Vilnius Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport (or be included in parent's passport if country allows). Minors (under 18) traveling alone or with one parent should carry a notarized parental consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s), including contact information and authorizing the travel. This is not always mandatory but strongly recommended to avoid issues at border control. The letter should be in English or Lithuanian, include child's details, travel dates, accompanying adult information, and parent signatures. If a child has a different surname from the accompanying adult, bring proof of relationship (birth certificate). For divorced or separated parents, carry custody documents if applicable. Some airlines have specific requirements for unaccompanied minors - check with your carrier.

Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) entering Lithuania from EU countries must: have an ISO-compatible microchip, valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and EU pet passport. From non-EU countries, pets need: microchip, rabies vaccination, official health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and rabies antibody titer test (performed at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel). Pets must enter through designated border crossing points. Maximum of 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Certain breeds may face restrictions. Tapeworm treatment required for dogs from certain countries (1-5 days before entry). Birds and other animals have different requirements - contact the State Food and Veterinary Service (www.vmvt.lt) for details. Airlines have their own pet policies - confirm in advance.

Tourist visas and visa-free stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. For longer stays, you must apply for a national (D) visa or residence permit before the 90 days expire. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can stay indefinitely but should register with local authorities if staying over 3 months. Common long-stay categories include: work permits (requires job offer from Lithuanian employer), student visas (requires acceptance from Lithuanian educational institution), family reunification (for family members of Lithuanian citizens or residents), and business/investment visas. Apply at Lithuanian embassy/consulate in your home country before traveling. Processing takes 1-2 months. Required documents typically include: application form, valid passport, photos, proof of purpose (employment contract, university acceptance, etc.), health insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and criminal background check. Temporary residence permits are usually valid for 1 year (renewable). After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence. Overstaying can result in entry bans, fines, and deportation.

Business visitors entering for meetings, conferences, negotiations, or trade fairs can usually enter on tourist visa/visa-free status for stays under 90 days. Carry supporting documents: invitation letter from Lithuanian company (including company details, purpose and duration of visit, financial responsibility statement), proof of business relationship, conference registration, or trade fair documentation. Employment or paid activities are not permitted on tourist/business visitor status - these require work permits. For frequent business travel, consider applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa. If establishing a business or working in Lithuania, you'll need appropriate residence and work permits. Self-employed individuals and freelancers have specific visa categories - consult Lithuanian embassy. Keep business cards and company documentation. Declare any commercial samples or equipment to customs.

Students accepted to Lithuanian universities or educational institutions for programs longer than 90 days must obtain a national (D) student visa before arrival. Apply at Lithuanian embassy/consulate with: acceptance letter from educational institution, proof of sufficient funds (approximately €500/month or scholarship letter), health insurance, accommodation proof, and academic transcripts. Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Upon arrival, register with Migration Department within 7 days and apply for temporary residence permit. Student permits are valid for study duration (up to 1 year, renewable). Students can work up to 20 hours/week during studies (40 hours during holidays) without separate work permit. For short-term academic visits, conferences, or research stays under 90 days, standard tourist entry applies but carry invitation from hosting institution. Exchange students within EU programs (Erasmus+) may have simplified procedures.

Travelers transiting through Vilnius Airport to non-Schengen destinations without leaving the international transit area generally don't need a visa, regardless of nationality, if the layover is under 24 hours and they hold valid documents for their final destination. However, if you need to collect and re-check luggage, change airports, or leave the transit area, you'll be subject to normal entry requirements. Some nationalities require airport transit visas even for airside transit - check with Lithuanian embassy. If transiting by land through Lithuania to another country, normal entry requirements apply. Keep all boarding passes and onward tickets accessible. Transit visas (if required) are typically valid for 24 hours and allow passage through the international zone only.