ETIAS for Lithuania

From 2026 , the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, will come into effect. Lithuania is one of the countries in Europe that will require travellers to have ETIAS authorisation to enter visa-free.

Foreign citizens from visa-exempt countries who travel to any country in the Schengen Area for business or leisure must apply for an ETIAS Travel Authorisation once the system is in effect. A Lithuania ETIAS will also be valid for travel within the other countries in the system.

The principal reason for the introduction of the Europe travel permit ETIAS is to improve security within the borders of Europe as a whole. However, the online ETIAS application is designed to be a simple and efficient process.

Lithuania joined the European Union in May 2004 and adopted the euro currency in 2015. Internal European trade currently makes up around 60% of Lithuania’s exports.

There are currently 11 members of the European Parliament from Lithuania and representatives from the Lithuanian government regularly attend the EU Council meetings.

Lithuania has been a member of the Schengen Area, which allows free travel between member countries since 2007. As well as being bordered by fellow Schengen nations Poland and Latvia, it enjoys close proximity to Finland, Sweden and Denmark across the Baltic Sea.

In recent years, the government of Lithuania has been involved in the development of the ETIAS visa waiver for Europe, aimed at boosting safety and security across the European Schengen Area, including Lithuania.

International tourism in Lithuania has been on the rise in recent years, around 1.7 million overseas visitors now spend time in the country annually. The main attractions of the Baltic state are its architecture, stunning nature and wildlife in addition to a number of excellent seaside resorts and spa towns.

Lithuania receives many visitors from neighbouring Schengen Countries Latvia and Poland who make the most of border-free travel.

It’s not only European nationals that can enter Lithuania without a visa. Thanks to Europe’s visa liberalisation policy, passport holders from a number of non-EU countries can enjoy up to 90 days in the country visa-free. From 2026 , an ETIAS visa waiver for Lithuania will also be available to nationals of these countries.

Lithuania’s location in the centre of Europe makes it an excellent base from which to explore other EU countries.

Another reason to go to Lithuania is that travellers get plenty for their money. Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city, often ranks as one of the least expensive cities in Europe.

In addition to tourism, business trips to Lithuania are also on the increase. Vilnius is Lithuania’s business hub and several notable companies have their headquarters in the city. Known for its high quality of life and broad talent range, Lithuania is also considered a good place for starting a company.

IS HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDED FOR LITHUANIA?

Citizens of European countries should take their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when in Lithuania. EHIC holders can get access to healthcare across the EU.

Whether or not visitors from outside of Europe need medical insurance depends on the type of permit they are travelling with: ETIAS or a Schengen visa.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS LITHUANIA

Non-EU citizens of countries eligible for visa-free access to Europe will soon need to register with ETIAS before going to Lithuania.

Although having health cover is not one of the ETIAS requirements, all foreigners are recommended to take out insurance to enjoy Lithuania with greater peace of mind.

HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR LITHUANIA

Passport holders from countries outside the EU that are not eligible for visa-free entry to Lithuania must instead obtain a Schengen visa.

To do so, all the visa criteria must be met, including providing evidence of medical insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area. The minimum coverage is €30,000.

Schengen visa applications that do not include the relevant documentary proof will be refused.

CROSSING LITHUANIA BORDER CHECKPOINTS

Visitors from other EU territories should simply ensure they have their identification document with them when crossing the border into Lithuania. Travellers from Poland and Latvia can cross the land border without being stopped at border checkpoints.

Passport holders from non-EU countries that do not need a visa for Europe can remain in Lithuania for up to 90 days visa-free. One ETIAS is introduced, it will be necessary to have a visa waiver linked to the passport.

Non-EU citizens who are not eligible for ETIAS will be asked to present the following at the external Schengen Area border in order to access Lithuania:

Border officials may ask questions regarding the purpose and length of stay in Lithuania.

ARRIVING IN LITHUANIA BY PLANE, CAR, AND TRAIN

Vilnius Airport (IATA: VNO, ICAO: EYVI) is the largest airport in Lithuania handling around 5 million passengers a year. With many tourists and international business people beginning their trip in the capital, flying is a popular option for many overseas visitors.

The international airport is located just under 6 km south of the city, a bus to the city centre takes just 20 minutes. There are direct flights from many European countries including Norway, Italy, and Spain, as well as good connections to more destinations outside the EU.

It is possible to travel by train to Lithuania. This is a good alternative if arriving from neighbouring or nearby Schengen Area nations. There are train services between Vilnius and Warsaw in Poland and Riga in Latvia, although these are not direct trains and transfers are required.

The most convenient alternative to flying to Lithuania is to go by bus. A direct bus takes passengers from the Polish capital to Vilnius in just under 10 hours, whilst the bus from Riga takes around 4 hours.

As Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, foreigners crossing an internal Schengen border into Lithuania will not be stopped at checkpoints, they should carry their passport with approved ETIAS visa waiver attached throughout the trip.

Tourism in Lithuania is becoming increasingly popular, with the largest number of foreign visitors arriving from Germany, Russia, and Poland. There is a wide variety of attractions for tourists in Lithuania, from majestic national parks to stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Trakai Historical National Park is perhaps the most impressive Lithuania tourist attraction. This huge green area boasts over 200 vast lakes, and at its centre is the town of Trakai itself. This historic town built on water and its striking, terracotta-coloured castle are well worth visiting.

Not far from Trakai is the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, which was named as a European Capital of Culture in 2009. The many attractions in Vilnius include vast amounts of impressive medieval architecture and The Gate of Dawn, an ancient city gate which houses a painting of the Virgin Mary said to have supernatural powers.

Tourists seeking an adventure holiday in Lithuania can take a trip in a hot air balloon; it is claimed Lithuania has the world’s highest number of hot air balloons per capita. Other outdoor activities include treetop walking, windsurfing, and kayaking.