Lithuania
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Latest updates: The Safety and security tab was updated – terrorism.
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Lithuania - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Lithuania. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
The crime rate is low; however, violent crime, including mugging, does occur. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs, particularly on public transport and in bars and restaurants.
Foreigners are often targeted in less populated areas after dark. Walk only along main roads and sidewalks. At night, avoid walking alone in parks, poorly lit areas, parking lots and side streets and alleys, particularly in the Central Station, Naujininkai, Old Town and Užupis neighbourhoods of Vilnius.
Car theft and theft from cars occurs. New and luxury cars are targets of choice. Never leave personal belongings unattended in a vehicle, and use secure parking facilities, especially overnight.
Individuals have been harassed for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance.
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. This may be of particular concern at bus and railway stations.
Fraud
Credit card fraud occurs, particularly in areas frequented by tourists. When using your card, ensure that it remains in view and that you retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper, should there be one.
Avoid invitations by strangers to visit local bars. This is usually a ploy to overcharge customers for drinks. Discussions about overcharging may lead to threats of violence and security guards may force you to pay.
See Overseas Fraud for more information on scams abroad.
Terrorism
On November 21, 2016, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Alert for Europe, alerting U.S. citizens to the “heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season” and advising them to “exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur periodically in larger urban centres. Although they are usually peaceful, avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings as they may suddenly turn violent. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
Road travel
Roads are generally in good condition but lanes are not always clearly marked. Travelling at night in rural areas can be hazardous due to slow-moving horse-drawn carts, bicycles and vehicles travelling without taillights or reflectors on poorly lit streets and highways. Be cautious as drivers can be aggressive.
Winter driving can be dangerous.
Dial 1414 for roadside assistance.
Public transportation
Taxis are inexpensive. Use only officially marked taxis from taxi stands or reputable hotels. To avoid being overcharged, obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the taxi driver is using the meter. Always ask for a receipt.
Rail service is generally slow. While some trains have been updated, others are old and uncomfortable. Safeguard your personal belongings when travelling on overnight international trains.
Bus service within the capital and its surroundings is safe and reliable. Frequent bus and air services link Lithuania to neighbouring countries.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
General safety information
Exercise normal security precautions in crowded areas, on public transportation and at airports, railway stations, bars, restaurants and hotels. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Lithuanian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Passport
Lithuania is a Schengen area country. Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from the Schengen area. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for non-EU citizens. You must be able to show sufficient proof of medical insurance to customs officials or purchase short-term insurance upon arrival.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days*
Special visa (employment and student authorization): Required
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
If you intend to stay beyond the 90 days permitted without visa, you should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to obtain the appropriate visa or residency permit prior to travelling.
The Curonian Spit—an elongated sand dune that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea—is divided between Lithuania and the Russian Federation, with a border crossing at Nida. Canadians wishing to visit the Curonian Spit region in Russia must possess a Russian visa. Consult the Travel Advice and Advisories for Russia for that country’s specific entry/exit requirements.
Schengen area
Canadians do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any country within the Schengen area. If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for longer than the 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa prior to travel. For more information, see Schengen area.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to ticks (e.g., those participating in outdoor activities in wooded areas) while travelling in regions with risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Eastern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Eastern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Eastern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in Eastern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Medical care in Lithuania has improved, but is not yet up to Canadian standards outside of major centres. Medical supplies are increasingly available. You may be at risk outside major centres if you have existing health problems.
Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate payment for health services. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Canada and Lithuania are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Council of Europe). This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Lithuania to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Lithuanian authorities.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Lithuania. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Lithuanian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Lithuanian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Illegal drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines.
LGBT travel
While not illegal, homosexuality is not socially accepted. See Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travel for more information.
Driving laws
An international driving permit is recommended. When travelling as a tourist, you can drive on a valid Canadian driver’s licence for 90 days.
Car insurance is mandatory. Border officials may request that you show them original documents.
The use of seat belts is mandatory. Children younger than three years old must be seated in a car seat located in the back seat. Children younger than 12 or less than 150 cm tall cannot travel in the front seat.
Low-beam lights must be on throughout the year. Headlights must be on at all times from September 1 to April 1. Winter or all-season tires are required from November 10 to March 31. Studded tires are not allowed from April 10 through October 31.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.04 percent for experienced drivers and 0.00 percent for new drivers, motorcyclists, taxi drivers and truck drivers. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, their driver's licence may be suspended and their vehicle may be confiscated.
The police are not required to respond to minor road accidents where there are no injuries to persons and both parties agree that police are not needed. In case of disagreement, do not move the vehicle(s) until the police arrive.
Exports
Strict regulations are in place on exporting religious items or antiques. If you purchase or acquire any such item while in Lithuania, confirm with local authorities if you may export such items with you before attempting to leave.
Money
The currency of Lithuania is the euro (EUR).
Most hotels, restaurants and stores accept major credit cards (primarily Visa and MasterCard). Automated banking machines are widely available in urban centres and accept Canadian bank cards and major credit cards.
Foreign currency, especially U.S. dollars, can easily be exchanged. Marked or torn notes may be rejected. Traveller’s cheques and bank drafts are not widely accepted.
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller’s cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on EU currency legislation and links to EU member sites, visit the European Commission’s cash controls website.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Lithuania is subject to cold temperatures, snowstorms and windstorms in winter.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Vilnius - Office of the Embassy of Canada
Stockholm - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the office of the Canadian Embassy in Vilnius and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.