Lithuania Visa Policy

Lithuania shares a similar visa policy with other EU countries that make up the Schengen zone. As a fellow Schengen country, Lithuania’s visa policy is designed to allow other EU citizens to visit and stay in the country indefinitely without visas. They are also allowed to engage in any legal activity in line with the open border policy of the EU. However, non-EU citizens do not enjoy the same privileges.

If you are not from a member EU state, you must apply for an entry permit in the form of a Schengen visa or an online travel authorization. Visitors are categorized into two; those from visa-exempt countries and those from non-visa-exempt countries.

Non-Visa Exempt Visitors

If you are a non-visa-exempt visitor, you can’t enter Lithuania without a visa issued by a Lithuanian foreign mission abroad or any other Schengen country. To visit the country, you must apply for a Schengen visa valid for 180 days, which allows you to stay there for up to 90 days. Schengen visas are multiple entry and multiple national Visas; this means that you can use them for your trip more than once as long as they are still valid, and you can also visit more than one country with the same visa.

The visa is issued for the purpose of leisure, business, transit, and any other short-term purpose and is also accepted by a few other non-Schengen countries in Europe, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, just to mention a few. You cannot use your Schengen visa to visit countries like the United Kingdom or The Republic of Ireland, as both countries have different visa policies.

Visa Exempt Visitors

The other category of non-EU foreign visitors is those from countries who qualify for visa waivers. If you qualify for visa waivers, you don’t need to show a visa at the point of entry; you need to show a special online authorization permit set for launch in 2024. This permit is called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

Lithuania ETIAS

ETIAS is a new initiative introduced by the European Commission and ratified by most European countries to protect their territorial integrity and strengthen the borders of member states. While visa-exempt visitors will be allowed to visit Lithuania without visas providing only a valid passport will no longer be enough.

According to the new policy, starting in 2024, all visitors from eligible countries must apply for ETIAS Approval before their visit. The process takes only some minutes after submitting the application form online; the ETIAS system will screen the security database using the applicant’s data for criminal records or intent. Those with clean records will get their trip approved.

ETIAS is valid for 3 years and will allow visitors to visit Lithuania, all Schengen, and a few non Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 180-day cycle. The application will attract an application fee paid by applicants within the age bracket of 18-70 years. Also, note that this authorization is only for short-term visits and must not be used for work or study.

Before applying for ETIAS, check your country status to know whether you qualify for it or not. If your country still needs to be added to the visa-free list, apply for a Schengen visa.

Lithuania ETIAS Information And Travel Tips

If you are planning your trip to Lithuania as a visa-exempt visitor, here are some notable travel tips and information to remember.

Ticket: Regardless of whether you will travel by land, air, or sea, don’t boon your ticket until your ETIAS is approved. Once you have this authorization, it will be safe to book your ticket each time you visit the Schengen zone. The last thing you want is to book your ticket only for your application to be denied.

Duration of Stay: ETIAS is for 90 days of stay in 180 days. This means that you are not allowed to stay in the country, or any other Schengen country for that matter, for more than three months within a 6 months cycle. If you must stay longer, you must exit the Schengen zone and re-enter at the end of the six-month cycle. The cycle starts counting the day after you set foot in any Schengen country in Europe.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Lithuania. It must also be the same passport registered to your ETIAS permit. Persons who arrive with a different passport will be denied entry.

Expiration: Although your ETIAS is valid for 3 years, it may expire before then if the passport it is attached to expires. So always have this in mind lest you travel with an expired document.

Not For Residency: ETIAS is designed for only short-term visits for any of the purposes reviewed above. You cannot use it as a long-term residential document, nor can you use it for work or study. For a long stay, apply for a visa at the nearest Lithuanian foreign mission.

Eligibility: Remember that you must originally be from a visa-exempt country to apply for ETIAS; if you currently require only a valid passport to enter Lithuania or a fellow Schengen state, you need ETIAS.

Flight Tickets: If you are flying to other countries en route to Lithuania, makes sure that you have a confirmed flight ticket at hand and also make sure that the ticket has matching arrival and departure dates. ETIAS is mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries who will remain in the airport for more than 12 hours.

Lithuania e-Visa Online – Get your Lithuania e-Visa with VisaHQ

Traveling to Lithuania requires more than a flight ticket and a valid passport; you will also need to either get a visa or an online travel authorization depending on your nationality. Lithuania has announced new regulations for visitors from outside Europe, and you should know about them if you plan to visit the country soon.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ 

So the following is to apply for ETIAS.

Complete the form: Complete the online application form with only valid information as they appear in your travel documents. Ensure that there are no errors in your entries.

Upload documents: Upload your travel documents as required by law. Only valid documents will be approved.

Pay the fee: Pay the application fee with a bank-issued credit or debit card, then submit for approval.

Get your approval: It will only take some minutes for the system to process your application, and the permit will be approved.

Why Use VisaHQ 

You should use VisaHQ for all your online applications because

• The process is fast and easy
• You get technical support if you need it
• You enjoy advanced data security
• Apply for multiple visas and authorizations and save time
• Track your application online

These and more are what you stand to gain, so visit the application page now to apply.