ETIAS FOR LITHUANIA
EUROPEAN TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FOR LITHUANIA
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The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, or ETIAS, will go into force in November 2023. Lithuania is one of the European nations that will require ETIAS authorization for visa-free entry.
Foreign citizens from visa-free nations who travel to any Schengen country for business or pleasure must apply for an ETIAS Travel Authorisation once the system is operational. A Lithuania ETIAS will also be valid for travel inside the system’s other nations.
The primary aim for the establishment of the Europe travel permit ETIAS is to increase security across Europe’s borders. The online ETIAS application, on the other hand, is intended to be a quick and easy process.
Lithuania
Capital city: Vilnius
Official language: Lithuanian
Currency: Euro
Population: 2.74 million
EU member state since: 1st May 2004
LITHUANIA BASIC INFORMATION
Lithuania is the largest and most populous of the Baltic States, formally known as the Republic of Lithuania. The nation has a total land area of 65,300 km2 (25,200 square miles).
Approximately 30% of Lithuania is now forested. Lakes and marshes are scattered across the nation, providing habitat for a diverse range of woodland and wetland flora and wildlife.
Lithuania, which is located on the southern side of the Baltic Sea, shares borders with the following ETIAS countries:
- Latvia
- Poland
It is also bounded by Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
Lithuania has a moderate climate with coastal and continental influences. July is the hottest month of the year, with daily average temperatures reaching 16 oC (62 oF), while January is the coldest, with daily average temperatures dropping to -3.9 oC (25 oF).
LITHUANIA AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Lithuania joined the European Union in May 2004 and switched to the euro in 2015. Internal European commerce presently accounts for around 60% of Lithuania’s exports.
Lithuania presently has 11 members in the European Parliament, and officials from the Lithuanian government attend EU Council meetings on a regular basis.
Since 2007, Lithuania has been a member of the Schengen Area, which permits unrestricted travel between member nations. It is surrounded by fellow Schengen countries Poland and Latvia, as well as Finland, Sweden, and Denmark across the Baltic Sea.
In recent years, the Lithuanian government has been active in the creation of the ETIAS visa waiver for Europe, which aims to improve safety and security throughout the European Schengen Area, including Lithuania.
IS HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDED FOR LITHUANIA?
When visiting Lithuania, European citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). EHIC holders have access to healthcare throughout the EU.
Whether or not travellers from outside Europe require medical insurance depends on whether they have an ETIAS or a Schengen visa.
TRAVELLING TO LITHUANIA
International tourism in Lithuania has grown in recent years, with around 1.7 million foreign visitors visiting the country each year. The Baltic state’s primary draws are its architecture, gorgeous scenery and animals, and a handful of good coastal resorts and spa towns.
Lithuania attracts a large number of visitors from neighbouring Schengen countries Latvia and Poland who take advantage of borderless travel.
Non-Europeans are not the only ones who may enter Lithuania without a visa. Passport holders from a variety of non-EU countries can visit the nation visa-free for up to 90 days according to Europe’s visa liberalisation policy. ETIAS visa waivers for Lithuania will be accessible to nationals of following countries beginning in November 2023.
Lithuania’s central location in Europe provides it an ideal starting point for exploring other EU nations.
Another reason to visit Lithuania is that visitors get a lot for their money. Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city, is frequently ranked as one of Europe’s least costly capitals.
Aside from tourism, corporate travels to Lithuania are increasing. Vilnius is Lithuania’s business centre, and numerous well-known corporations have their headquarters there. Lithuania is known for its great quality of life and diverse talent pool, and it is also a wonder
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR ETIAS LITHUANIA
Non-EU nationals from countries that are eligible for visa-free travel to Europe will soon be required to register with ETIAS before visiting Lithuania.
Although health insurance is not required by ETIAS, all foreigners are advised to obtain it in order to enjoy Lithuania with more peace of mind.
HEALTH INSURANCE FOR SCHENGEN VISA FOR LITHUANIA
Passport holders from non-EU countries who do not qualify for visa-free admission into Lithuania must instead get a Schengen visa.
To do so, all visa requirements must be satisfied, including giving proof of Schengen-wide medical insurance. The minimum amount of coverage is €30,000.
Applications for Schengen visas that do not include the necessary documentary verification will be denied.
CROSSING LITHUANIA BORDER CHECKPOINTS
Visitors from other EU countries should just bring their identification with them while crossing the border into Lithuania. Travelers from Poland and Latvia can cross the border without being checked at checkpoints.
Non-EU passport holders who do not require a visa for Europe can stay in Lithuania for up to 90 days visa-free. Once ETIAS is implemented, a visa waiver connected to the passport will be required.
Non-EU citizens who do not qualify for ETIAS will be required to provide the following documents at the external Schengen Area border in order to enter Lithuania:
- Schengen visa
- A passport valid for 3 months or more from the intended date of exit from the Schengen Area and issues within the last 10 years.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the entire stay
- Proof of onwards travel such as a return flight ticket
Border officers may inquire about the purpose and duration of your trip in Lithuania.
ARRIVING IN LITHUANIA BY PLANE, CAR, AND TRAIN
Vilnius Airport (IATA: VNO, ICAO: EYVI) is Lithuania’s busiest airport, processing around 5 million passengers each year. Flying is a popular choice for many overseas travellers, as many tourists and international business people begin their journey in the capital.
The international airport is just about 6 kilometres south of the city, and a bus to the city centre takes only 20 minutes. Direct flights are available from numerous European countries, including Norway, Italy, and Spain, as well as strong connections to more locations beyond the EU.
It is feasible to go to Lithuania via train. If you are travelling from a Schengen Area country, this is an excellent option. There are rail services connecting Vilnius and Warsaw in Poland and Riga in Latvia, however they are not direct and need transfers.
The bus is the most convenient option to flying to Lithuania. A direct bus from Warsaw to Vilnius takes little under ten hours, whereas a bus from Riga takes roughly four hours.
Because Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Area, foreigners crossing an internal Schengen border into Lithuania will not be checked at checkpoints; nevertheless, they must have their passport with an authorised ETIAS visa waiver with them at all times.
VISITING LITHUANIA
Tourism in Lithuania is growing in popularity, with the majority of international visitors coming from Germany, Russia, and Poland. Lithuania has a wide range of tourism attractions, from beautiful national parks to stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The Trakai Historical National Park is maybe Lithuania’s most stunning tourist destination. This enormous green landscape contains approximately 200 large lakes and is centred on the town of Trakai. This old waterside village and its beautiful terracotta-colored castle are definitely worth a visit.
Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital and a European Capital of Culture in 2009, is not far from Trakai. Vilnius’ various attractions include extensive mediaeval architecture and The Entrance of Dawn, a historic city gate that features a picture of the Virgin Mary claimed to have magical powers.
Tourists looking for an adventure may enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Lithuania, which is said to have the most hot air balloons per capita in the world. Treetop trekking, windsurfing, and kayaking are among more outdoor activities.
EUROPE’S VISA WAIVER FOR LITHUANIA
Passport holders from qualified non-EU countries will be able to enter Lithuania without a visa beginning in November 2023. Such travellers should familiarise themselves with the ETIAS rules and be prepared for the debut of Europe’s visa waiver programme.
The ETIAS application is entirely electronic; travellers must enter basic personal information and passport information, which is then immediately cross-checked against security databases. Once granted, the permit is digitally connected to the electronic chip in the applicant’s passport, and the applicant is notified via email.
ETIAS will improve EU security by preventing potentially hazardous persons from legitimately crossing the external border. As a result, visitors visiting Lithuania will be able to enjoy the nation with more peace of mind than ever before.