Planning to visit Lithuania for tourism, sightseeing, a holiday, or a short private trip? Whether you want to explore Vilnius, Kaunas, KlaipΔda, Trakai, the Curonian Spit, or other parts of Lithuania, your visa requirements depend mainly on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay.
Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area. For travelers who require a visa, tourism normally falls under the Schengen short-stay Type C visa. This visa can generally allow stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to the conditions printed on the visa and the applicable Schengen rules.
Whether you need a visa depends primarily on your nationality and your immigration status. Lithuania applies the common Schengen visa rules for short stays.
The fact that Lithuania is a member of the European Union does not mean that every non-EU traveler can enter without a visa. Visa requirements are determined by nationality and applicable Schengen rules.
Lithuania has been part of the Schengen Area since 2007. This means that Lithuania follows the common Schengen short-stay visa framework.
A Schengen visa issued by Lithuania can, depending on the visa's validity and territorial conditions, permit travel to other Schengen countries as well. However, you should apply to the country that is the appropriate main destination of your trip.
If Lithuania is your main destination, you should normally apply through the Lithuanian authority responsible for processing Schengen visa applications in your country of residence. If your trip covers several Schengen countries, the correct country for the application depends on the applicable main-destination rules.
A standard Schengen short-stay visa is designed for stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.
The 90/180 rule is calculated across the Schengen Area rather than simply resetting when you enter Lithuania.
If you are a national of a country that requires a Schengen visa, you normally need to demonstrate that you meet the conditions for the intended short stay.
Typical supporting documents can include:
The exact document checklist can vary depending on your nationality, country of residence, personal circumstances and purpose of travel. Always check the instructions provided by the Lithuanian diplomatic mission, consular authority or authorized visa centre handling your application.
Applicants who require a Schengen visa generally need appropriate travel medical insurance covering the required geographical area and meeting the minimum coverage rules under the Schengen Visa Code.
The insurance should be valid for the intended Schengen stay and meet the applicable minimum coverage requirements for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization and related situations.
Do not assume that ordinary domestic health insurance automatically satisfies Schengen visa requirements. Check the policy carefully before submitting your application.
The standard Schengen visa fee is established under the EU Schengen visa rules rather than being a special Lithuania-only tourist fee.
| Applicant | Standard Schengen Visa Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults and applicants aged 12 or older | β¬90 |
| Children aged 6 to under 12 | β¬45 |
| Children under 6 | Generally free |
Additional service charges may apply when an application is submitted through an external visa service provider. Certain applicants may also qualify for visa-fee exemptions under the applicable rules.
The application process generally follows the Schengen visa procedure.
Schengen visa applications are normally processed within the standard period established by the Schengen Visa Code, but applications can take longer in certain circumstances.
Processing can be affected by factors such as:
For this reason, travelers should apply well in advance of their intended trip rather than waiting until the last possible moment.
The exact place where you submit your application depends on your country of residence and Lithuania's visa representation arrangements.
Applications may be handled by:
Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains information about where Schengen visa applications can be submitted. Availability and representation arrangements can change, so check the current official information before booking an appointment.
If you live outside your country of citizenship, your application procedure may depend on your legal residence status in that country.
Schengen visa applications are generally submitted in the country where the applicant is legally resident, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions.
If Lithuania does not have a diplomatic mission or visa centre in your country, another Schengen Member State may represent Lithuania for visa issuance. The exact arrangements vary by country.
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania and one of the country's most popular destinations for international visitors.
Tourists can explore attractions including:
Vilnius can also be used as a base for day trips around Lithuania, including destinations such as Trakai.
A tourist trip to Lithuania does not have to be limited to Vilnius.
Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of where they will stay during their visit.
This can include:
Make sure the accommodation information is consistent with your travel itinerary and intended dates.
Visa applicants may need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay and return journey.
Depending on your circumstances, supporting evidence may include:
There is no benefit to submitting unexplained financial documents. Your financial evidence should be credible, consistent and appropriate to the planned trip.
A Schengen tourist visa is intended for short-term permitted activities such as tourism and does not give you the right to take employment in Lithuania.
If you want to work in Lithuania, you should investigate the appropriate employment-based immigration route before travelling.
Do not use a tourist visa as a substitute for a Lithuanian work authorization, national visa or residence permit.
A short tourist stay should not be confused with immigration permission for long-term studies.
If you intend to undertake a longer educational programme in Lithuania, you should check whether you need a national visa or temporary residence permit based on studies.
A tourist visa is not a Lithuanian residence permit.
The Schengen short-stay framework allows eligible travelers to visit Lithuania for a limited period, but it does not create a right to establish permanent residence in Lithuania.
If your goal is to move to Lithuania, work there, study there, join family members or remain for a longer period, see our guides to:
A Schengen visa can be issued with different entry arrangements depending on the decision and the applicant's circumstances.
Having a multiple-entry visa does not mean you can remain continuously in the Schengen Area beyond the permitted short-stay limit.
Families should check the travel-document and visa requirements for every member of the family before departure.
Obtaining a visa does not automatically guarantee entry into Lithuania or another Schengen country.
At the external Schengen border, border authorities can verify matters such as:
Carry important supporting documents with you when travelling, even if you already have a visa in your passport.
One of the advantages of a Schengen visa is that it can facilitate travel between participating Schengen countries during the visa's validity, subject to the visa's conditions and the 90/180-day rule.
For example, a traveler visiting Lithuania may also plan a trip involving countries such as:
However, you should not simply choose the country with the easiest perceived application process. The application should follow the applicable Schengen rules concerning the main destination and, where relevant, the first-entry rules.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Visa type for tourism | Schengen short-stay Type C visa, when a visa is required |
| Maximum short stay | 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Schengen area | Yes |
| Standard adult visa fee | β¬90 |
| Children aged 6β11 | β¬45 |
| Children under 6 | Generally exempt from the visa fee |
| Biometrics | Required where applicable under Schengen rules |
| Work allowed with tourist visa? | No |
| Long-term residence? | No β another immigration status is required |
| Purpose | Typical Immigration Route |
|---|---|
| Tourism / short visit | Schengen short-stay visa or visa-free entry, depending on nationality |
| Short family or private visit | Schengen short-stay rules |
| Employment | Appropriate work authorization / residence route |
| Long-term studies | Relevant national visa or temporary residence route |
| Long-term family relocation | Relevant residence permit route |
| Permanent settlement | Permanent residence route, where eligible |
Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in October 2026 that changes affecting external service providers for national D visas and temporary residence permits do not change the handling of short-stay Schengen visa applications in the same way.
For tourism, remember the key distinction: a Schengen visa is for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while national visas and residence permits are separate immigration procedures for longer stays.
Because visa-centre locations, representation arrangements and application procedures can change, always verify the current submission location and document checklist before applying.
For the most current visa requirements, applicants should verify information directly with the Lithuanian authorities responsible for visa issuance and immigration.
Visa and immigration rules can change. This page is an informational guide and should not be treated as legal advice. Before applying, verify the latest requirements, fees, application location and supporting-document checklist with the relevant Lithuanian diplomatic mission, visa application centre, the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Lithuanian Migration Department.