The self-latching device comprises a frame (11, 17, 21, 24, 31) arranged to be mounted on the hinged closure member, in particular on a gate, a latch bolt (7) movably mounted on the frame in a horizontal direction between a latching position and a retracted position, a latch bolt spring (70) arranged to bias the latch bolt (7) into the latching position, and operator means (10) mounted on top of the frame so as to be operable from both sides of the closure member (2) and connected by means of a latch bolt operating mechanism to the latch bolt (7) for moving it from the latching to the retracted position. The self-latching device is especially suited for being mounted in a vertical tubular member of or fixed to a safety gate around an area which is dangerous for children, in particular around a swimming pool area.