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 29 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

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) launched on 12 October 2025 and became fully operational on 10 April 2026; non-EU nationals now have their biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) recorded at external Schengen borders, replacing traditional passport stamping. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) — a pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals — was previously targeted for late 2026 but has been delayed: as of July 2026 the EU has removed its 2026 launch target, with a 2027 launch now considered most likely; no official date has been confirmed by the European Commission. Until ETIAS is operational, visa-exempt travelers continue to enter Lithuania under existing arrangements. 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)

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain authorization before visiting Lithuania. Originally targeted for late 2026, ETIAS has been delayed; as of July 2026 no official launch date has been set, with 2027 considered the most likely timeline. The application fee will be €20 (free for those under 18 or over 70), valid for up to three years or until passport expiry. Until ETIAS launches, existing visa-free access arrangements remain in effect.

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 became fully operational on 10 April 2026 for non-EU travelers to the Schengen Area. When you arrive, your biometric details — fingerprints and a photograph — are registered electronically. This system replaces traditional passport stamping for short stays and enables automated detection of overstayers.

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 29 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.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will require nationals of visa-exempt countries to obtain authorization before entering Lithuania or any participating Schengen country. Originally targeted for late 2026, the EU removed this launch date in July 2026; a 2027 launch is now expected, though no official date has been confirmed. Travelers aged 18 to 70 will pay a €20 fee, valid for three years or until passport expiry. ETIAS 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: €90 for adults (aged 12 and above), €45 for children aged 6–11; children under 6 are free of charge (standard fee since June 2024)
• Citizens of Armenia and Azerbaijan benefit from a reduced fee of €35 under visa facilitation agreements
• Long-stay national visa (Type D): €140
• 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), 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 €90 for adults (aged 12 and above) or €45 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.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an electronic pre-travel authorization that will be required for nationals of visa-exempt countries wishing to enter Lithuania and the wider Schengen Area. It is not a visa; it is an online authorization linked to the applicant's passport that screens travelers for security, migration, and public health risks before departure. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are not subject to ETIAS.

Current Status: No Confirmed Launch Date

As of July 2026, ETIAS is not yet in operation. The official EU ETIAS website previously displayed a launch target of "the last quarter of 2026," but that language was removed in mid-July 2026 after eu-LISA — the EU agency developing the system — concluded a 2026 launch was no longer feasible. The European Commission has not announced a new start date. A 2027 launch is the most widely cited expectation. Until ETIAS is live, visa-exempt nationals travel to Lithuania under existing visa-free arrangements without additional authorization.

Who Will Need ETIAS?

ETIAS will apply to nationals of more than 60 visa-exempt countries, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Singapore. Travelers who currently require a Schengen visa — such as Chinese, Indian, Nigerian, and Russian nationals — are not affected by ETIAS and continue using the standard visa process.

ETIAS Fee and Validity

The application fee will be €20 for travelers aged 18 to 70. Applicants under 18 or over 70 will be exempt. Once approved, ETIAS will be valid for up to three years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first, covering multiple entries into all Schengen member states.

Application Process

Applications will be submitted online via the official EU ETIAS portal. The process is expected to take approximately ten minutes, with most authorizations issued within minutes to a few days. The authorization is linked electronically to the applicant's passport — no physical document is issued. A small share of applications may be referred for additional review of up to 30 days. Travelers should apply well in advance of departure once the system opens.

ETIAS and the EES

ETIAS is distinct from the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which became fully operational on 10 April 2026. The EES records biometric entry and exit data of non-EU nationals for short stays, replacing passport stamping. Both are part of the EU's smart borders initiative but serve different functions: EES tracks stay duration; ETIAS pre-screens travelers before they depart.

UK Citizens

British passport holders do not need a visa to visit Lithuania. The United Kingdom remains on the EU's visa-exempt list, and UK citizens may enter Lithuania — and the wider Schengen Area — for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area and issued within the previous ten years. UK nationals will need to obtain ETIAS authorization once that system launches (no confirmed date as of July 2026).

US Citizens

United States citizens do not require a visa for Lithuania or any other Schengen country for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. A valid US passport is sufficient for entry. US nationals will be required to obtain ETIAS authorization when that system becomes operational.

Australian Citizens

Australian passport holders are visa-exempt for Lithuania and the entire Schengen Area for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. No advance visa application is required. Australians will be subject to ETIAS once the system launches.

Chinese Citizens

Chinese nationals require a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before traveling to Lithuania. Applications are submitted at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate responsible for the applicant's place of residence, or through an authorized VFS Global center. The consular fee is €90 for adults (aged 12 and above) and €45 for children aged 6–11. All applications must be completed through the MIGRIS system. ETIAS does not apply to Chinese nationals; the standard Schengen visa process applies.

Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian passport holders require a Schengen visa (Type C) to enter Lithuania. Applications are processed through the Lithuanian Embassy or authorized VFS Global centers in Nigeria. The consular fee is €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6–11. Required documents include a valid passport, a completed MIGRIS application form, travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and purpose-specific supporting documents. Biometric data collection in person is mandatory.

Lithuanian Passport Holders Traveling Abroad

As an EU member state, Lithuania's passport holders benefit from a wide range of visa-free and visa-on-arrival arrangements worldwide. A frequently asked example: Lithuanian citizens do not require a visa to visit Turkey and may stay for up to 90 days. The Lithuanian passport must be valid for the duration of the intended stay. Lithuanian nationals should consult the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the destination country's embassy for the most current entry requirements before travel.