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Lithuania
Country Specific Information
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May 19, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Lithuania is a stable democracy undergoing rapid economic growth. Tourist facilities in Vilnius, the capital, and to a lesser
extent in Kaunas and Klaipeda, are similar to those available in other European cities. In other parts of the country, however,
some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries may not be available. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Lithuania for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required to enter Lithuania. As there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Lithuania, U.S. citizens
should be aware of passport validity requirements in transit countries. American citizens do not need a visa to travel to
Lithuania for business or pleasure for up to 90 days. That 90-day period begins with entry to any of the “Schengen Group”
countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. Multiple visits
to Schengen countries may not exceed 90 days in any 6 month period. Travelers remaining in Lithuania for more than 90 days
within any six-month period must apply for temporary residency. Lithuanian authorities recommend applying or a residency permit
through a Lithuanian embassy or consulate before initial entry into Lithuania, as processing times can run beyond 90 days.
All foreigners of non-European Union countries seeking entry into Lithuania must carry proof of a medical insurance policy
contracted for payment of all costs of hospitalization and medical treatment in Lithuania. Visitors unable to demonstrate
sufficient proof of medical insurance must purchase short-term insurance at the border from a Lithuanian provider for roughly
$1.00 per day. The number of days will be calculated from the day of entry until the date on the return ticket. Children residing
in Lithuania must have written permission to travel outside the country from at least one parent if their parents are not
accompanying them on their trip. This policy is not applicable to temporary visitors. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Lithuania and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Lithuania web site at www.ltembassyus.org for the most current visa information.
Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry
to a Schengen country, many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function. If an American citizen wishes
to ensure that his or her entry is properly documented, it may be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry.
Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passport may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay
in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or
other repercussions if unable to do so.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information abut customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Civil unrest is not a problem in Lithuania, and there have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward American interests. Incidents
of anti-Americanism are rare.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for
callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.
For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see
the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Lithuania is a relatively safe country. Visitors should maintain the same personal security awareness that they would in
any metropolitan U.S. city. Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home. Crimes
against foreigners, while usually non-violent, do occur. Pickpocketing and thefts are problems, so personal belongings should
be well protected at all times. Theft from cars and car thefts occur regularly. Drivers should be wary of persons indicating
they should pull over or that something is wrong with their car. Often, a second car or person is following, and when the
driver of the targeted car gets out to see if there is a problem the person who has been following will either steal the driver’s
belongings from the vehicle or get in and drive off with the car. Drivers should never get out of the car to check for damage
without first turning off the ignition and taking the keys. Valuables should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles,
as there have been increasing reports of car windows smashed and items stolen. If possible, American citizens should avoid
walking alone at night. ATMs should be avoided after dark. In any public area, one should always be alert to being surrounded
by two or more people at once. Additionally, criminals have a penchant for taking advantage of drunken pedestrians. Americans
have reported being robbed and/or scammed while intoxicated.
Following a trend that has spread across Eastern and Central Europe, racially motivated verbal, and sometimes physical, harassment
of foreigners of non-Caucasian ethnicity has been reported in major cities. Incidents of racially motivated attacks against
American citizens have been reported in Klaipeda and Vilnius.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines.
More information on these serious problems is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the
local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. For more information about assistance for victims of crime
in Lithuania, please visit the Embassy’s web site at http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/service/crime-victim-assistance.html.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Lithuania has improved in the last 15 years, but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards. There
are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that nearly equal Western European or U.S. standards. Most medical
supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. However,
hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Lithuania has highly trained medical professionals,
some of whom speak English, but their availability is decreasing as they leave for employment opportunities abroad. Depending
on his or her condition, a patient may not receive an appointment with a specialist for several weeks. Western-quality dental
care can be obtained in major cities. Elderly travelers who require medical care may face difficulties. Most pharmaceuticals
sold in Lithuania are from Europe; travelers will not necessarily find the same brands that they use in the United States. Serious
medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services, particularly if immigration status in Lithuania is unclear.
Tick-borne encephalitis and lyme disease are widespread throughout the country. Those intending to visit parks or forested
areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization. Rabies is also increasingly
prevalent in rural areas.
The Lithuanian Government does not require HIV testing for U.S. citizens. However, sexually transmitted diseases are a growing public health problem.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747); or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
All foreigners of non-European Union countries seeking entry into Lithuania must carry proof of a medical insurance policy
contracted for payment of all costs of hospitalization and medical treatment in Lithuania (please see entry/exit requirements
above). Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Lithuania is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
The Police allow Americans to drive in Lithuania with an American driver’s license for up to 90 days. Americans who reside
in Lithuania for 185 days or more in one calendar year and who wish to continue driving in Lithuania must acquire a Lithuanian
driver's license. The foreign license must be given to the Lithuanian Road Police to be processed by the Consular Department
of the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which in turn sends it to the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section, where the owner
is expected to claim it.
Roads in Lithuania range from well-maintained two- to four-lane highways connecting major cities to small dirt roads traversing the countryside. Violation of traffic rules is common. It is not unusual to be overtaken by other automobiles, traveling at high speed, even in crowded urban areas. Driving at night, especially in the countryside, can be particularly hazardous. In summer, older seasonal vehicles and inexperienced drivers are extra hazards. Driving with caution is urged at all times. Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. The speed limit is 50 km/hr in town and 90 km/hr out of town unless otherwise indicated. The phone number for roadside assistance is 8-800-01414 from a regular phone and 1414 from a GSM mobile phone.
Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers except children under the age of 12. During the winter, most major roads are cleared of snow. Winter or all-season tires are required from November 10th through April 1st. Studded tires are not allowed from April 10th through October 31st. Drivers must have at least their low beam lights on at all times while driving.
Public transportation is generally safe.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible
for road safety at www.tourism.lt and at www.lra.lt/index_en.html.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Lithuania, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lithuania’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Lithuanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary importation into or export from Lithuania
of items such as firearms and antiquities. Please see our Customs Information.
Telephone connections are generally good. American 1-800 numbers can be accessed from Lithuania but not on a toll-free basis;
the international long distance rate per minute will be charged. Local Internet cafes offer computer access. ATMs are widely
available. Most hotels and other businesses accept major credit cards.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Lithuanian laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania
are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children
or possessing or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. For more
information about arrest procedures in Lithuania, please visit the Embassy’s web site at http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/arrests.html. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues web pages.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Lithuania are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department’s travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Lithuania. Americans without Internet access may register
directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate
to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Akmenu Gatve 6, tel. (370) (5) 266-5500 or 266-5600;
fax (370) (5) 266-5590. Consular information can also be found on the Embassy Vilnius web site at http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated November 5, 2007 to update sections on Crime and Medical Facilities and
Health Information.
