Lithuania Entry Requirements

Lithuania Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Information last reviewed June 2024. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Lithuania sits inside the Schengen Area, so its entry rules match those of 26 other European countries. Most short-term visitors breeze in without a visa. Yet keep proof of onward travel, accommodation, and enough cash ready. Immigration at Vilnius (VNO), Kaunas (KUN), and Palanga (PLQ) airports is usually swift: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens glide through e-gates while everyone else waits for manual checks. Border guards may quiz you on what you plan to do in Lithuania or where you will sleep, so keep bookings or a clear itinerary within reach.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Lithuania follows the Schengen visa code. Citizens of certain countries may enter Lithuania without a visa for short stays, while others need an approved Schengen visa or electronic authorization.

Visa-Free Entry
90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of the EU/EEA, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several other countries may enter Lithuania without a visa for tourism or business.

Includes
United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Israel Brazil Argentina Chile United Arab Emirates all EU/EEA and Schengen countries

The 90/180 rule is cumulative across the entire Schengen Area, not just Lithuania. Entry stamps are still placed in passports even for visa-free travelers.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
N/A

Lithuania does not currently issue ETAs or e-visas. All travelers must either enter visa-free or apply for a traditional Schengen visa.

How to Apply: N/A
Cost: N/A

Watch for official announcements, as the EU is planning a future ETIAS system.

Visa Required
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

Travelers holding passports from countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa (type C) before arrival.

How to Apply: Apply at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your country. If none exists, apply at the Schengen member state that represents Lithuania. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days but can extend to 45 days during peak periods.

A single visa allows travel within the entire Schengen Area. You must enter through Lithuania if it is your main destination.

Arrival Process

Upon landing in Lithuania, follow the signs to 'Passport Control' or 'Pasų Kontrolė'. The process is straightforward. But queues can form at the height of summer when flights from beach destinations and city-break hubs coincide.

1
Document Check
Present your passport (and visa if required) to the border guard or scan it at the e-gate (EU/EEA citizens only).
2
Purpose of Visit
Non-EU travelers may be asked to state why they are visiting Lithuania and where they plan to stay.
3
Baggage Claim & Customs
Collect checked bags and proceed through the green or red channel depending on whether you have items to declare.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport
Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last ten years.
Visa (if required)
Schengen type C visa sticker or residence permit.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservations, Airbnb confirmations, or a formal invitation letter if staying with friends.
Return or Onward Ticket
Air, bus, or train ticket out of the Schengen Area within the 90-day window.
Travel Health Insurance
Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies. May be requested at the border.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Carry printed accommodation proof. Mobile screenshots sometimes fail under airport Wi-Fi.
If you plan day trips to Latvia or Poland, remind the officer that you will re-enter Lithuania before flying out.

Customs & Duty-Free

Lithuania applies EU customs rules. Arrivals from EU countries face no duty on personal goods, while those arriving from non-EU countries receive duty-free allowances.

Alcohol
1 litre of spirits over 22 % vol OR 2 litres of spirits up to 22 % vol, plus 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer
Minimum age for import is 18 years.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 g smoking tobacco
Age 18 and over only.
Currency
€10,000 or equivalent must be declared
Applies to cash, bearer cheques, and money orders.
Gifts/Goods
€430 per adult arriving by air, €300 by other means
Cannot be for commercial resale. Keep receipts.

Prohibited Items

  • Counterfeit currency or goods, will be seized and may lead to fines
  • Meat and dairy from non-EU countries, animal health restrictions
  • Endangered species products, CITES rules apply

Restricted Items

  • Medications containing narcotics, carry prescription and letter from your doctor translated into English or Lithuanian
  • Cultural artefacts older than 50 years, export permit required

Health Requirements

Lithuania does not impose vaccination requirements for routine tourism. However, carrying adequate health insurance is strongly recommended.

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, flu)
  • Hepatitis A if eating outside major hotels or restaurants
  • Hepatitis B if you may have close contact with local healthcare

Health Insurance

Travel medical insurance is mandatory for visa-required visitors and advisable for visa-exempt travelers to cover private clinics in Lithuania. The national EHIC/GHIC cards provide only emergency state care.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 entry restrictions were lifted in May 2022. Re-check closer to departure in case of reintroduction, if traveling via countries with active measures.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
Find your country's embassy or consulate
Check your government's travel advisory website
Immigration Authority
Official immigration website
For visa applications and official information
Emergency
Emergency services number
112 connects to police, ambulance, and fire services anywhere in Lithuania

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

If only one parent or a non-parent is accompanying a minor, carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). Birth certificates are not routinely requested but can speed up any questions.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs, cats, and ferrets need an EU pet passport or third-country veterinary certificate, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination. Entry points are Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda seaport. Notify transport operator 48 hours in advance.

Extended Stays

For stays longer than 90 days, apply for a national long-stay (D) visa or residence permit through the Lithuanian Migration Department before the 90-day tourist period expires. Popular grounds include work, study, or family reunification.

Know What to Pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

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