Lithuania

Professional Immigration Services: Navigating Baltic Excellence

If you're planning to explore Lithuania's UNESCO-listed Vilnius Old Town, pursue business opportunities in Kaunas, or enroll in prestigious Lithuanian universities, understanding visa requirements is your crucial first step toward a successful journey.

Comprehensive Visa Pathway Overview

Lithuania is both a member of the EU and one of 27 countries currently in the Schengen Zone. Whether you're planning short-term tourism adventures or long-term professional relocation, Lithuania maintains a structured yet accessible visa framework that accommodates diverse traveler categories. As a dynamic EU member state strategically positioned in the Baltic region, Lithuania offers remarkable opportunities for:

• Tourism and Cultural Exploration
• Business Development and Investment
• Academic Pursuits and Research
• Professional Career Advancement

Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting Lithuania and other Schengen destinations. The Entry/Exit System (EES) began on October 12, 2025, with non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen Area starting to have their pictures and fingerprints taken at external borders. The system becomes fully operational on April 10, 2026. For those requiring visas, there are four basic types of Schengen Visa: business, work, student, and short-stay, with the short-stay Type C visa being most common for tourism and business visits.

Expert Guidance Through Complex Requirements

Our specialist team transforms Lithuania's immigration complexities into clear, actionable strategies. This comprehensive guide provides authoritative legal documentation support while ensuring you understand eligibility criteria, application procedures, and compliance requirements essential for your successful visa application journey.

Whether you need a visa for Lithuania depends on your nationality and travel purpose. As a member of the European Union and Schengen Area, Lithuania follows standardized entry requirements that allow visa-free access for many travelers.

Visa-Free Travel to Lithuania

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter using valid ID cards or passports and enjoy unlimited access. US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, UK, Japanese, South Korean, and Singapore citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business purposes.

Additional visa-free countries include:

• Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay (90 days)
• Asia-Pacific: Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macao (90 days)
• Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia (90 days for biometric passport holders)

Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting Lithuania and other Schengen destinations. The ETIAS application costs 20 euros but is free for those under 18 or over 70. Once approved, ETIAS remains valid for up to three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. Your passport must contain at least two blank pages. You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.

Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) started on 12 October 2025 and is being introduced in a phased way for non-EU and UK travelers, with full operation expected from April 2026. When you arrive, you will be required to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. This system replaces traditional passport stamping for short stays.

Transit and Special Cases

Airport transit: Most travelers can transit through Lithuanian airports without visas if not leaving the international zone. However, citizens of certain countries require Airport Transit Visas (ATV).

Diplomatic passport holders often have different requirements based on bilateral agreements between Lithuania and your country.

Who Needs a Visa?

Citizens of Russia, China, India, Turkey, and most African and Middle Eastern countries require visas before travel. Travelers from visa-required countries will continue using the traditional visa application process instead of ETIAS. Always verify current requirements through official sources, as regulations change frequently.

Lithuania offers multiple visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and duration requirements. Understanding the specific visa type that matches your intended activities is essential for a successful application process.

Short-Stay Schengen Visas

Type C visas permit stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. These visas are available as:

• Single-entry visas - Valid for one visit only
• Multiple-entry visas - Allow repeated visits within validity period
• Airport transit visas (Type A) - For transit through international transit areas of Schengen airports

The most common Schengen visa is the short-stay Type C or tourist visa, which allows travel to Lithuania and between all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Business and Professional Visas

Business visas accommodate various commercial activities including meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade fairs. Multiple-entry visas allow you to enter and exit as many times as needed throughout the validity period. Multiple-entry business visas are commonly issued for frequent travelers, with validity extending up to five years for established business relationships.

Long-Term National Visas

Type D national visas are issued for long stays in Lithuania with periods no longer than 12 months. These include:

• Employment visas - For work authorization holders
• Student visas - For academic programs and research
• Family reunion visas - For joining Lithuanian residents or EU citizens
• Investment and business visas - For entrepreneurs and investors meeting capital requirements

After a 1-year national visa expires, another national visa can only be issued if more than 180 days have passed since the expiration of the previous visa. The Type D visa fee is €140, and the visa allows residence for up to 12 months.

Specialized Visa Categories

Lithuania issues diplomatic and official visas for government officials and international organization representatives. Cultural and sports visas support artistic performances, competitions, and cultural exchanges. National visas are also available for researchers, teachers, athletes, coaches, seafarers, journalists accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seasonal workers, and posted workers.

Processing Times and ETIAS

Standard visa processing requires 15 to 45 calendar days, with specific cases extending up to 60 calendar days. For countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the EU, this period is 10 days. National visa decisions are made within 15 calendar days, which may be extended up to 45 calendar days if necessary.

Starting in late 2026, nationals of more than 50 visa-exempt countries will be required to obtain ETIAS approval before entering Lithuania or any participating Schengen country. Travelers between 18 and 70 years old must pay the €20 ETIAS fee, which is valid for three years or until passport expiry. This new requirement affects visa-free travelers but does not replace visas for those who currently require them.

Processing Times

Standard visa processing for Lithuania takes 15 calendar days from submission, with possible extension to 45 days in complex cases or up to 60 days in exceptional circumstances. For citizens of countries with visa facilitation agreements with the EU, processing time is reduced to 10 days. Short-term business and tourist visas typically process within the standard timeframe, while countries with visa facilitation agreements receive decisions in 10 days. National long-stay visas (Type D) are processed within 15 calendar days, with possible extension to 30 days in individual cases. Work permit processing takes 7 working days once documents are submitted to the Lithuanian Employment Service. Peak season from June to August may extend processing by 5-10 additional days.

Visa Costs & Fees

• Short-stay Schengen visa: €80 (approximately $90 USD) for adults, €40 ($45 USD) for children aged 6-12 years
• Children under 6 years can obtain a Schengen visa free of charge
• As of June 2024, the standard visa fee increased from €80 to €90 for adults aged 12 and above, with children 6-11 paying €45
• Citizens of Armenia and Azerbaijan benefit from a reduced fee of €35 under visa facilitation agreements
• Long-stay national visa (Type D): €140 as of 2026
• Work permit application: €121 for permits up to 1 year, €34 for seasonal employment up to 6 months
• EU Blue Card application: €160 standard fee, €320 for fast-track processing

Application Locations

Submit applications through Lithuanian embassies, consulates, or authorized visa application centers such as VFS Global. Biometric appointments are required at designated centers. From October 1, 2025, visa applications for Schengen and national visas must be completed through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS). Major processing centers operate in key cities including London, Berlin, Warsaw, and other capitals worldwide.

Essential Documents

• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure date, issued within the previous 10 years, and containing at least two blank pages
• Completed application form with recent photograph (35x45 mm, white background)
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, including repatriation in the event of death, valid throughout the Schengen area
• Proof of accommodation and return flight tickets
• Financial means documentation showing sufficient funds for duration of stay
• Supporting documents specific to visa category (invitation letters, employment contracts, enrollment confirmations)

Payment Methods

Visa fees are payable via credit or debit card at Schengen Visa Application Centers; personal checks and cash are not accepted at VFS Centers. Online applications through MIGRIS accept major international payment cards. Payment methods may vary by consulate location and jurisdiction.

Validity & Extensions

Short-stay tourist visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen area. National long-stay visas are issued for a maximum of 1 year and may serve as a pathway to apply for a residence permit in Lithuania. Extensions are only possible for strong reasons such as medical treatment, humanitarian circumstances, or unforeseeable events; tourism or business extensions are not permitted, requiring instead a Lithuania Long-Stay National Visa or Temporary Residence Permit allowing stays of 4 to 12 months. Applications for extensions should be submitted at least 30 days in advance through the Migration Department.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the correct visa type based on your travel purpose and duration. Tourist visas are for short stays up to 90 days, while long-stay visas (D-type) are required for stays exceeding 90 days. Review Lithuania's visa policy to confirm whether you need a national or Schengen visa.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Compile all necessary documents including:

• Valid passport with at least three months validity beyond your intended departure date
• Completed application form with accurate information
• Recent passport photographs meeting biometric standards
• Travel insurance covering minimum €30,000 for medical emergencies
• Proof of accommodation and financial means

All foreign documents require apostille certification and certified translation into Lithuanian or English.

Step 3: Complete Application Forms

As of October 1, 2025, visa applications are filled out through the Lithuanian Migration Information System (MIGRIS) at www.migracija.lt, replacing the former EPM portal. Select your nationality from the list, choose the correct application form, and create your account. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly to avoid processing delays.

Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment

Book an appointment at the nearest Lithuanian embassy, consulate, or authorized visa application center such as VFS Global, depending on your current location. Submit your application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 2 to 3 weeks before your departure date. You will need to appear in person for biometric data collection.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Attend your appointment at the designated visa center or embassy with complete documentation. Pay the visa fee of €80 for adults or €40 for children aged 6-11, with children under 6 processed free of charge. Payment can be made via credit or debit card at the Schengen Visa Application Center; personal checks or cash are not accepted at VFS centers. Receive your receipt and tracking reference number.

Step 6: Track Application Status

Monitor your application progress through the official tracking system provided at your appointment. Standard processing takes 15 to 45 days from when the embassy receives your application, though specific cases may require up to 60 calendar days.

Step 7: Collect Your Decision

Collect your passport from the Lithuanian embassy or visa application center where you applied, either in person or via courier service if available. If approved, verify all visa details for accuracy before traveling to ensure the dates and information are correct.