Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: ETIAS Authorization
Most visa-exempt travelers to Lithuania now need ETIAS authorization (€7) - a straightforward online application that takes about 10 minutes and is valid for three years. Apply at least 72 hours before your trip to avoid delays, especially for entry via Vilnius International Airport or land borders.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen Area, with at least two blank pages for stamps. For Lithuania, ensure your document meets biometric standards if you're from a visa-exempt country.
Double-check expiration dates well in advance, as some nationalities face stricter re-entry rules upon returning home from Baltic travels.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, and many others can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa in Lithuania as part of the Schengen Zone.
For longer stays, registration with local migration authorities is required, and you may need to provide proof of accommodation and sufficient funds.
Visa Applications
For required visas, apply through the Lithuanian embassy or VFS Global centers using the Schengen visa system (€80 fee), including documents like proof of funds (€50/day recommended), accommodation bookings, and round-trip tickets.
Processing typically takes 15-30 days, but apply up to six months in advance for peak summer travel to coastal areas like Palanga.
Border Crossings
Lithuania's borders with Latvia, Poland, and Belarus are mostly seamless within Schengen, but expect ID checks at airports like Kaunas or when crossing from non-EU Belarus.
Land borders with Poland are efficient for car travelers, and ETIAS can be verified digitally at entry points to the Curonian Spit or Hill of Crosses.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended for Lithuania, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and activities like hiking in Aukštaitija National Park or cycling in Vilnius.
Policies start at €4-6/day from providers like World Nomads, ensuring coverage for the Schengen minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses.
Extensions Possible
You can extend your Schengen stay in Lithuania for compelling reasons like medical needs by applying at the Migration Department in Vilnius before your visa or 90-day limit expires.
Fees range from €30-60, requiring supporting documents such as doctor's notes or proof of ongoing employment; approvals are case-by-case and not guaranteed.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Lithuania uses the Euro (€). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks, especially useful for transfers to Lithuanian accounts.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Vilnius or Kaunas by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months ahead for low-cost carriers like Ryanair can save 40-60% on fares, especially during shoulder seasons for Baltic explorations.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for kavinės (cafes) serving kibinai or šaltibarščiai under €8, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants in Vilnius to cut food expenses by up to 50%.
Visit farmers' markets in Kaunas for fresh berries and cheese at bargain prices, or try street food at festivals for authentic, affordable tastes of Lithuanian cuisine.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a Vilnius City Card for €15-25 covering unlimited trams, buses, and free entry to museums like the Museum of Occupations, slashing daily transport costs.
Intercity trains via LTG Link offer day passes around €20 for multiple stops, ideal for day trips to the Curonian Spit without rental car fees.
Free Attractions
Explore Uzupis Republic's street art, the free outdoor exhibits at the Hill of Crosses, or riverside paths in Kaunas, providing rich cultural immersion at no cost.
Many national parks like Žemaitija have free entry, and Vilnius Cathedral offers no-fee access to its baroque interiors on weekdays.
Card vs Cash
Contactless cards are accepted everywhere from supermarkets to small shops, but keep €50-100 in cash for rural areas or markets in Siauliai.
Use bank ATMs like Swedbank for fee-free withdrawals, avoiding airport exchanges that charge up to 5% premiums on currency conversion.
Museum Passes
The Lithuanian Museum Pass at €30-50 grants access to over 50 sites nationwide, including the Amber Museum in Palanga, recouping costs after 3-4 visits.
It's especially valuable for history buffs touring KGB Prison Museum and other Soviet-era sites in Vilnius without individual ticket hassles.
Smart Packing for Lithuania
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers including thermal base layers for chilly Baltic winds, a waterproof jacket for frequent rains, and light cotton shirts for warmer coastal days in Klaipėda.
Include respectful attire like long pants for Orthodox churches in Vilnius and quick-dry fabrics for active pursuits in national parks.
Electronics
Europe-style Type C/F adapter is necessary for Lithuania's outlets, along with a portable charger for long days exploring Trakai Castle or the dunes of the Curonian Spit.
Download offline Google Maps, a Lithuanian phrase app, and EU eSIM for seamless connectivity across cities and rural areas.
Health & Safety
Travel with full insurance docs, a compact first-aid kit including motion sickness meds for ferry rides to the Curonian Spit, and any personal prescriptions.
Pack high-SPF sunscreen for summer beach time, hand sanitizer for public transport, and tick repellent for forested hikes in Dzūkija National Park during warmer months.
Travel Gear
A lightweight daypack is ideal for carrying essentials during Vilnius walking tours, plus a reusable water bottle since tap water is potable everywhere.
Include passport copies, a RFID-blocking wallet for cash and cards, and a compact rain poncho for unexpected showers in the countryside.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof hiking boots for trails in Neris Regional Park and supportive walking shoes for cobblestone streets in Vilnius Old Town.
Sandals work for summer beaches in Palanga, but always pack wool socks for cooler evenings and potential winter snow in the highlands.
Personal Care
Bring eco-friendly toiletries in travel sizes, moisturizer for dry winter air, and a foldable umbrella or hat for variable weather patterns.
For longer stays, include laundry soap pods to wash clothes in hostels, keeping your pack light while enjoying multi-stop itineraries from Kaunas to the sea.
When to Visit Lithuania
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures rising from 5-15°C makes spring perfect for cherry blossoms in Kaunas parks and fewer crowds at sites like the Gate of Dawn.
Enjoy early festivals like Vilnius Easter markets and comfortable conditions for cycling tours without the summer heat.
Summer (June-August)
Warm days at 15-25°C bring vibrant beach season to the Curonian Spit and outdoor concerts in Vilnius, though expect some rain showers.
Peak festival time with events like the Vilnius Street Music Day; book accommodations early for Palanga's lively seaside vibe and longer daylight hours for explorations.
Autumn (September-November)
Cooler temps of 5-15°C with stunning amber-hued foliage in Žemaitija National Park, ideal for harvest festivals and mushroom foraging in forests.
Lower prices post-summer and events like the Kaunas Jazz Festival offer a cozy atmosphere for indoor cultural visits and scenic drives along the Baltic coast.
Winter (December-February)
Cold snaps from -5 to 5°C transform Lithuania into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets in Vilnius and ice fishing on frozen lakes.
Budget-friendly for spa retreats in Druskininkai and New Year's fireworks; layer up for cross-country skiing in Ignalina or cozy saunas after snowy Hill of Crosses visits.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are plentiful; cards accepted widely, but cash useful for rural markets and small vendors.
- Language: Lithuanian is official, with Russian common in eastern areas; English spoken in tourist hubs like Vilnius and Klaipėda.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2 (observes daylight saving as EEST, UTC+3 from late March to October)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin round or schuko)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance across the EU, including Lithuania
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; add 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares
- Water: Tap water is safe and high-quality throughout Lithuania, even in remote areas
- Pharmacies: Easily found in cities (vaistinė sign); 24-hour options available in Vilnius and Kaunas for urgent needs