Do I Need a Visa to Go to Lithuania?
You do not need a visa for Lithuania if:
- You are from an EU/EEA country or another Schengen country.
- Your country has a visa-free agreement with Schengen. The visa-free agreement includes citizens of countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, and Tunisia.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, a visa is also required for working and studying in Lithuania.
Types of Lithuania Visas
The types of visas that Lithuania offers are:
- Lithuania Schengen (Tourist) Visa. The Lithuania Schengen visa is considered a short-stay type C visa as it lets you stay in Lithuania for 90 days. It is also known as a tourist visa as it’s usually issued for tourist purposes only.
- Lithuania Transit Visa. If your flight connects to Lithuania, a transit visa is required. Before your visit, you can obtain a transit visa at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. Whether you need a transit visa depends on your country of residence.
- Lithuania Work Visa. If you are interested in working in Lithuania, you must apply for a work visa and work permit. Your employer in Lithuania may be required to apply for a work permit prior to you applying for a visa to enter the country.
- Lithuania Student Visa. To start your studies in Lithuania, you must apply for a student visa as a foreigner. In addition, you will be asked to submit additional documents for the application process, such as an acceptance letter from the Lithuanian university. Then, you can apply to your nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate.
- Lithuania Family Visa. If you currently reside in Lithuania and want your family members to reunite with you, they must apply for a family visa. They must go through an application process and are required to prepare several documents proving their relationship with you. A family visa is usually issued for the same duration as your visa in Lithuania.
Lithuania Visa Application Process
To apply for a Lithuania visa, you must:
- Book an appointment at the Embassy of Lithuania. An appointment is required before applying for your Lithuania visa.
- Complete the application form. You can find the Lithuania visa application form on the Migration Department website or at the embassy/consulate.
- Collect all required documents. For a Lithuania visa application, several important documents are required. Make sure to translate and certify the documents per the embassy’s instructions.
- Submit the application. If you have collected all of the requirements, you can submit the application to the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. On the day of the submission, you may be required to attend a short interview for your visa and submit your biometric information.
Document Checklists
The required documents for your Lithuania visa application are:
- The visa application form. The application form is available online on the Migration Department website here.
- One recent photo. The photo must be in passport format and follow the Schengen visa requirements.
- Your valid passport. The passport must be valid and must have two blank pages.
- Travel insurance. Your health insurance must cover the entire stay and a minimum of €30.000 for emergencies.
- Detailed flight itinerary. You must provide an itinerary of your visit and proof of purchased flight tickets.
- Invitation letter. You can include an invitation letter to your application if you have a family member or a friend you’re visiting in Lithuania.
- A cover letter. The cover letter for your visa application must include your details and reasons for visiting Lithuania.
- Accommodation. You must include evidence that you have found accommodation during your stay in Lithuania.
- Financial statements. You must submit documents that prove your financial ability to support yourself during your stay.
Lithuania Visa Processing Time
A Lithuania visa is issued in 15 days under normal conditions. However, processing time can be delayed for up to 45 days, depending on extenuating circumstances.
Lithuania Visa Duration
The Lithuania Schengen visa is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period. If you are interested in staying in Lithuania for longer, you must apply for a Lithuanian long stay visa and then for a temporary residence permit. Please note that if you overstay the 90/180 rule for staying in Schengen Zone, you will face penalties such as fines and immediate deportation.
You can calculate your time in Lithuania by using the 90/180 rule calculator.
How to Pay Lithuania Visa Fee?
You can pay the Lithuania visa fee at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate. The fee for a Lithuania Schengen tourist visa is €90, and the fee for a long-stay national visa is €120. The only form of payment accepted by the Latvian embassy or consulate is in euros with a credit card.
What Can I Do If My Application Is Refused?
A visa application can be rejected for many reasons, such as wrong information, if additional documents are needed, or if the committee sees that your application seems not genuine. If your Lithuania visa is refused/rejected, you have the right to appeal against the decision within fourteen days. The appeal form must be directed to the Vilnius Regional Administrative Court. All documents submitted for the appeal must be translated to Lithuanian and approved beforehand. You must also pay the stamp duty fee, around €30.
Entering Lithuania After Receiving a Visa
The moment you enter Lithuania after getting your visa, you may be required to appear at a foreign office to let Lithuanian authorities know that you have entered the country. You need to check with an embassy or consulate in your country before traveling if this is required.
Lithuania Visa Extension
A Lithuania visa can usually be extended for one of the following reasons:
- Strong personal reasons, e.g., death in the family.
- Humanitarian reasons, e.g., you need to support a family member or friend during a hardship.
- Force majeure, e.g., natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- Late entry in the Schengen area.
The fee for a Schengen visa costs €30; however, it’s free for humanitarian reasons and force majeure.
Difference Between Lithuania Schengen Visa and Long-Term Visa
The differences between the Lithuania Schengen Visa and the National Visa are:
| Lithuania Schengen Visa: | Lithuania D-Type Long Term Visa: |
|---|---|
| This is a short-stay visa. | This visa is known as a long-stay visa. |
| Your stay cannot exceed three months. | This visa is issued for up to one year. |
| Recommended for travel purposes. | Recommended if you want to study and work in Lithuania. |
| A residence permit cannot be issued if you have a short-stay visa. | A residence permit is necessary for longer stays, and it can only be obtained if you initially have a long-stay visa. |
| You do not need a strong reason to get a Schengen visa for Lithuania. You can get a short-stay visa for tourism, business, or medical treatment. | You need a strong reason to get a long-stay visa. The reason needs to be a work contract, acceptance letter from a Lithuanian university, or having a close family member who lives there. |
Fun Facts About Lithuania
Here are some fun facts about Lithuania if you need extra convincing to visit Lithuania:
- Oldest language in Europe. The Lithuanian language is the oldest in Europe, and the earliest mentions of it were around 5.000 years ago. It is one of the only languages that have not undergone major changes since its development. It is one of the only Baltic languages spoken today.
- The Scent of Lithuania. Yes, you read that right. Lithuania has its own scent as a country. It was developed as a way to give Lithuania a distinctive identity, and it has the smell of wildflowers, berries, ginger, wood, and other musky scents.
- Fast Internet. Lithuania is part of the Baltic countries that are known for having the fastest internet not only in Europe but also in the whole world. Not only is it fast, but it is available in every corner of every city for free.
- Green, green, and greener. Lithuania is known for being almost completely covered in forests. The forests give the country one of the most beautiful sceneries available in Europe, which lets it be a pretty sight to see and a literal breath of fresh air.