Health & safety
Lithuania Health & Safety: Water, Crime and Emergency Numbers
Lithuania is genuinely one of the safer countries in Europe for visitors, and most trips pass without any real safety concern. A handful of practical points are still worth knowing.
Updated 2026-08-16
Among the Lowest Crime Levels in Europe
Lithuania's crime levels are consistently among the lowest in Europe, and violent crime against tourists is genuinely rare. The standard precaution worth taking is awareness of pickpocketing in busy tourist spots — Vilnius Old Town during peak season, crowded markets and public transport at busy times — the same low-level vigilance sensible in any popular urban destination rather than anything specific to Lithuania. Beyond that, the country's low overall crime rate means visitors can move around confidently, including at night in the main cities, without the heightened caution some other European capitals warrant.
Tap Water Is Safe Everywhere
Tap water in Lithuania is safe and good to drink throughout the country, including from older Soviet-era plumbing infrastructure in some buildings — a genuine point of reassurance rather than a caveat, since the pipes' age doesn't affect the water quality delivered. Bottled water is entirely unnecessary here, and carrying a reusable bottle to refill from the tap is a straightforward, practical choice rather than any risk.
Emergency Numbers
In an emergency, dial 112 for the general emergency line, which connects to police, medical or fire services as needed — 102 reaches police directly and 103 reaches medical services directly, for anyone who prefers a more specific line. The Bendrasis pagalbos centras dispatcher network operates in Lithuanian, Russian and English, a genuine practical reassurance for visitors who don't speak Lithuanian.