Travellers who are planning a trip to Lithuania should know about the upcoming entry requirements, set to take effect at the end of 2022. The ETIAS (also known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) waiver program is a system that requires travellers from more than 60 countries to apply for a visa waiver before they can legally enter the Schengen Area.
Thankfully, the process is quick, simple, and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Lithuania, the EU, and the Schengen Area
Lithuania formally joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, the country joined the Schengen Zone on December 21, 2007.
Who needs ETIAS to travel to Lithuania?
Citizens of more than 60 countries are required to have a Lithuanian ETIAS before they can enter the country. Some of the countries include Albania, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan Ukraine, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.
Passport and document requirements for Lithuania ETIAS
The ETIAS requirements for Europe or Lithuania are very simple. There are only a few things needed before travellers can apply for their Lithuanian ETIAS.
Eligible visitors should have a valid and biometric passport to travel to the Schengen zone.
The traveller will also need a valid form of payment (such as a credit or debit card) to pay for the ETIAS application fee and a valid email address to receive correspondence about the status of their ETIAS.
How can I apply for Lithuanian ETIAS?
Travellers who wish to apply for ETIAS visa waiver will find the process quick and simple.
It starts with filling out the online application with the traveller’s personal information (full name, date of birth, place of birth), contact information (email, home address, phone number), passport details (date of issue, date of expiry, passport number), as well as their travel itinerary. Travellers will also need to answer personal questions regarding their health information and criminal record (if any). The application takes less than 20 minutes to complete.
Once the application has been submitted, applicants will usually get an instant response in their email inbox. Those who have been approved for an ETIAS for Lithuania can enjoy their waiver for three years from the date of issue. Travellers with an ETIAS can freely travel between Schengen zone countries without having to re-apply for a waiver and without the need to go through a rigorous border process.
Travel information about Lithuania
The capital, Vilus, is an interesting mix of new and old: there are medieval churches situated next to modern buildings, and everything in between. One unique feature of Lithuania is that it has its own republic. Known as the Republic of Užupis, this self-proclaimed country has a constitution, parliament, and currency, even if no other country in the world recognizes its status. It is an interesting place to explore for a few hours and it is within walking distance from the center of Vilnius.
Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and another excellent place to visit. Its flower-lined boulevards give it a truly European atmosphere, while the museums and boutique shops are sure to delight any visitor.
Those who want to explore Lithuania’s old history will be delighted to learn about Rumsiskes, an open-air museum. There are traditional cottages and it is considered to be one of the largest museums of its kind in Europe.
Lithuania is the perfect starting point for a Baltic adventure. From here, travellers can make their way up to Latvia and finish their trip in Estonia or continue further to another nearby country.