Daugavpils safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
More Latvia reports
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4 reportsBrowse the Latvia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: daugavpils.json (CC BY 4.0).