Lithuania Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
EU Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Who
- Non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, whether or not they need a visa
- When
- At the border, each time you cross an external border of a country using the system
- Cost
- Free
Passport control officers take a photo of your face and/or scan your fingerprints, and your passport is no longer stamped. Nothing needs to be done before travel.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26 -
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) Not yet in operation
- Who
- Visa-exempt visitors, once the system starts
- When
- Not required yet. The EU will announce the start date several months in advance
ETIAS is not in operation and no applications are being collected. Sites offering to apply for it now are not official.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Lithuania's visa policy follows the broader Schengen framework. The same visa covering France or Germany typically covers Lithuania too. Whether you need a visa depends entirely on nationality. Categories below outline general structure. Verify your specific situation through the Lithuanian Migration Department's official website. Bilateral agreements and policy updates can change the picture.
Citizens of several countries may enter Lithuania and the wider Schengen Area without a visa for short stays. Eligibility and permitted length of stay depend on nationality and any bilateral agreements in force.
Visa-free entry does not mean unlimited entry. Your stay typically counts within a rolling reference period across the entire Schengen Area, not just Lithuania. Days spent in other Schengen countries count toward the same allowance. Your passport generally needs validity beyond planned departure and should have been issued within the previous ten years. Confirm exact requirements for your nationality before traveling.
The European Union has announced ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. This will eventually apply to visa-exempt visitors entering Lithuania and the rest of the Schengen Area. The system is not yet in operation. No applications are currently being collected. You do not need to apply for ETIAS at this time. The EU will announce the launch date well in advance. Any website currently offering to process ETIAS applications is not an official source.
Cost: To be confirmed at launch.
Until ETIAS becomes active, visa-exempt travelers simply need a valid passport to enter Lithuania. Watch for official announcements from the European Commission or the Lithuanian Migration Department regarding the start date.
Nationals of countries without visa exemption agreements with the Schengen Area need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Lithuania. This is a traditional consular visa, applied for at a Lithuanian embassy or consulate, or in some cases through an authorized visa application center.
Apply early. Processing times stretch during peak travel seasons. Some applicants may be called for an interview. A Schengen visa issued by Lithuania is valid for entry into any Schengen country. Enter through Lithuania if it is your main destination. Check the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current list of required documents and any country-specific instructions.
Arrival Process
Arriving in Lithuania is generally calm. This applies whether you land at Vilnius or Kaunas airport or cross overland. The process follows standard Schengen procedures. One addition exists for non-EU nationals: biometric registration under the EU's Entry/Exit System.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Lithuania applies EU customs rules. Arrivals from EU countries face no formalities generally, though excise limits apply to alcohol and tobacco. Non-EU arrivals get standard duty-free allowances. Declare goods exceeding those limits.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances are barred unless you carry valid medical prescriptions with supporting documents
- Counterfeit goods are prohibited, including fake branded clothing, accessories, and electronics
- Certain weapons and ammunition without proper permits
- Products from CITES-protected endangered species are banned, including ivory, certain skins, and exotic animal products
- Meat, dairy, and certain animal products from outside the EU are restricted, with narrow exceptions for personal-use quantities from select countries
Restricted Items
- Firearms and ammunition need advance Lithuanian permits. Carry documentation always
- Some medications, those with controlled substances, require medical certificates or prescriptions translated into English or Lithuanian
- Cultural artifacts, antiques, and works of art may require an export permit from the country of origin. Check before you buy.
- Plants, seeds, and soil are subject to phytosanitary regulations and may require inspection or certification. Plan ahead.
Health Requirements
Lithuania keeps health entry requirements light for most visitors. A few details matter.
Required Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are routinely required for entry into Lithuania. Arriving from a yellow fever endemic country? Carry proof. Check with Lithuanian health authorities or your own travel health advisory if your route stops in affected regions.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Keep routine vaccinations current. That means measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and seasonal influenza.
- Consider tick-borne encephalitis vaccination. Forested and rural areas carry risk, in warmer months. Ask your travel health provider.
- Hepatitis An and B vaccinations may suit your trip. Depends on activities and length of stay.
Health Insurance
EU and EEA citizens should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card. It opens state healthcare during temporary stays. It does not cover everything. It is not travel insurance. Non-EU nationals need solid health coverage. Medical treatment, hospitalization, and evacuation should all be included. Schengen visa applicants need insurance by rule.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Free, No-Obligation Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Lithuania Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children need valid travel documents. Passport or, for EU citizens, national ID. Traveling with one parent only? Or with non-parents? Border officials may demand proof of consent. Carry a signed letter from absent parents. Notarized if possible. Bring the child's birth certificate copy. Formats vary by nationality. Check Lithuanian guidance and your own country's rules. Some require apostille stamps.
EU pets need a passport, microchip, and current rabies shot. Pets from outside the EU need more: an official veterinary health certificate, microchip, rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before arrival, and sometimes an antibody titer test. Limits apply on pets per person for non-commercial entry. Check the Lithuanian Food and Veterinary Service. Rules vary by species and departure country.
Staying longer than permitted? Apply for a national visa or temporary residence permit through the Lithuanian Migration Department. Submit before your short stay expires. Valid reasons include work, study, family reunification, and select other categories. Begin early. Processing takes weeks.
EU and EEA visitors drive on their domestic license. Most other travelers need an International Driving Permit plus their national license. Lithuania drives on the right. Renting? Confirm requirements with the company. Some demand an IDP regardless of bilateral agreements.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Lithuania Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Lithuania?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.