Lithuania Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Lithuania, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area since 2007, follows the common Schengen visa policy for entry requirements. Travelers from many countries can enter Lithuania visa-free for short stays, while others may need to apply for a Schengen visa before arrival. The country has modern border control facilities at its international airports in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga, as well as land border crossings with Poland and Latvia (fellow EU members) and Belarus. As a Schengen member state, Lithuania's entry requirements are aligned with other Schengen countries, meaning a visa or entry permit valid for Lithuania is generally valid for travel throughout the Schengen Area. Travelers should be prepared to show proof of accommodation, sufficient funds for their stay, return tickets, and travel insurance when entering the country. The immigration process is typically straightforward for those with proper documentation, though wait times can vary depending on the entry point and time of travel. It's important to note that Lithuania maintains external EU borders with Belarus, which requires additional vigilance and documentation checks. Travelers should ensure all their documents are in order and be prepared to answer questions about their travel plans. Business travelers, students, and those planning extended stays should familiarize themselves with specific requirements for their category of travel well in advance of their trip.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Lithuania follows the Schengen Area visa policy. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Those requiring visas must apply for a Schengen visa, which allows travel throughout the Schengen Area.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period for non-EU/EEA citizens; unlimited for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

Citizens of EU/EEA countries, and many other nations can enter Lithuania without a visa for short stays

Includes

All EU and EEA countries United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico Uruguay Albania Serbia Montenegro North Macedonia Bosnia and Herzegovina Georgia Ukraine (biometric passport holders) Moldova (biometric passport holders)

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date from Schengen Area. Must have been issued within the last 10 years. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Lithuania. Travelers must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds, return tickets, and purpose of visit.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS)

Valid for 3 years or until passport expires, allows multiple entries of up to 90 days within 180 days

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area

Includes

All current visa-exempt non-EU countries including US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others

How to Apply: Apply online through official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Application involves providing personal information, passport details, and answering security questions. Most applications approved within minutes, but can take up to 30 days in complex cases.
Cost: €7 for adults (free for travelers under 18 or over 70)

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization. It does not guarantee entry; border officials make final decisions. Check official EU ETIAS website for implementation date and requirements.

Visa Required

Typically up to 90 days within 180 days for tourist/business visas; longer stays require national visas

Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling to Lithuania

How to Apply: Apply at Lithuanian embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center in your country of residence. Applications should be submitted 15 days to 6 months before intended travel. Required documents include completed application form, valid passport, photos, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and itinerary. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-60 days.

Visa fees are approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years, free for children under 6. Some categories may have reduced or waived fees. Lithuania may represent other Schengen countries for visa applications in certain locations. A Schengen visa issued by Lithuania is valid for the entire Schengen Area.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival in Lithuania, travelers will go through immigration control where border officials verify travel documents and entry eligibility. The process varies slightly depending on whether you're arriving from another Schengen country, an EU country outside Schengen, or from outside the EU. Non-Schengen arrivals should expect passport control and customs checks.

Document Check

Present your passport and any required visas or entry documents to the border control officer. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can use automated gates at major airports if their passport is biometric.

Immigration Interview

Answer questions about your visit, including purpose, duration, accommodation, and financial means. Be prepared to show supporting documents if requested.

Passport Stamping

Non-EU/EEA travelers will receive an entry stamp in their passport. Check that the stamp is clear and legible as it proves your legal entry date. EU/EEA citizens do not receive stamps.

Baggage Claim

Collect your luggage from the designated carousel. Report any missing or damaged baggage immediately to your airline's representative.

Customs Control

Proceed through customs. Choose the green channel (nothing to declare) if you have no goods exceeding duty-free limits, or red channel (goods to declare) if you do. Random checks may occur even in the green channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Must have at least 2 blank pages.

Visa or Entry Authorization

If required for your nationality. ETIAS will be required for visa-exempt travelers once implemented.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter from a host. Should cover your entire stay in the Schengen Area.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you plan to leave the Schengen Area within the allowed timeframe.

Travel Insurance

Medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid throughout the Schengen Area. Mandatory for visa applicants, recommended for all travelers.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Bank statements, credit cards, cash, or sponsorship letter demonstrating ability to support yourself during your stay. Lithuania requires approximately €40 per day.

Supporting Documents

Depending on purpose: business invitation, conference registration, enrollment letter from educational institution, employment contract, etc.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration. Keep them in a folder or document holder rather than buried in luggage.

Answer questions clearly, honestly, and concisely. Don't volunteer unnecessary information but be prepared to provide details if asked.

Dress appropriately and be polite to border officials. First impressions matter and professional conduct facilitates smooth processing.

If arriving from outside the Schengen Area, allow extra time for immigration and customs procedures, especially during peak travel periods.

Keep copies of important documents separate from originals, and have digital copies accessible on your phone or email.

Ensure your passport is in good condition. Damaged passports may be rejected even if technically valid.

If you don't speak Lithuanian or English, consider having key information (hotel address, contact numbers) written in Lithuanian.

Count your days carefully in the Schengen Area. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Customs & Duty-Free

Lithuania follows EU customs regulations. Travelers arriving from non-EU countries must pass through customs control and are subject to duty-free allowances. Those arriving from other EU countries generally face no customs checks, though random inspections can occur. The red and green channel system operates at airports and border crossings.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits (over 22% alcohol) OR 2 liters of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or alcoholic beverages under 22% alcohol; PLUS 4 liters of non-sparkling wine; PLUS 16 liters of beer

Only for travelers aged 18 and over. Allowances apply when arriving from non-EU countries. No limits when traveling from EU countries for personal use.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco; alternatively, a proportional mix of these products

Only for travelers aged 18 and over. These limits apply to arrivals from non-EU countries. Higher indicative limits apply for travel within the EU.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent in other currencies

Amounts of €10,000 or more (or equivalent) must be declared when entering or leaving the EU. This applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and certain other bearer instruments. Failure to declare can result in confiscation and fines.

Gifts/Goods

€430 per person when arriving by air or sea; €300 when arriving by land; €150 for travelers under 15 years old

This covers all goods including perfume, coffee, tea, and other items not specifically listed. Goods exceeding these values are subject to customs duties and VAT. Individual item limits may apply (e.g., 50g perfume, 500g coffee).

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe penalties including imprisonment
Weapons and ammunition - without proper permits and authorization
Counterfeit goods - including fake designer items, pirated media, and currency
Endangered species products - items made from protected animals or plants under CITES regulations
Meat and dairy products - from non-EU countries (with limited exceptions for small quantities)
Certain plants and plant products - to prevent spread of pests and diseases
Offensive materials - including child pornography and materials promoting violence or hatred

Restricted Items

Medications - prescription drugs should be in original packaging with prescription or doctor's letter. Quantities should be reasonable for personal use during stay. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Lithuania.
Firearms and ammunition - require special permits from Lithuanian authorities. Must be declared and documented. Hunters should arrange permits well in advance.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - items of cultural significance may require export permits. Check regulations before purchasing valuable antiques.
Large amounts of cash - while legal if declared, amounts over €10,000 require declaration and may trigger additional scrutiny.
Drones and radio equipment - may require permits or registration. Commercial drone operation requires special authorization.
Live animals - require health certificates, vaccination records, and compliance with EU pet travel regulations. Some species prohibited.
Food products - many food items from non-EU countries are restricted. Baby food and special dietary foods allowed in limited quantities.

Health Requirements

Lithuania does not currently require specific vaccinations for entry for most travelers. However, health requirements can change, particularly in response to disease outbreaks. Travelers should check current requirements before departure and ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only required if arriving from or having transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (certificate must be presented)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure up to date with standard vaccines including MMR, DPT, and polio
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Tick-borne encephalitis - recommended for travelers planning outdoor activities in rural or forested areas, especially from April to November
Rabies - consider for travelers involved with animals or those planning extended stays in rural areas

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation is mandatory for visa applicants and strongly recommended for all travelers. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), though additional travel insurance is still advisable. Healthcare in Lithuania is generally good but can be expensive for uninsured visitors. Insurance should cover COVID-19 related medical costs.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been lifted for entry to Lithuania as of 2023, but travelers should check current health protocols as these can change. Monitor official Lithuanian government and WHO websites for updates on any health-related entry requirements. Some countries may have exit requirements that differ from Lithuania's entry requirements. Travelers from areas with disease outbreaks may face additional screening or quarantine measures.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Lithuania for citizen services and emergency assistance

Register with your embassy if planning an extended stay. Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK) before traveling.

State Border Guard Service

Official Lithuanian immigration authority - www.vsat.vrm.lt (English version available)

For official information on entry requirements, border crossings, and immigration matters. Email: info@vsat.vrm.lt

Migration Department

For visa applications, residence permits, and extended stay matters - www.migracija.lrv.lt

Contact for questions about visa applications, work permits, and legal residence in Lithuania

Emergency Services

112 - Universal emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services

Available 24/7, operators speak Lithuanian, English, and Russian. Use for all emergencies. From mobile phones, 112 works even without credit or SIM card.

Customs Department

Lithuanian Customs - www.lrmuitine.lt - Information line: +370 5 266 6300

For questions about customs regulations, duty-free allowances, and import/export rules

Tourist Information

Lithuania Travel - www.lithuania.travel - Official tourism website

General information for visitors, attractions, and practical travel advice

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be included in parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the travel. The letter should include travel dates, destination, accompanying person details, and contact information. Both parents' signatures should be notarized. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Some airlines have additional requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) entering Lithuania from EU countries must have: microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant), valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), EU pet passport. From non-EU countries: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate issued by official veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and rabies antibody test (for some countries). Dogs must also have tapeworm treatment 1-5 days before entry. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial movement. Certain breeds may face restrictions. Contact State Food and Veterinary Service (www.vmvt.lt) for current requirements. Airlines have additional pet travel policies.

Extended Stays

Stays beyond 90 days within 180 days require a national (D) visa or residence permit. Apply at Lithuanian embassy/consulate in your home country before travel. Categories include: work (requires job offer and work permit), study (requires acceptance from Lithuanian educational institution), family reunification, retirement, or business. Processing takes 1-2 months. Required documents include application form, passport, photos, proof of purpose (employment contract, enrollment letter, etc.), proof of accommodation, health insurance, financial means, and clean criminal record. After arrival, register with Migration Department within 7 days. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register if staying over 3 months.

Business Travelers

Business visitors entering visa-free or with short-stay visa can attend meetings, conferences, negotiations, and sign contracts but cannot perform paid work or provide services. Carry invitation letter from Lithuanian company, conference registration, or business contact details. If planning to work or provide services, a work permit and appropriate visa/residence permit are required. Digital nomads working remotely for non-Lithuanian companies should verify their status, as regulations are evolving. Keep documentation of business purpose readily available.

Transit Passengers

Travelers transiting through Lithuanian airports without leaving the international zone generally don't need a visa, regardless of nationality, if continuing to a third country within 24 hours. However, some nationalities require an airport transit visa (ATV) even for airside transit. If leaving the airport or transit exceeds 24 hours, normal entry requirements apply. Check with your airline and Lithuanian embassy if unsure. Ensure you have valid documents for your final destination.

Students

Students planning to study in Lithuania for more than 90 days need a national student visa (D) and temporary residence permit. Apply at Lithuanian embassy/consulate with: acceptance letter from accredited Lithuanian educational institution, proof of financial means (approximately €515 per month), health insurance, accommodation proof, and clean criminal record. Processing takes 1-2 months. After arrival, register with Migration Department and obtain residence permit card. Students can work part-time (up to 20 hours weekly during term, full-time during holidays) without additional permit. Residence permit typically valid for one year, renewable.