Lithuania Destination Guide
Lithuania is a land of castles, lakes and forests. Its landscape consists of vast plains parted by hills and sand dunes along the Baltic shore. Its capital, Vilnius, is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, owing especially to its Baroque old town.
Lithuanian independence came soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. By 1995, the transition to a full market economy had been completed. The long-running border dispute with Poland was settled with the signing of a friendship and co-operation treaty in January 1992 and negotiations
with Russia led to the withdrawal of the remaining Russian troops in Lithuania in August 1993.
It is the largest of the three Baltic states. Since gaining EU membership in 2004, the country has been placed on the global stage, encouraging more visitors than ever.
Geography
Lithuania is situated on the eastern Baltic coast and borders Latvia in the north, the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation and Poland in the southwest, and Belarus in the southwest and east. The geometrical center of Europe lies in eastern Lithuania near the village of Bernotai, 25km (16 miles) north of Vilnius. The landscape alternates between lowland plains and hilly uplands and has a dense, intricate network of rivers, including the Nemunas and the Neris. Around 1.5% of the country’s territory is made up of lakes, of which there are over 2,800. The majority of these lie in the east of the country and include Lake Druksiai and Lake Tauragnas.
Location
Northern Europe.
Area
65,300 sq km (25,212 sq miles).
Population
3.6 million (2007 estimate).
Population Density
54.7 per sq km.
Capital
Vilnius.
Population: 541,300 (census 2005).
Government
Republic. Gained independence from Russia/Germany 1918-1940 and from the Soviet Union in 1990.
Language
Lithuanian is the official language. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian (Aukstaiciai) and Low Lithuanian (Zemaiciai).
Religion
Predominantly (79%)
Roman Catholic with Russian Orthodox and Protestant, including Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformist.
Time
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas since 2006.
Head of State
President Valdas Adamkus since 2004.
Recent History
President Valdas Adamkus was re-elected Lithuanian president in June 2004, in a poll that followed the impeachment and dismissal of the previous president, Rolandas Paksas, on corruption charges.
During his first term he was credited with speeding up reforms, steering the country towards relative prosperity and overseeing Lithuania’s historic progress towards integration with the West and Nato and EU membership.
In July 2006, Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas formed Lithuania’s 14th government in 15 years, ending a political crisis which started when Algirdas Brazauskas, from the center-left Social Democrats, resigned as premier in May. He has promised to strive to bring Lithuania into the eurozone, ensure better access to healthcare and curtail emigration.
Telephone
Country code: 370.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet
Internet is available; public access is at the Lithuanian National Library and increasingly at Internet centers and cafes in main cities and towns.
Media
Lithuania’s TV market is dominated by commercial channels. The radio market is similarly competitive, with more than 30 stations competing for listeners and advertisers. Lithuania’s media are free and operate independently of the state, and there are no Government-owned newspapers. However, politicians do occasionally attempt to influence editorial policy.
Post
Post to Western Europe takes up to six days. There is a variety of private companies offering express mail services.
Press
• Newspapers are published in Lithuanian and some in Russian or Polish.
• The major dailies are Kauno Diena, Lietuvos Rytas, Respublika and Lietuvos Zinios.
• Weeklies include Veidas and Atgimimas.
Radio
• LRT operates LR, Klasikos and Opus 3 networks.
• Commerical radio stations include M-1 (pop music and news), Radiocentras (pop music) and Pukas.
Below are listed Public holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.
2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
16 Feb Restoration of the State Day (1918).
11 Mar Restoration of Independence Day (1990).
10-13 Apr Easter.
1 May International Labor Day.
3 May Mothers' Day.
24 Jun Jonines (St John's Day/Midsummer's Day).
6 Jul Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas.
15 Aug Assumption Day.
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.
2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
16 Feb Restoration of the State Day (1918).
11 Mar Restoration of Independence Day (1990).
2-5 Apr Easter.
1 May International Labor Day.
2 May Mothers' Day.
24 Jun Jonines (St John's Day/Midsummer's Day).
6 Jul Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas.
15 Aug Assumption Day.
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.
Note
According to Lithuanian Law, all holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday, including those that are always celebrated on a Sunday, are moved to the following Monday.
Contact Information:
Lithuanian State Department of Tourism
A Juozapavicius Street 13, 09311 Vilnius, Lithuania
Tel: (5) 210 8796.
Website: www.tourism.lt
Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the UK
84 Gloucester Place, London W1U 6AU, UK
Tel: (020) 7486 6401.
Website: http://uk.mfa.lt
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 (consular section); Tues-Thurs 1500-1600 (visa section; appointments not necessary).
Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the USA
2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201, USA
Tel: (202) 234 5860 (ext 127 for visa section).
Website: www.ltembassyus.org
Vilnius
The historic city of Vilnius (founded in 1323) is the capital of Lithuania. Surrounded on three sides by wooded hills and situated in a picturesque valley formed by the rivers Neris and Vilnia, the ancient yet modern center of the city lies on the southern or left bank of the river. Vilnius' Old Town is the biggest in Europe and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike Riga and Tallinn in the other Baltic Republics, Vilnius is not of Germanic origin, although like these other cities it has a large old quarter which is gradually being restored. Almost all major European architectural
styles are represented, although ultimately it was the Baroque which came to dominate. The heart of the capital is the beautiful and spacious Gediminas Square, the main feature of which is the Cathedral built in the Classical style. Other interesting churches are the Gothic St Ann’s Church and the St Peter and St Paul’s Church, which houses the body of St Casimieras, one of the most revered of Lithuania’s dukes. It also includes some fine sculptures. Any itinerary of the city should include the historic University of Vilnius, which was granted its charter in 1579, the Golden Age in the city’s history. The university is among the oldest in Central Europe and has a distinctly Renaissance feel with its inner courtyards and arcades. To enjoy a view of the whole city, visitors should climb the Gediminas Tower. High on a hill in the center of the city, it rises above Vilnius and is the symbol of the Lithuanian capital.
Excursions
About 25km (18 miles) from Vilnius lies Trakai, an ancient capital of Lithuania. Situated on the shore of the picturesque Lake Galve, on which boat rides are available, the city has a castle dating from the 14th century. Further to the west is the spa of Birstonas, renowned for its mineral waters and tranquility.
Kaunas
To the west of Vilnius lies the industrial and cultural center of Kaunas, Lithuania’s second city. Also known as the ‘city of museums’, it boasts, amongst others, the Devil Museum and a memorial to those who suffered during the Nazi occupation. The most famous museum is dedicated to the works of the Lithuanian painter Ciurlionis. Kaunas also numbers three theaters, some 11th-century castle ruins and the old City Hall among its attractions.
Elsewhere
Other places of interest in Lithuania include the small riverside spa resort of Druskininkai, situated 135km (84 miles) from Vilnius, and the small town of Rumsiskes, 80km (50 miles) from Vilnius and 20km (12.5 miles) from Kaunas, with its open-air museum of wooden architecture exhibiting farmhouses from all the various regions of the country. Five strange grassy mounds mark Lithuania's ancient capital at Kernave, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Popular seaside resorts include Palanga and Kursiu Nerija (with the settlements of Nida and Juodkrante), which are famous for their clean white sand beaches, natural sand dunes and pine forests. Palanga also boasts the Amber Museum-Gallery (website: www.ambergallery.lt) and an interesting botanical park. Nida is the last village on the Lithuanian half of the spit surrounded by endless stretches of clean white sand. A lighthouse from 1874 can be visited here, as can the Thomas Mann Cultural Center, situated in the house where the German writer spent his holidays between 1930 and 1932. There is the award winning Park of Soviet Sculptures at Gruto Parkas, which reminds visitors of some of Lithuania's grim past. To the south lies the city of Klaipeda, an important seaport as well as the main center for ferry connections from Lithuania. The two main towns in the north of the country are Siauliai, an important industrial center with the famous Hill of Crosses about 10km (6 miles) from the city, and Panevezys with its famous Drama Theater.
Hiking
Lithuania is a predominantly flat country, a quarter of which is covered by forests. There are five national parks and numerous other conservation areas. Hiking trails can be found all over the country. One of the highlights is the Curonian Spit National Park (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), on the peninsula separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea, where visitors can explore a range of large sand dunes and several pine forests. Rare flora and fauna are to be found here. Trakai National Park contains many lakes while Aukstaitija and Zemaitija National
Parks feature hills, lakes and uplands.
Watersports
A range of watersports is practiced on Lithuania’s many lakes and rivers, and equipment can be hired locally. Fishing is very popular. Licenses, which are compulsory, are issued by the Department of Water Resources, Juozapaviciaus 9, Vilnius (tel: (5) 272 3786). Nida makes a true paradise for sailing, windsurfing and also paragliding and kiting.
Other
Wintersports include ice-fishing, cross-country skiing and skating. Lithuania has extensive sporting facilities including the 15,000-seat Zalgiris stadium in Vilnius and facilities for swimming, football, handball, basketball (the most popular sport), tennis and hockey. Cycling is also popular. There are also opportunities for more extreme sports such as hot-air ballooning, gliding, or, for the ultimate experience, leap off the tallest bungee jump of its kind in Europe.
Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.
Present-day Lithuanians, along with Latvians and ancient Prussians, are descendants of the Balts, an Indo-European ethnic group that settled on the Baltic coast 4000 years ago. The name of Lithuania was first mentioned in the Quedlinburg Annals in 1009. Under Grand Duke Mindaugas, who is recognized as the founder of Lithuania, and under the rule of Grand Duke Gediminas, the territory was extended during the 14th century southwards to take in Minsk and later as far as the Black Sea. This power enabled Lithuania to withstand the advance of the Teutonic Knights and to reach, together with Poland,
the decisive victory at the Zalgiris (Tannenberg) battle in 1410.
At the Union of Lublin in 1569, a full-scale merger between Lithuania and Poland took place, creating ‘The Joint Republic of the Polish Kingdom and Lithuanian Grand Duchy’. However, the ensuing centuries showed that this was insufficient to protect Lithuania from the territorial ambitions of other regional powers. At the end of the 18th century, the Joint Republic was carved up and occupied in successive partitions. Russia took possession of part of Lithuania in 1795 (the western region was claimed by Prussia) and held on to it until the early 20th century. The Russians were driven out by the German army during World War I and, after the Bolshevik revolution brought an end to Russian involvement in World War I, the Lithuanian Council declared independence in February 1918. In 1921, Lithuania joined the League of Nations. Although the Lithuanians had settled their differences with the Russians, temporarily at least, the Poles continued to occupy Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, in defiance of Allied demarcation which had awarded the city to the Lithuanians.
The capital of the new state was therefore established at Kaunas. The Lithuanian constitution promulgated in 1922 declared Lithuania to be a parliamentary republic with the Seimas as the legislative organ. However, a military coup in December 1926 brought Antanas Smetona to power at the head of an authoritarian regime backed by the nationalist Tautininku movement. The status of Lithuania was again altered following the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939, whose secret protocols allowed for a Soviet takeover of all three Baltic Republics. Lithuania was occupied by the German Army in 1941 until its re-annexation by the Soviets three years later. The republic underwent some industrialization and the immigration of ethnic Russians between the 1950s and the mid-1980s, though not on the scale experienced by Estonia or Latvia.
When Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in the Kremlin in 1985, the population still comprised 80 to 90 per cent ethnic Lithuanians. Taking advantage of the less repressive political climate, pressure for political and economic reform in Lithuania grew. This was spearheaded by the Sajudis, the Lithuanian Reform Movement, which put forward a program of democratic and national rights coupled with support for an independent Lithuania. The Lithuanian Communist Party was split between Sajudis supporters – who won a majority on the Lithuanian Supreme Soviet at elections in February/March 1990 – and those who backed the Moscow position asserting the supremacy of the center. Moscow responded initially with selective economic sanctions, and then military deployments to deter the pro-independence elements.
Despite occupying radio, TV and other key installations, the Soviet forces were forced to back down in the face of a mass popular mobilization called by Landsbergis, compounded by a referendum on independence which won 90 per cent support. This decisive period in recent Lithuanian history finished with the failed coup against Gorbachev in August 1991 and the effective end to Soviet Government. Lithuanian independence followed immediately, unopposed and by default. The country was internationally recognized and rapidly gained admission to the United Nations, the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
An attempt to implement price rises at the beginning of 1991 had already led to the resignation of Lithuania’s first Prime Minister, the charismatic Kazimiera Prunskiene, replaced by the new Sajudis leader Gediminas Vagnorius. The transition to a full market economy now began; by 1995 it had been more or less completed. Lithuania was able to deal fairly quickly with several outstanding issues concerning its larger neighbors: the long-running border dispute with Poland was settled with the signing of a friendship and co-operation treaty in January 1992, and negotiations with Russia led to the withdrawal of the remaining Russian troops in Lithuania in August 1993. Lithuania’s main priorities abroad were to secure membership of the European Union and of NATO. Both are now within reach. The country has fulfilled the entrance criteria for accession to the EU. Following a referendum in May 2003, at which over 90 per cent of voters endorsed EU membership, Lithuania joined, along with nine other applicants (mostly from fellow central and eastern European states), in May 2004. Strong objections originally posted by Moscow to any of the Baltic states entering NATO were mollified, and Lithuania was invited to join the organization at the Prague NATO summit in October 2002.
There is a sensitive outstanding problem with Russia, however, concerning access to the Baltic enclave of Kaliningrad. This geographical peculiarity is important to the Russians as the single Baltic port that is ice-free throughout the year. It has also developed a thriving economy as a free trade port with access to valuable European markets. The Lithuanians are reluctant to allow a free access corridor across their territory, which is the only viable route from the enclave to the rest of Russia. The Kaliningrad transit issue is now the subject of negotiations between the EU, Lithuania and Russia.
Domestic politics in the immediate post-Soviet era were dominated by the struggle between the Democratic Labor Party – which grew out of the former Lithuanian Communist Party – and center-right, liberal and nationalist groupings based around Sajudis. More recently, new political formations have tended to organize around a prominent individual, such as Algirdas Brazauskas who has given his name to the four-party social democratic coalition which won the most recent Seimas (parliament) election in October 2000. In 2001, Brazauskas recovered the premiership personally and has since held onto the post. The presidency was most recently contested in December 2002. The incumbent Valdas Adamkus, a recent returnee from the United States who was the surprise winner in 1998, was the clear leader after the first round. However, at the second stage run-off the following month, he was surprisingly defeated by a former Soviet aerobatics champion, Rolandas Paksas.
Government
Under the constitution adopted in October 1992, legislative authority rests with the popularly elected Seimas, the parliament, with 141 Government members. The president is the head of state and is elected for a five-year term by universal adult suffrage. Executive power is vested in the Government, consisting of the prime minister, who is appointed by the president with approval of the Seimas and his cabinet.
Economy
Lithuania has historically been the least developed of the Baltic republics, with a smaller industrial base and greater dependence on agriculture, prior to rapid industrialization during the Soviet era. Sugar beet, cereals, potatoes and vegetables are the main crops. Electrical, electronic and optical goods and light machinery are the main industrial products.
The government plans to reduce the percentage but faces major problems regarding waste disposal and alternative energy sources. Further privatizations of state assets, principally in the banking and transport sectors, were completed in 2002.
Following a 90% endorsement in a national referendum held in May 2003, Lithuania joined the EU on 1 May 2004.
Lithuania’s trade patterns have gradually shifted during the 1990s towards the West, and the European Union now accounts for just under half of all Lithuanian trade. Lithuania has recovered from the serious knock-on effects of the 1998 Russian financial crisis, and growth was 8% in 2007.
Inflation was 5.4% last year and unemployment at 5.7%.
Waiter service is usual in restaurants and cafes, but self-service restaurants, bistros and snack bars are also popular.
National specialties:
• Skilandis (smoked meat).
• Salti barsciai (cold soup).
• Vedarai (potato sausage) and bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes).
• Smoked eel is a famous Baltic delicacy.
• Mild white curd cheese, best served with honey.
National drinks:
• Local brands of beer and imported drinks are popular.
• A famous Lithuanian spirit is midus, a mild alcoholic
beverage made from honey.
Tipping: Restaurant bills include a tip. Otherwise, tips are discretionary.
Nightlife
Cinemas can be found in all towns. Lithuanian theaters, most of which are concentrated in the capital, are also renowned. The Jaunimo teatras (website: www.jaunimoteatras.lt) in Vilnius are famous throughout the country. Opera and ballet are staged in the city at the Vilnius Opera Theater and Kaunas has a Musical Theater. Puppet shows are staged for children in Vilnius and Kaunas. There are restaurants with live music as well as numerous discos and nightclubs with variety shows in the larger towns.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Lithuanians are proud of their culture and their national heritage and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity.
International Travel:
Getting There by Air
The national airline is FlyLAL(TE) (website: www.lal.lt).
Departure Tax
Lt60.
Main Airports
Vilnius Airport (VNO) (website: www.vilnius-airport.lt) is situated approximately
6km (3.5 miles) southeast of the city center. To/from the airport: There are taxi and bus services to the city (journey time – 10 minutes). Minibuses also run. Facilities: Duty-free shop, banks/bureaux de change, refreshments, tourist information, travel agencies, hotel, VIP lounge and car hire.
There are also international airports in Kaunas (KUN) and Palanga (PLQ); the latter serves the whole of the Baltic coast.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Klaipeda is connected by trade routes with foreign ports.
There are ferry services to Denmark, Kaliningrad (Russian Federation), Germany, Poland and Sweden. There is also a cruise ship terminal. For information on ferry services from Klaipeda, contact Krantas Shipping (tel: (46) 395 111; website: www.krantas.lt). There are services to Karlshamm in Sweden; Aarhus and Aabenraa in Denmark; and to Kiel and Sassnitz in Germany.
Getting There by Rail
Lithuania has a well-developed rail network run by Lithuanian Railways (website: www.litrail.lt). Vilnius is the focal point for rail connections in the region. Major routes go to Kaliningrad, Lviv (Ukraine), Minsk, Moscow, Riga, St Petersburg and Warsaw.
Getting There by Road
Lithuania has a good network of roads connecting the country with all neighboring states. The crossing points on the Lithuanian-Polish border are Ogrodniki (Poland)–Lazdijai (Lithuania) and for trucks at Kalvarija (Lithuania). There are numerous crossing points with Latvia, Belarus and the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation. The international road Via Baltica goes from Tallinn to Warsaw through Latvia and Lithuania, thus connecting Scandinavia with Western Europe.
Coach: There are passenger coaches from Vilnius to cities including Berlin, Gdansk, Kaliningrad, Minsk, Moscow, Prague, Riga, Tallinn, Vienna and Warsaw. Charter buses go to all Western European countries. Eurolines (tel: 0871 781 8181, in the UK; website: www.eurolines.com) serves destinations in Lithuania.
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Lithuania by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco or combination, provided amount does not exceed 250g.
• 1l of spirits exceeding 22% volume or 2l of spirits, wine-based spirits or alcohol below 22% volume or 2l of sparkling wine or 2l of spirited wine or 2l of non-sparkling wine.
• 250g of eau de toilette or 50g of perfume.
• 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract and essences.
• 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract and essences.
Restricted items
Ethyl alcohol and homemade alcoholic beverages; meat, meat products, dairy products and eggs; military weapons, hunting guns, ammunition, electric fishing equipment, drugs and psychotropic substances, radioelectronic equipment, color photocopying equipment (all require a permit).
Abolition of duty-free goods within the EU
On 30 June 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all of the original 15 EU member states. Of the 10 new member states that joined the EU on 1 May 2004 and the two states that joined on 1 January 2007, these rules already apply to Cyprus and Malta. There are transitional rules in place for visitors returning to one of the original 15 EU countries from one of the other new EU countries. But for the original 15, plus Cyprus and Malta, there are no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another. Travelers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.
Internal Travel:
Getting Around By Air
There are domestic airports at Kaunas, Palanga and Siauliai. There are not many domestic flights.
Getting Around by Water
Local ferries connect Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit. Klaipeda is home to two yacht clubs.
Getting Around by Rail
Lithuanian Railways (website: www.litrail.lt) provides good connections from Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipeda and Siauliai. Twice-daily passenger trains (including a sleeper train) connect Vilnius with the Baltic coast. Though the train does not stop in Palanga, the major resort on the Baltic coast, passengers to Palanga usually get off at Kretinga station or in Klaipeda and then reach Palanga by bus. Passengers to Neringa (Nida, Juodkrante) can go to Klaipeda by train and then take a bus. Suburban trains going to Ignalina connect Vilnius with the popular lake district of the National Park. The ancient Trakai Castle can be reached by taking the suburban train going to Trakai.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. There is a good network of roads within the country. Modern four-lane motorways connect Vilnius with Klaipeda, Kaunas and Panevezys.
Bus: Generally, buses are more frequent and quicker than domestic trains and serve almost every town and village. Kautra (website: www.kautra.lt) has services from Kaunas to almost all the major cities in Lithuania. Tickets are sold to as many passengers as wish to travel and more buses are assigned as necessary.
Car hire: Available from local and international firms.
Regulations: Seat belts must be worn. The speed limit is 110kph (68mph) on motorways, 90kph (56mph) on country roads and 60kph (44mph) inside towns. The Vilnius-Kaunas highway has a speed limit of 100kph (60mph).
Documentation: Most European nationals should be in possession of EU pink format driving licenses. Otherwise, a national driving license is sufficient, if supported by photo-bearing ID.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Public transport in urban districts includes buses and trolleybuses, which usually run from 0500 to 2300, but times do vary between routes. Transport coupons can be bought either at news kiosks before boarding or from the driver. Minibuses are less crowded but more expensive. Taxis display illuminated Taksi signs and can be hailed in the street, found at taxi ranks or ordered by phone.
Baltic amber can be purchased in various forms, especially jewelry. Linen goods, clay pots and local crafts are also good buys. National artists sell their works in specialized art galleries in major towns.
Shopping hours
Grocery shops open Mon-Fri 0800-2000.
Currency Information:
Currency
Lithuanian Litas (LTL; symbol Lt) = 100 centas. Notes are in denominations of Lt500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Lt5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and
1 centas. The Litas is pegged to the Euro.
Currency Exchange
Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. There are 24-hour exchange bureaux at Gelezinkelio 6, near the main railway station and at Lietuvos Taupomasis Bankas, Savanoriu 15A in Vilnius.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, restaurants, shops and in some petrol stations. ATMs are available in most cities.
Traveller's Cheques
These are not accepted by retailers and can only be exchanged at a few outlets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks also open Sat 0900-1300.
Exchange Rate Indicators
| Date | Jan 09 | | £1.00= | Lt3.75 | | $1.00= | Lt2.57 | | €1.00= | Lt3.45 |
Passport/Visa
| Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | No | No | | Australian | Yes | No | No | | Canadian | Yes | No | No | | USA | Yes | No | No | | Other EU | 1 | No | No |
Passport Note
Lithuania joined
the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Visas
Not required by all nationals listed in the chart above for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).
Warning
Most visits to Lithuania are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Road traffic accidents are common. Extra care must be taken at all times when driving, particularly when driving at night.
Travelers to forested areas should seek medical advice about inoculations against rabies and tick-borne encephalitis.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
Health
| Special Precautions | Certificate Required? | | Diphtheria | Yes | | | Hepatitis A | Yes | | | Malaria | No | | | Rabies | Sometimes | | | Tetanus | Yes | | | Typhoid | No | | | Yellow Fever | No | |
Health Care
If suddenly taken ill or involved in an accident during a visit to Lithuania, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available for European travelers - in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Comprehensive insurance is advised for all other nationals.
Note
Call 1-800-iExplore 1-800-439-7567 to inquire about
trips to Lithuania.
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