Lithuania

🇱🇹

Phone Code

+370

Capital

Vilnius

Population

2.8 Million

Native Name

Lietuva

Region

Europe

Northern Europe

Timezone

Eastern European Time

UTC+02:00

Lithuania is a Baltic country in Northern Europe, the largest and most populous of the three Baltic states (with Latvia and Estonia). An EU, NATO, Schengen, and Eurozone member since 2004-2015, Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence in 1990. Vilnius, the capital and largest city, features one of Europe's largest surviving medieval old towns (UNESCO) with distinctive Baroque architecture. Lithuania has a strong national identity and one of the oldest languages in Europe - Lithuanian is one of only two surviving Baltic languages (with Latvian) and remarkably similar to ancient Indo-European. Visitors are drawn to Vilnius Old Town's Baroque churches and courtyards, Trakai Island Castle on lake, Hill of Crosses pilgrimage site (100,000+ crosses), Curonian Spit sand dunes (UNESCO, shared with Russia), Kaunas interwar architecture and fortress, Nida artist colony, basketball culture (national obsession), Soviet occupation museums (KGB Museum, Grūtas Park), amber jewelry (Baltic gold), and Baltic nature. Lithuania offers Baltic culture, Soviet history, and medieval heritage with good value compared to Western Europe.

Visa Requirements for Lithuania

As a Schengen Area member, Lithuania follows standard Schengen visa policies. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter with just a valid ID card or passport and stay indefinitely with freedom of movement rights. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area. Those requiring Schengen visas should apply through Lithuanian embassies or consulates (or any Schengen embassy if Lithuania has no representation), submitting completed applications, passport photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), and proof of financial means. Lithuania welcomed 3+ million international visitors in 2019. Processing typically takes 15 calendar days. Lithuania is an excellent and affordable entry point to the Baltic states and Northern Europe with well-developed tourism infrastructure.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; applies to entire Schengen Area including Lithuania; passport must be valid 3 months beyond departure; proof of sufficient funds and return ticket advisable.

For tourism, business, conferences, or short stays for US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other eligible nationalities.

EU/EEA/Swiss Entry

Unlimited stay; can enter with valid national ID card or passport; freedom of movement rights apply; can work and study without permits; register residence if staying over 90 days; fully integrated EU rights.

For EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens for any purpose including tourism, work, study, or residence.

Schengen Visa (Type C)

Up to 90 days within 180-day period; valid for all Schengen countries including Lithuania; single, double, or multiple entry options; processing typically 15 days; apply at Lithuanian embassy or any Schengen embassy.

For short-term stays for tourism, business, cultural events, or conferences for nationalities requiring Schengen visa.

National Visa (Type D)

Beyond 90 days up to 1 year initially; requires specific purpose documentation (work contract, university admission, marriage certificate, etc.); leads to temporary residence permit; Lithuania-specific; allows travel in Schengen; apply at Lithuanian embassy.

For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, family reunification, or long-term residence in Lithuania.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen Area. Issued within last 10 years.

90/180 Schengen rule: Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period across ENTIRE Schengen Area (26 countries), not just Lithuania. Track days carefully if visiting multiple Schengen countries.

Language: Lithuanian is official language, one of oldest living Indo-European languages. Russian widely understood (Soviet legacy, 40% of population speaks Russian). English increasingly common among younger people and in Vilnius. Polish spoken in some eastern regions. Language barrier greater than Latvia/Estonia.