{"slug":"lithuania","title":"Lithuania travel advice","updated_at":"2026-08-11T10:19:26+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-08-11T09:19:26Z","change_description":"Updated information on European Entry-Exit System (EES) (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lithuania","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Lithuania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://uk.mfa.lt/uk/en/\">Lithuanian Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Lithuania follows <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-nationals/index_en.htm\">Schengen area rules</a>. Your passport must: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it might have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago, making it invalid for entry to the Schengen area</p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area (the expiry date does not need to be within 10 years of the date of issue)</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>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: </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>as a tourist</li>\n  <li>to visit family or friends</li>\n  <li>to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events</li>\n  <li>for short-term studies or training</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The requirements for <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-lithuania-for-work\">working in Lithuania</a> are different.  </p>\n\n<p>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.\n </p>\n\n<p>At Lithuanian border control, you may need to:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home</li>\n  <li>show proof of your travel insurance</li>\n  <li>show a return or onward ticket</li>\n  <li>prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"staying-longer-than-90-days-in-a-180-day-period\">Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period</h3>\n\n<p>To stay longer, you must meet the Lithuanian government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://uk.mfa.lt/uk/en/\">Lithuanian Embassy in the UK</a> .</p>\n\n<p>If you stay in Lithuania with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.</p>\n\n<p>Read about <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-lithuania#passports-and-travel\">entry processes if you live in Lithuania</a>. </p>\n\n<div class=\"call-to-action\">\n  <h2 id=\"new-schengen-entry-requirements\">New Schengen entry requirements </h2>\n\n  <p>The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area.  </p>\n\n  <p>This means that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. There is no cost for EES registration.  </p>\n\n  <p>On your first visit into a Schengen country, you may be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. Follow directions from your travel operator or the staff at your port of entry. You may also need to provide either your fingerprint or photo when you leave the Schengen area. Children aged 11 or younger will not have their fingerprints scanned but can be required to have their photo taken.  </p>\n\n  <p>You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border on entry to the Schengen area, but EES may take each passenger extra time to complete so be prepared to wait longer than usual at the border and to allow more time for immigration controls when you depart the Schengen area. If you are departing the Schengen area by plane, allow extra time to reach your departure gate as EES checks may take place before boarding.  </p>\n\n  <p>EES is replacing the previous system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the Schengen area for short stays. You may be asked to input biometric details every time you enter or exit. </p>\n\n  <p>If you enter the Schengen area through the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel at Folkestone or Eurostar at St Pancras International, any information will be taken at the border before you leave the UK.  </p>\n\n  <p>Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years. </p>\n\n  <p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/eu-entryexit-system\">information on the EU Entry/Exit System and to understand which countries are in the Schengen area</a>. </p>\n\n  <p>If you are long-term resident in a Schengen country, you are exempt from EES in all Schengen countries. The full list of EES exemptions is on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees/to-whom-does-ees-not-apply\">the EU’s official Travel Europe website.</a> </p>\n\n  <p>If you believe you have been incorrectly entered into EES or your record of time spent in the Schengen area is incorrect, approach border officials when you next cross the Schengen border and request a correction. If you are exempt, carry documentation confirming your status. If you believe your time spent in the Schengen area has been recorded incorrectly, raise this with border officials and be prepared to provide supporting evidence if requested.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"arriving-from-belarus-or-russia\">Arriving from Belarus or Russia </h2>\n\n<p>If you arrive in Lithuania from Belarus 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 <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/posts/lithuania/british-embassy-vilnius\">contact <abbr title=\"Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office\">FCDO</abbr> online</a>.</p>\n\n<p>British nationals can travel to Lithuania from Belarus or Russia by bus. Restrictions may apply if arriving in a privately owned car registered in Belarus. Russian plated vehicles are currently only permitted to enter Lithuania for up to 24 hours if transiting to or from the Kaliningrad Oblast.</p>\n\n<p>For more information, see the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://lrmuitine.lt/web/guest/naujienos/aktualijos/aktualija?p_p_id=EXT_WPLISTALLNEWS&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;_EXT_WPLISTALLNEWS_obj_id=090004d2801f1006#en\">Lithuanian Customs Service website</a>, and read <abbr title=\"Foreign, Commonwealth &amp; Development Office\">FCDO</abbr>’s <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/returning-to-the-uk\">Russia travel advice</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belarus\">Belarus travel advice</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"belarus-lithuania-border-closures\">Belarus-Lithuania border closures</h2>\n\n<p>On 29 October 2025, Lithuania announced the closure of its border with Belarus until at least 30 November 2025. However, UK nationals are exempt and can continue to cross the border. For further information on these restrictions, see the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://vrm.lrv.lt/en/news/lithuanian-government-have-decided-to-close-salcininkai-and-medininkai-border-checkpoints-with-belarus-for-one-month-4zSU/\">Lithuanian Government website</a> (only available in Lithuanian).</p>\n\n<p>Only one border crossing point between Lithuania and Belarus remains open: Medininkai-Kamenny Log. Crossing the border is only possible by private vehicle; scheduled buses are currently not operating across the Belarusian-Lithuanian border.</p>\n\n<p>Lithuania also denies entry to cars registered in Belarus, with certain exemptions. For further information on these restrictions, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://muitine.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/lengvuju-automobiliu-su-baltarusiskais-registracijos-numeriais-ivaziavimas-i-lietuva/\">the Lithuanian Government website</a> (only available in Lithuanian).</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"checkpoints-on-the-lithuaniapoland-border\">Checkpoints on the Lithuania/Poland Border</h2>\n\n<p>Poland has reintroduced border checks on the Lithuania/Poland border. Vehicles may be stopped and documentation checked. For further information see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/poland\">Poland Travel Advice</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/131/lithuania#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Lithuania guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://lrmuitine.lt/web/guest/verslui/apribojimai/bendra#en\">goods that can be brought into and taken out of Lithuania</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-food-into-lithuania\">Taking food into Lithuania</h3>\n\n<p>You cannot take <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/animalproducts/personal_imports_en\">meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries</a>. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-lithuania\">Taking money into Lithuania</h3>\n\n<p>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.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"russian-vehicle-restrictions\">Russian vehicle restrictions</h3>\n\n<p>There are <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://lrmuitine.lt/web/guest/naujienos/aktualijos/aktualija?p_p_id=EXT_WPLISTALLNEWS&amp;p_p_lifecycle=0&amp;_EXT_WPLISTALLNEWS_obj_id=090004d2801c0364#en\">restrictions on vehicles with Russian number plates</a> in Lithuania.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<p>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.      </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-lithuania\">Terrorism in Lithuania</h3>\n\n<p>Terrorist attacks in Lithuania cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Petty crime is common. To reduce your risk:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>beware of pickpockets in busy locations and on public transport</li>\n  <li>avoid unlit streets and parks at night</li>\n  <li>be cautious if you’re walking alone</li>\n  <li>do not leave coats and handbags unattended in bars, pubs and clubs</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"drink-and-food-spiking\">Drink and food spiking</h3>\n\n<p>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.   </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in very small quantities. Severe penalties apply for possessing, using, buying, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports. You should expect long jail sentences of up to 10 years and heavy fines. </p>\n\n<p>Airports in Lithuania have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>While there are some LGBT+ friendly venues in larger cities, small towns and rural areas can be less accepting of LGBT+ travellers.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.       </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Lithuania, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a> and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/lithuania/\">rules of the road in the RAC’s Lithuania guide</a>. The guide lists driving regulations and other requirements that you need to be aware of.</p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Lithuania. Make sure it has the correct name and address. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence\">Renew or update your licence</a> if necessary.</p>\n\n<p>If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.   </p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in Lithuania, and the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://policija.lrv.lt/en/road-traffic-safety/excerpts-from-the-lithuanian-road-traffic-rules/e-driving-under-the-influence-of-drugs/\">legal limits are stricter than in the UK</a>. If you are tested and have over the legal limit for alcohol in your system, you may face a heavy fine and imprisonment.        </p>\n\n<p>Check if you need a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/displaying-number-plates/flags-identifiers-and-stickers\">UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"drone-activity\">Drone activity</h3>\n\n<p>Some Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have crossed into Lithuanian airspace. Follow official guidance as necessary.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"curonian-spit-klaipeda\">Curonian Spit, Klaipeda</h2>\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia\">Russia travel advice</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.","For more information, see the Lithuanian Customs Service website , and read FCDO ’s Russia travel advice or Belarus travel advice .","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more.","Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in very small quantities.","If you are tested and have over the legal limit for alcohol in your system, you may face a heavy fine and imprisonment.","Some Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have crossed into Lithuanian airspace."]}
