Exploring Lithuania: A Guide to the Baltic Gem
Located on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, the Republic of Lithuania boldly became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence in 1990. With a restructured economy, it joined the EU in the spring of 2004, and the gates of this fascinating country are now wide open for tourists and pleasure-seekers.
Relatively small, with only 62 miles (100km) of Baltic coastline, and hemmed in by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and part of the Russian Federation, Lithuania has a wide variety of offerings for visitors, including around 2,500 lakes, 18 sizeable meandering rivers, and forests covering a third of its territory.
The country also boasts of being smack in the centre of Europe: travellers can stand in the official centre of the continent at a now popular tourist attraction 15 miles (24km) northwest of the capital, Vilnius.
Vilnius itself is an ancient and atmospheric city, founded in 1323, with a beautiful old quarter declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trakai, capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, lies just a few miles from Vilnius on the shore of the scenic Lake Galve.
A little further west, visitors can revel in the peaceful Birstonas mineral water spa resort. Lithuania’s second largest city, Kaunas, is a cultural centre boasting numerous museums and a number of renowned theatres among its attractions.
On its Baltic coastline, Lithuania lures travellers with pretty seaside resorts such as Palanga, with its unspoilt white sandy beaches backed by pine forests. Easily accessible by air and road from the main centres of Europe, an ever-increasing number of travellers continue to savour the delights of this Baltic State.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Lithuanian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Non-EEA foreign passengers to Lithuania must hold (i) return/onward tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, (iii) sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, and (iv) valid health and travel insurance, to cover any medical expenses incurred while in Lithuania.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. There are plenty of ATMs for withdrawing local currency and all major credit cards are accepted.
- Electricity:
- European-style, two-pin plug sockets are standard, with an electrical current of 220 volts, 50Hz.
Climate in Lithuania
Lithuania’s climate is mid-way between maritime and continental, with mild, wet summers and cold winters. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, though the coast tends to receive more than inland areas.
Summer and spring are the wettest seasons and cloudy skies and afternoon thunderstorms are common during these months. January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures averaging around 23°F (-5°C).
Winter months have freezing northeasterly winds and can see temperatures going below -4°F (-20°C). Heavy snows are fairly common in Lithuania. Summer temperatures sit comfortably between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C), but can reach higher than 86°F (30°C). July is the warmest month.
May to September, in the months of late spring, summer and early autumn, is the most pleasant time to visit Lithuania, as winters can be brutally cold. Tourists should anticipate some rain between May and September, though the weather is most often lovely.
The summer months of June through August are the most popular times to visit, with many of the country’s festivals held during this time, giving some extra incentive to visitors.
Health Notes when travelling to Lithuania
Travellers intending to visit forest areas for lengthy periods should take the necessary precautions against tick-borne encephalitis. Doctors may also advise vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. EU citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their country of origin. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. Medical facilities are fair and there are plenty of doctors, but equipment and resources are lacking in some areas. There are a few private clinics of high standard. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for services, so travel medical insurance is highly recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Lithuania
Safety in Lithuania is not a major issue for travellers as the country is largely devoid of civil unrest and the terrorism threat is low. Car theft is rife, and there is the usual risk of mugging, pick pocketing and bag snatching, especially on public transport.
The majority of crime is petty rather than life threatening. Visitors should exercise due care and avoid carrying valuables or flashing conspicuous wealth. It’s advisable that visitors carry a copy of their passport for identification purposes. Traffic accidents are common, so extra vigilance is required for driving, especially at night.
Customs in Lithuania
The Catholic Church is influential in Lithuania and travellers should be respectful of religious customs. A handshake is the most common greeting among strangers in Lithuania.
Duty Free in Lithuania
Duty free allowances for non-EU travellers to Lithuania include 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 50 cigars; 1 litre spirits, 4 litres wine or 16 litres beer; perfume for personal use. There is technically no limitation on alcohol and tobacco products for those travelling from other EU countries.
Doing Business in Lithuania
Business in Lithuania is rather formal, though the younger generation is less conservative. Face-to-face meetings are key, with good eye contact and a firm handshake upon greeting. Businesspeople usually exchange cards and it is important to be punctual.
Suits and ties are the norm, with titles and surnames used unless otherwise indicated. Lithuanians are hospitable and friendly and any social invitation should be accepted, as this is a good opportunity to forge better business relations and build trust.
Meetings tend to start with some small talk and can sometimes end with a summary of the discussions, though decision making and results can be slow. Business hours are usually from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Lithuania
The international dialling code for Lithuania is +370 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK). Travellers with unlocked phones can purchase local SIM cards, and there’s fast WiFi throughout urban centres. There’s often good connectivity in smaller towns as well.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Non-EEA foreign passengers to Lithuania must hold (i) return/onward tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, (iii) sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, and (iv) valid health and travel insurance, to cover any medical expenses incurred while in Lithuania.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Lithuania. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Lithuanian Official Tourism Website: http://www.tourism.lt
Lithuania Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Lithuania, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 5860.
- In Canada:
Embassy of Lithuania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (613) 567 5458.
- In the United Kingdom:
Embassy of Lithuania, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7592 2840.
- In Australia:
Consulate General of Lithuania, New South Wales, Australia: +61 2 9969 6232.
- In Ireland:
Embassy of Lithuania, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 203 5757.
- In South Africa:
Honorary Consul of Lithuania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 328 3550.
Foreign Embassies in Lithuania
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)26 65500.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)24 90950.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)24 62900.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Honourary Consul, Vilnius: +370 (5)212 3369.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)262 9460.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
