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Lithuania visas

Lithuania is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area. For short stays — up to 90 days in any 180-day period — most travellers use the shared Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) or, if they are visa-exempt, ETIAS. For stays of more than 90 days, Lithuania issues its own national long-stay visa (Type D) under its own rules. This hub explains both and links to the official European Commission sources; the shared short-stay rules are covered in full on our Schengen Area guide. Start your application online today — our visa experts will check everything before it is submitted.

Important information

Get it right first time. Our visa experts check every answer and document before your application is submitted, so avoidable mistakes don’t lead to delays or a refusal. Start your application today and we’ll guide you through every step.

Lithuanian visa application at a glance

From start to finish in five simple steps.

  1. 01Choose the right visa
  2. 02Check eligibility & documents
  3. 03Apply online
  4. 04Provide biometrics
  5. 05Wait for a decision
See the full application process

Lithuania Visa

Since 2004, Lithuania has been a member of the European Union. It signed the Schengen agreement in 2007, and since then, travelers with a Schengen visa have been able to enter Lithuania for stays of up to 90 days within 6-month periods.

If you are an EU/EEA national, you may enter Lithuania with only an identification document/passport. If you are a non-EU/EEA traveler and want to visit Lithuania for up to 90 days, you will need a Lithuanian Schengen Visa.

We advise you to make an applications as soon as possible. This ensures approval for your visa to Lithuania in time for your trip. Please note you will not be allowed on a flight without a valid visa document.

Lithuania Schengen

If you want to visit Lithuania for less than 90 days, you will require a Lithuania Schengen Visa. The Schengen region refers to European nations that have eliminated border restrictions between themselves.

We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. This guarantees that your visa to Lithuania is approved in time for your travel. Please keep in mind that if you do not have a valid visa, you will be denied boarding.

Lithuania Schengen Visa Otions:

Please choose one of the options below when applying for your Lithuania Schengen:

  • Single Entry Visa
  • Double Entry Visa
  • Multiple Entry Visa

Lithuania Schengen C-Visas

A Schengen Visa is an official travel document. It allows a person to travel to any country in the Schengen Area. For stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.

The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries which includes Lithuania. The area mostly acts as a single jurisdiction for international travel with a common visa policy.

Nationals of some countries, which have not yet reached a liberalization agreement will need to obtain this travel authorization before arrival in Lithuania or any other part of Europe.

Visiting Lithuania

You may enter if you plan to spend up to 90 days in the Republic of Lithuania during any 180 days:

  • If you're covered by the visa-free policy, under the visa-free policy.
  • If you have a current Schengen visa and are not exempt from the visa requirement.

Lithuania National D-Visas

If you want to remain in Lithuania for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit or a national D-Visa rather than a Lithuania Schengen Visa.

Regardless of the duration of your intended stay, your long-stay visa must be valid for three months to one year. To extend your stay beyond the period of your visa, you must apply for a residence permit at a prefecture.

Throughout its validity period, the long-stay visa is equivalent to a Schengen visa, enabling you to travel and reside in the Schengen region outside of Lithuania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, under the same conditions as if you had a Schengen visa.

If you are a citizen of a country that is not required to get a visa to enter the Schengen zone, you may travel visa-free and apply for your national visa / residence permit from inside the country where you desire to remain indefinitely.

Schengen Zone

The Schengen Zone is a geographical area in which 26 European countries have abolished their internal borders in order to allow for free and unrestricted movement of people, while also adhering to common rules for controlling external borders and combating crime by strengthening the common judicial system and police cooperation.

Except for Ireland and the nations that will shortly become part of Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Cyprus, the Schengen Area includes the vast majority of EU member states. Despite not being EU members, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein are all Schengen zone members.

Lithuania Schengen Purposes

Those wishing to visit relatives or friends who are legitimately living in the Schengen area.

Business - Many people travel to and from the Schengen countries on a regular basis.

Medical grounds – For travelling to any Schengen member country for medical treatment.

Students and learners who plan to attend any kind of educational institution for a period of less than three months, such as university courses, language classes, and other courses.

Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews - a visa designed for those who live outside of the Schengen area who wish to visit Europe for a Cultural, Sports, or Religious Event, as well as Film Crews.

Lithuania Visa Process

Business people, tourists, specialist employees, and students who wish to remain in Lithuania for a short period for particular travel objectives need Schengen visas. Those applying for a Schengen visa must indicate that they plan to exit the Schengen Zone at the conclusion of their temporary stay.

Who needs a visa to visit Lithuania?

EU citizens will require a national residence visa for stays longer than 90 days. A visa is not required for EU citizens to stay in Lithuania for less than 90 days.

Lithuania Schengen C-Visas

The Schengen area consists of 27 European countries which includes Lithuania. The area acts as a single jurisdiction for international travel with a common visa policy.

If you are third-country national, you will need a visa to enter Lithuania. In fact, you will need a visa to enter any other Schengen country. Short-stay Schengen C-visas permit stays of up to 90 days. While a national D-visa/residence permit is for more extended stays in the country.

Eligibility to apply for a Lithuania visa

There is a criteria for travellers to follow in regards to what documentation is required when trying to obtain a visa to Lithuania. The criteria is listed below.

  • Completed Lithuania Application Form
  • Two photos for passports.
  • Your valid passport.
  • Copies of all of your prior visas.
  • Lithuania Travel Insurance Coverage.
  • Evidence of mode of transportation.
  • Accommodation documentation.

Lithuania Visa Purposes

There are different types of Schengen visas for travel to Lithuania depending on the purpose of your visit. Here are some of the most common types:

-Tourist: For visitors going to Lithuania for holidays / vacations

-Business: This option is for business people who need to attend meetings, training, conferences etc..

-Family/Friend Visit: If you have relatives or friends in Lithuania, you can choose this option for your Schengen visa.

The requirements for a Lithuania visa vary depending on your nationality. The application process typically takes several weeks, so it is important to start the process well in advance of your travel date.

Appointment waiting times

Visa appointment wait times can vary from situation to situation. The seasonal volume of work and number of pending applicants also affect the estimated duration of the wait. However, the majority of wait times range between 60 and 120 days.

We can assist you with the appointment booking process to increase your chances of finding a suitable date. Appointments are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed so we advise that you do not pay for any non-refundable flights or accomodation to avoid financial losses.

Processing time for Lithuania visas

In most cases, the Lithuanian Schengen visa processing time is 15 days, but it can take up to 45 days.

Who can travel to Lithuania without a visa?

Citizens of most European Union (EU) countries and some other countries can travel to Lithuania without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. These countries include:

-EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

-Other countries: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Georgia, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, Seychelles, South Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City.

Citizens of other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance of their travel to Lithuania.

Schengen Member States

The Schengen Area is a zone in which 27 European countries have abolished their internal borders to allow for free and unrestricted movement of people:

  • Austria — Belgium — Croatia
  • Czech Republic — Denmark — Estonia
  • Finland — Switzerland — France
  • Germany — Greece — Hungary
  • Iceland — Italy — Latvia
  • Liechtenstein — Lithuania — Luxembourg
  • Malta — Netherlands — Norway
  • Poland — Portugal — Slovakia
  • Slovenia — Spain — Sweden

What to do if your Lithuania visa is refused?

If your Lithuania visa is refused, you will receive a letter from the Lithuanian embassy or consulate stating the reason for the refusal. The most common reasons for visa refusal are:

-Insufficient documentation: You may not have provided all of the required documentation.

-Negative immigration history: You may have a negative immigration history in Lithuania or in another country.

-Security concerns: The Lithuanian authorities may have security concerns about your visit.

If your visa is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can appeal the decision by writing to the Lithuanian embassy or consulate that refused your visa. You will need to provide additional information to support your appeal.

If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may be able to apply for a visa again. However, you will need to address the reasons for the original refusal in your new application.

Lithuania — key facts

Short-stay visa
Schengen visa (Type C)
Uniform across the whole Schengen Area
Short-stay limit
90 days in any 180
The shared Schengen short-stay rule
Long stays
National visa (Type D)
Issued by this country, for stays over 90 days
ETIAS
Travel authorisation
For visa-exempt travellers — expected to start in late 2026
EES
Biometric borders
Automated entry/exit, fully operational since 10 April 2026

Lithuanian visas — people also ask

  • Lithuania is in the Schengen Area, so short visits (up to 90 days in any 180) follow the shared Schengen rules. Whether you need a short-stay visa depends on your nationality — some travellers are visa-exempt (and, once it starts, will need an ETIAS travel authorisation instead). Check the official European Commission guidance for your situation.