Security travel advice for Lithuania

How safe is Lithuania?

Threat level:Low-Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Lithuania

Due to a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, Lithuania is currently in nationwide lockdown since the 7th of November, restricting movement within the country. People can only go out for essentials. As a result of this, people must work remotely, non-essential businesses have closed including catering businesses and entertainment venues, social gatherings have been limited to 5 people outdoors and people are not allowed to meet indoors with another household, unless they are part of a support bubble.

Commercial flights have resumed on the 1st of January 2021 and international travellers are allowed entry on the condition that they self-isolate for 10 days and that they provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test on arrival in Lithuania, taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. Travellers must also fill in a Passenger Locator Form prior to arrival.

As a preventive measure, wearing a facemask in public transport, taxis, shops, restaurants (unless consuming food or drink) and indoor public places is now compulsory. However, there is no obligation to wear a mask for children under 6 and outside cities, towns and villages where there are no one in a 20-meter radius.

See our healthcare section to find out about preventive measures against coronavirus.

Security in Lithuania

The current travel advice for visits to Lithuania is to remain cautious of petty crime, however any visit should be relatively trouble-free, the terror threat is low as is the crime rate. The country does have some areas, particularly tourist attractions that attract petty crimes such as pick pocketing. Tourists are also sometimes targeted in night clubs and bars, and have reported having drinks and food drugged to make them more vulnerable targets for various crimes, although cases like this are quite uncommon.

One of the main crimes that occur in the cities like Vilnius is car theft. Cars left in streets and not in secure car parks are at most risk, and reports of car theft have increased over recent years. Lock unattended vehicles and hide contents. Use guarded car parks in cities if possible, risk of car theft is higher at night.

Basic security precautions should be taken when travelling to Lithuania to ensure a trouble-free visit. Public transport hubs such as bus stops and train stations attract crimes such as muggings and bag snatching, they do not occur at a higher rate but thieves often target tourists. Avoid crowded places where possible and keep travel documents and other valuables close to you at all times.

Liechtenstein's International Relations

Liechtenstein enjoys friendly relations with many European countries, particularly with Switzerland whom it shares a customs union with. The country is not a member of the European Union, however it is part of the European Economic Area, which allows the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital across the internal market of the E.U.

Liechtenstein is a valued member of the United Nations and now has newly founded diplomatic relations with Slovakia and the Czech Republic after unsettled circumstances dating back to World War II.

Lithuania's International Relations

Lithuania is a member of both the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, maintaining foreign diplomatic relationships in 94 countries. It is also an active member in the cooperation between Northern Europe countries and is a member of Baltic Council.

Lithuania has shaky relations with Latvia, as there are minor disputes over a maritime boundary and oil exploration rights. The countries share over 350 miles of boundary and most of this is undisputed.

Travelling around Lithuania

You can drive in Lithuania with a UK driver's licence and other EU licences. It is a legal requirement for all drivers to have suitable insurance and carry the original vehicle registration documents.

Between 10 November and 1 April, it is a legal requirements to have winter tires and you must drive with dipped headlights all year round.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Lithuania

Police emergency: 112
Fire emergency: 112
Medical emergency: 112

Lithuania Overview

Capital: Vilnius
Official languages: Lithuanian
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic Church)
Currency: Euro (EUR)

Consular information for Lithuania

U.S. Embassy
Akmenų g. 6
Vilnius 03106
Lithuania
Telephone: +370 5 266 5500
Email: WebEmailVilnius@state.gov

British Embassy
Antakalnio str. 2
Vilnius
LT-10308
Lithuania
Telephone: +370 5 246 2900
Email: be-vilnius@britain.lt

Visa requirements for Lithuania

Australian, Canadian and US citizens can stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days without a visa. EU nationals may stay for an unlimited period, but must register with the local authorities after three months. Other nations should check with their nearest embassy before travel to avoid complications.

As the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals can travel without a visa to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, to stay longer than 90 days in Lithuania whether for work, study, business travel or any other reasons, a visa will be required. Please note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days will be cumulative and will count towards the 90-day limit.

Healthcare and Immunisations

If you are a British citizen, your UK EHIC card remains valid when travelling to an EU country until it expires, providing access to state-provided healthcare in Lithuania. After that, British citizens must apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which will cover them for state-provided healthcare in the EU. Nevertheless, you will be required to show proof on arrival that you have travel insurance for your trip.

COVID-19 cases have been reported in Lithuania. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures. To avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, wear a face mask in public, apply good hygiene practices, maitain social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

It is advised that visitors to Lithuania are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Tick born Encephalitis is a risk in Lithuania during the warmer months and is more common in rural areas.