Lithuania is a beautiful country located on the Baltic Sea in Europe, known for its historical cities and stunning natural landscapes. Vilnius, in particular, features a charming old town and a blend of modern culture.
CapitalVilnius
Population2,722,289
Official language(s)Lithuanian
CurrencyEuro
Time zoneUTC+2
Make sure to try the local food. Finding a restaurant that serves traditional Lithuanian dishes is a great idea.
Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, so many non-EU tourists can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but visa requirements depend on your nationality. Pre-travel electronic authorizations such as ESTA or K-ETA do not apply to Lithuania; instead, some non-EU travelers may be asked to complete Schengen EES registration with fingerprints and a facial image at the border as the system is rolled out. Paper arrival cards are generally not required, and cash declaration rules depend on EU customs rules, so it is wise to check if you are carrying a large amount of money.
Check passport and stay status
Entry follows Schengen rules, so first check your passport validity and whether you are within the 90/180-day limit. Visa exemption depends on nationality, and you may face additional questions if your purpose of stay or entry pattern does not match the rules.
Register biometrics for EES
At borders and airports where EES is in use, you may be asked to provide fingerprints and a facial image for electronic entry-exit recording. Even if you have registered before, you may be asked to repeat the process during the rollout period.
Check customs rules and restricted items
Lithuania follows EU customs rules, so some items such as meat, dairy, fruit, and plants may be restricted or subject to inspection. Cash declaration applies to large amounts under EU rules, and you must declare money if you exceed the threshold.
Pass immigration control
The officer may ask about your purpose of stay, accommodation, return ticket, and means of support, so keep the documents ready. e-Gates are available only to eligible passport holders, and first-time use or EES processing may send you to a staffed lane instead.
Recheck customs rules before departure
Goods taken out of Lithuania and duty-free items leaving the EU may have quantity limits, so check again before going to the airport. If you are carrying cash or valuables, also review declaration rules for your departure point and any transit stops.
Process VAT refund
If you are a non-EU resident, present the refund paperwork from the shop at the airport customs validation point or designated desk. In many cases the goods must be shown before check-in baggage is handed over, so it is safest to keep refund items in your carry-on.
Exit control and boarding preparation
On departure from Lithuania, your Schengen entry-exit record may be updated, so be ready to show your passport and boarding pass and, if needed, complete biometric verification. e-Gate availability depends on the airport and passport type, and non-EU travelers may be directed to a staffed lane.