Lithuania Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Vilnius.

Geography:

Lithuania is situated on the eastern Baltic coast and borders Latvia in the north, the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation and Poland in the southwest, and Belarus in the southwest and east. The geometrical centre of Europe lies in eastern Lithuania near the village of Bernotai, 25km (16 miles) north of Vilnius. The landscape alternates between lowland plains and hilly uplands and has a dense, intricate network of rivers, including the Nemunas and the Neris. Around 1.5% of the country's territory is made up of lakes, of which there are over 2,800. The majority of these lie in the east of the country and include Lake Druksiai and Lake Tauragnas.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Airlines operating direct flights to Lithuania from the UK include Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and Wizz (www.wizzair.com). You can find cheap fares year-round, with prices rising over busy periods such as Christmas, Easter and school summer holidays. If travelling from the USA, the quickest routes are via Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Helsinki.

The major airport is: Vilnius Airport.

Departure Tax

Lt60.

Flight Times

From London - 2 hours 40 minutes; New York - 11 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

Lithuania has direct road connections to Latvia, Belarus, Poland and the Russian exclave Kaliningrad.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Klaipeda is connected by trade routes with foreign ports. It also has a cruise-ship terminal.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

There are no scheduled internal flights. Lithuania's compact size means it makes more sense to get around by car, bus or train.

Car Hire

Available from local and international firms.

Coach

A good coach network connects Vilnius with major towns and cities around Lithuania and beyond. You can buy tickets online at www.autobusubilietai.lt.

Documentation

Most European nationals should be in possession of EU pink format driving licences. Otherwise, a national driving licence is sufficient, if supported by photo-bearing ID.

Getting Around By Rail

Lietuvos Gelezinkeliai (tel: +370 7005 5111; www.litrail.lt) provides good connections from Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipeda and Siauliai. Twice-daily passenger trains (including a sleeper train) connect Vilnius with the Baltic coast. Though the train does not stop in Palanga, the major resort on the Baltic coast, passengers to Palanga usually get off at Kretinga station or in Klaipeda and then reach Palanga by bus.

Passengers to Neringa (Nida, Juodkrante) can go to Klaipeda by train and then take a bus. Suburban trains going to Ignalina connect Vilnius with the popular lake district of the National Park. You can reach the ancient Trakai Castle by taking the suburban train going to Trakai.

Regulations

The minimum driving age is 18. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in towns, 70-90kph (43-56mph) on country roads and 100-130kph (62-81mph) on motorways. Winter conditions can be severe in Lithuania so winter tyres are a legal requirement from November to March. Dipped headlights are also compulsory all year round.

Road Quality

There is a good network of roads within the country. Modern four-lane motorways connect Vilnius with Klaipeda, Kaunas and Panevezys.

Side Of Road

r

Urban Travel

Public transport in urban districts includes buses and trolleybuses, which usually run from 0500 to 2300, but times do vary between routes. You can buy tickets either at news kiosks before boarding or from the driver. Minibuses are less crowded but more expensive. Taxis display illuminated Taksi signs and can be hailed in the street, found at taxi ranks or ordered by phone.

Getting Around By Water

Local ferries connect Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit. Klaipeda is also home to yacht clubs.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Lithuania set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Lithuanian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Lithuania follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must: 

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Lithuania, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: 

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Lithuania are different.  

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At Lithuanian border control, you may need to:

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Lithuanian government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the Lithuanian Embassy in the UK .

If you stay in Lithuania with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Lithuania. 

Arriving from Belarus, Ukraine or Russia 

If you arrive in Lithuania from Belarus, Ukraine or Russia, including the Kaliningrad Oblast, and need help, call +370 5246 2900 and select 'calling about an emergency involving a British national'. You can also contact FCDO online.

British nationals can travel to Lithuania from Belarus, Russia or Ukraine by car or bus. 

For more information, see Russia travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Lithuania guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Lithuania. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Lithuania

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Lithuania

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.  

Russian vehicle restrictions

There are restrictions on vehicles with Russian number plates in Lithuania.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.      

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Lithuania

Terrorist attacks in Lithuania cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Petty crime is common. To reduce your risk:

• beware of pickpockets in busy locations and on public transport
• avoid unlit streets and parks at night
• be cautious if you're walking alone
• do not leave coats and handbags unattended in bars, pubs and clubs

Drink and food spiking

There have been instances of drink spiking in Vilnius and at festivals and events elsewhere in Lithuania. Do not leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.   

Car theft

Car theft is a problem as well as theft from cars. Park in guarded car parks in cities, especially overnight. Do not leave your luggage in a car for any length of time.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possessing even very small quantities of drugs can lead to imprisonment or heavy fines.

LGBT+ travellers

While there are some LGBT+ friendly venues in larger cities, small towns and rural areas can be less accepting of LGBT+ travellers.

Same-sex relationships are legal and same-sex partners can live together, but same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are not recognised under Lithuanian law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.       

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Lithuania, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Lithuania guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other requirements that you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Lithuania. Make sure it has the correct name and address. Renew or update your licence if necessary.

If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.   

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Lithuania, and the legal limits are stricter than in the UK. If you are tested and have over the legal limit for alcohol in your system, you may face a heavy fine and imprisonment.        

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Taxis

It is safer to use a recognised taxi app or to phone for a registered taxi that uses a meter. Make sure the meter is switched on to avoid arguments about the fare.

Curonian Spit, Klaipeda

The Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is divided between Lithuania and Russia – the northern half is in Lithuania and the southern half is part of Kaliningrad, Russia. Visitors should be aware that the walk along the Curonian Spit in Lithuanian territory will eventually reach Russian territory. See Russia travel advice.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Lithuania
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Lithuania. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Lithuania

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Lithuania where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Lithuania, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:  

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:  

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Lithuania.  

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Lithuania

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Lithuania
• dealing with a death in Lithuania
• being arrested in Lithuania
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Lithuania on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Lithuania are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Water supplies are generally reliable in cities, though it has a high mineral content and can be cloudy. Bottled or filtered water is preferable for these reasons. If travelling in rural areas, drink only bottled water. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are generally safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Exercise food and drink hygiene precautions, especially in rural areas.

Other Risks:

Hepatitis B is present. Tuberculosis may be a threat. Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in forested areas, and vaccination is strongly advisable. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Currency Information:

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Credit Cards:

Major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, restaurants, shops and in some petrol stations. ATMs are available in most cities.

ATMs:

ATMs are available in most cities.

Travellers Cheques:

These are not accepted by retailers and can only be exchanged at a few outlets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks also open Sat 0900-1300.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. There are 24-hour exchange bureaux at Gelezinkelio 6, near the main railway station and at Lietuvos Taupomasis Bankas, Savanoriu 15A in Vilnius.

Currencies

Exchange Rates

Language

Lithuanian is the official language. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian (Aukstaiciai) and Low Lithuanian (Zemaiciai).

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

List Of Public Holidays

Note:

Holidays falling on the weekend, including those that are always celebrated on Sunday, are observed the following Monday.

Overview:

Lithuania is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Lithuania's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine).
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Lithuania's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Lithuania by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• For air travellers: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these products provided that you do not exceed the total limit.
• For land and sea travellers: 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume or a proportional mix of these products provided the limit is not exceeded.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15).

Banned Imports:

Meat, dairy and fish products from outside the EU, narcotics, and unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

There are restrictions on the import of plants and plant products.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.

Internet:

Internet is available; public access is at the Lithuanian National Library and increasingly at Internet centres and cafes in main cities and towns.

Post

Post to Western Europe takes up to six days. There is a variety of private companies offering express mail services.

Media:

Lithuania's TV market is dominated by commercial channels. The radio market is similarly competitive, with more than 30 stations competing for listeners and advertisers. Lithuania's media are free and operate independently of the state, and there are no Government-owned newspapers. However, politicians do occasionally attempt to influence editorial policy.

Trakai

Visit Trakai, an ancient capital of Lithuania. Situated on the shore of the picturesque Lake Galve, the city has a castle dating from the 14th century.

Palanga

Have some old-fashioned fun in popular seaside resorts. Palanga and Kursiu Nerija (with the settlements of Nida and Juodkrante) are famous for their clean white-sand beaches, natural sand dunes and pine forests.

Curonian Spit National Park

Hike in the Curonian Spit National Park (another UNESCO World Heritage site) (www.nerija.lt), on the peninsula separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea, where visitors can explore a range of large sand dunes and several pine forests. Rare flora and fauna are to be found here.

Vilnius, International Folklore Festival

Visit craft fairs, taste traditional dishes, join song and glee parties during the International Folklore Festival (Skamba Skamba Kankliai), held in Vilnius' Old Town in May.

Vilnius, churches

See the many interesting churches in Vilnius, including the gothic St Ann's Church and St Peter and St Paul's Church, which houses the body of St Casimieras, one of Lithuania's most revered dukes.

Kaunas

Kaunas is Lithuania's 'city of museums'. Popular choices include the M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art, Devil Museum, Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy, Atomic KGB Bunker, Kaunas City Museum, Lithuanian Aviation Museum, Stumbras Museum and Museum for the Blind.

Kernave

View the five strange grassy mounds marking Lithuania's ancient capital at Kernave (www.kernave.org), one of Lithuania's UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Nida

Located between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, Nida is a small resort town that gets busy every summer. Attractions here include the lighthouse (built in 1874) and the Thomas Mann Museum - the award-winning writer had a cottage here.

Vilnius

Explore the historic capital city of Vilnius, founded in 1323. Its Old Town is the biggest in Europe and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The capital's heart is the beautiful and spacious Gediminas Square, which is dominated by the classical Cathedral.

Overview

Baltic amber can be purchased in various forms, especially jewellery. Linen goods, clay pots and local crafts are also good buys. National artists sell their works in specialised art galleries in major towns.

Opening Hours

Grocery shops open Mon-Fri 0800-2000.

Overview

Waiter service is usual in restaurants and cafes, but self-service restaurants, bistros and snack bars are also popular.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Restaurant bills include a tip. Otherwise, tips are discretionary.

Hotels

Western-style hotels and motels have been built in Lithuania in co-operation with foreign firms. Modernisation and renovation programmes are generally concentrated in Vilnius. All major hotels in Kaunas are concentrated in the centre of the town. Meanwhile, Vilnius and the other major centres in the country enjoy an adequate range of good accommodation including large hotels and smaller pensions.

Grading: There is the Hotelstars Union grading system from 1 to 5 stars. 

Camping Caravaning

The majority of campsites are located in the most picturesque regions: Palanga (on the shore of the Baltic Sea), Trakai (lake district) and near larger towns. Pitching a tent is permitted at the majority of Lithuanian lakes and rivers (including the national park) for a small fee, but almost no other facilities are provided at these sites. A star grading system is used.

Other

History

Present-day Lithuanians, along with Latvians and ancient Prussians, are descendants of the Balts, an Indo-European ethnic group that settled on the Baltic coast 4000 years ago.

The formation of Lithuania dates back to around 1009 and the region has endured a series of invasions and conquests by neighbouring countries. In the 13th century the Kingdom of Lithuania was formed and was one of the largest areas in Europe to adopt Christianity. In 1795 Lithuania was taken over by the Russian Empire, and remain under its control until 1918 when it re-established itself as a democratic state.

Its relatively brief life between the wars was dominated by border disputes with Poland and Germany as the former seized the Vilnius region in 1920 and Klaipėda, gained from the latter in 1923, was ceded following a Nazi ultimatum delivered in 1939.

In World War 2 Lithuania was occupied first by Soviet Russia and then by the Nazis until 1944 when the Red Army re-occupied the territory. It's thougth some 780,000 Lithuanians lost their lives during the war, but although partisans fought a guerrilla action against the Red Army until as late as 1952 Lithuania remained a Soviet republic until the early 1990s when it became the first former Soviet republic to restore its independence and began to develop into an economically strong country. The last Soviet troops left Lithuania in August 1993.

Lithuania is now a full member of the EU, as well as the Council of Europe, and adopted the euro as its currency in 2015. It signed up to the Schengen Agreement, effectively abolishing border controls between members. It also belongs to NATO and in 2013 became the first Baltic state to be elected to the United Nations Security Council.

Since independence Lithuania has upheld its democracy and the current president, Dalia Grybauskaitė – its first female head of state – was elected for a second term in 2014. Lithuanians enjoy one of the lowest rates of income tax in Europe – just 15 per cent.

Did you know?

• Internet speed in Lithuania is among the fastest in the world ranking in the top five for both uploads and downloads according to speedtest.net.

• Lithuanian-born film maker Jonas Mekas is regarded as the godfather of American avant-garde cinema.

• Vilnius is the only city wit three choirs laureates – the Brevis, Jauna Muzika and Chamber Choir of the Conservatoire – reflecting the importance of choral music in Lithuanian culture.

Religion

Predominantly (79%) Roman Catholic with Russian Orthodox and Protestant, including Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformist.

Social Conventions

Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Lithuanians are proud of their culture and their national heritage and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity.

Best Time To Visit:

Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.

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Main emergency number