Overview of Lithuania
The Republic of Lithuania, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, boldly became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence in 1990. With a restructured economy, it joined the EU in the spring of 2004, and the gates of this fascinating country are now wide open for tourists and pleasure-seekers.
Relatively small, with only 62 miles (100km) of Baltic coastline, and hemmed in by Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and part of the Russian Federation, Lithuania has a wide variety of offerings for visitors, including around 2,500 lakes, 18 sizeable meandering rivers, and forests covering a third of its territory.
The country also boasts of being smack in the centre of Europe: travellers can stand in the official centre of the continent at a now popular tourist attraction 15 miles (24km) northwest of the capital, Vilnius.
Vilnius itself is an ancient and atmospheric city, founded in 1323, with a beautiful old quarter declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a few miles from Vilnius lies Trakai, capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, on the shore of the scenic Lake Galve.
A little farther west, visitors can revel in the peaceful Birstonas mineral water spa resort. Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas, is a cultural centre boasting numerous museums and a number of renowned theatres among its attractions.
On its Baltic coastline, Lithuania lures travellers with pretty seaside resorts such as Palanga, with unspoilt white sandy beaches backed by pine forests. Easily accessible by air and road from the main centres of Europe, an ever-increasing number of travellers continue to savour the delights of this Baltic State.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Lithuanian is the official language, but Russian and English are widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
-
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Non-EEA foreign passengers to Lithuania must hold (i) return/onward tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, (iii) sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, and (iv) valid health and travel insurance, to cover any medical expenses incurred while in Lithuania.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs are found in Vilnius on the Cirrus and Visa networks, but are rare in smaller towns. Most retailers, hotels, restaurants and the like accept credit cards.
- Electricity:
- European-style, two-pin plug sockets are standard, with an electrical current of 220 volts, 50Hz.
Travel to Lithuania
Climate in Lithuania
Lithuania has a climate mid-way between maritime and continental. The weather is changeable, with mild, wet summers and cold winters. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, but more tends to occur on the coast than inland.
Summer and spring are the wettest seasons and cloudy skies and afternoon thunderstorms are common during these months. January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures averaging around 23°F (-5°C).
Winter months can see temperatures going below -4°F (-20°C), with freezing northeasterly winds. Heavy snows are fairly common in Lithuania. Summer temperatures sit comfortably between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C), but can reach higher than 86°F (30°C). July is the warmest month.
May to September, in the months of late spring, summer and early autumn, is the most pleasant time to visit Lithuania as winters can be brutally cold. Between May and September, tourists should anticipate some rain. But generally, the weather is lovely.
The summer months of June through August are the most popular times to visit, with many of the country's festivals held during this time, giving some extra incentive to visitors.
Health Notes when travelling to Lithuania
Travellers intending to visit forest areas for lengthy periods should take the necessary precautions against tick-borne encephalitis. Doctors may also advise vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
EU citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their country of origin. Medical facilities are fair and there are plenty of doctors, but equipment and resources are lacking in some areas.
There are a few private clinics of high standard. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for services. Travel medical insurance is highly recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Lithuania
Safety in Lithuania is not a major issue for travellers as the country is largely devoid of civil unrest and the terrorism threat is low. Car theft is rife, and there is the usual risk of mugging, pick-pocketing and bag snatching, especially on public transport.
The majority of crime is petty rather than life-threatening. Visitors should exercise due care and avoid carrying valuables or flashing conspicuous wealth. It's advisable to carry a copy of your passport for identification purposes. Traffic accidents are common, so extra vigilance is required for driving, especially at night.
Customs in Lithuania
The Catholic Church is influential in Lithuania and travellers should be respectful of religious customs. A handshake is the most common greeting among strangers in Lithuania.
Duty Free in Lithuania
Duty free allowances for non-EU travellers to Lithuania include 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or 50 cigars; 1 litre spirits, 4 litres wine or 16 litres beer; perfume for personal use. There is technically no limitation on alcohol and tobacco products for those travelling from other EU countries.
Doing Business in Lithuania
Business in Lithuania is rather formal, though the younger generation is less conservative. Face-to-face meetings are key, with good eye contact and a firm handshake upon greeting. Businesspeople usually exchange cards and it is important to be punctual.
Suits and ties are the norm, with titles and surnames used unless otherwise indicated. Lithuanians are hospitable and friendly and any social invitation should be accepted, as this is a good opportunity to forge better business relations and build trust.
Meetings tend to start with some small talk and can sometimes end with a summary of the discussions, though decision making and results can be slow. Business hours are usually from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Lithuania
The international dialling code for Lithuania is +370. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the UK) and the country has three-digit area codes. Local calls can be dialled without the area codes.
There are at least three major mobile GSM network service providers and connections are excellent. There are also 2G and 3G networks, with 4G/LTE networks starting out in the bigger cities. The internet is well-established in Lithuania. Small towns and villages have public internet access points in libraries, post offices and tourist information centres.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Non-EEA foreign passengers to Lithuania must hold (i) return/onward tickets, (ii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, (iii) sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, and (iv) valid health and travel insurance, to cover any medical expenses incurred while in Lithuania.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Lithuania. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed 'British Citizen', 'British Subject' (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period for holders of passports with any other endorsement.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Lithuania. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Lithuanian Official Tourism Website: http://www.tourism.lt
Lithuania Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Embassy of Lithuania, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 5860.
- In Canada:
-
Embassy of Lithuania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (613) 567 5458.
- In the United Kingdom:
-
Embassy of Lithuania, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7592 2840.
- In Australia:
-
Consulate General of Lithuania, New South Wales, Australia: +61 2 9969 6232.
- In Ireland:
-
Embassy of Lithuania, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 203 5757.
- In South Africa:
-
Honorary Consul of Lithuania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 328 3550.
Foreign Embassies in Lithuania
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)26 65500.
- Canadian Embassy
-
Canadian Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)24 90950.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)24 62900.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Honourary Consul, Vilnius: +370 (5)212 3369.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)262 9460.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Lithuania
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Lithuania, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Rabies | Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Lithuania, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Lithuania
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Lithuania, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Although rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Lithuania, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends this vaccine only for these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for animal bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to remote areas in Lithuania
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Lithuania, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Lithuania. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Lithuania include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Lithuania’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Lithuania may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Lithuania, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Lithuania for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Lithuania. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
Top
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs are found in Vilnius on the Cirrus and Visa networks, but are rare in smaller towns. Most retailers, hotels, restaurants and the like accept credit cards.
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Exchange rate for 1 EUR - Euro
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1.12 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
1.12 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.77 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
121.65 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
1.46 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
1.10 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
1.54 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
28.05 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
377.26 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
1,682.21 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.80 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
7.66 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
120.52 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.43 OMR
Omani Rial
|
4.07 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
1.54 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
9.26 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
7.41 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
11.15 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
51.20 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
7.51 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
20.82 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
654.97 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
3.54 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
1.12 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
2.36 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
25.29 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
123.47 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
1,330.84 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
12.50 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
3.76 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
774.75 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
534.10 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
27.00 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
22.32 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
138.84 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
3,282.94 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
4.31 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.79 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.34 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
35.02 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
39.68 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
31.85 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
9.32 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
4.38 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
4.19 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
163.12 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
39.79 THB
Thai Baht
|
4.10 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
4.02 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
4.52 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
8.68 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
656.46 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
|
25,106.99 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
15.58 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
3.01 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
8.75 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
10.92 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.42 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
1.12 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
1.67 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
3,482.98 COP
Colombian Peso
|
76.30 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
312.53 HUF
Hungarian Forint
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Vilnius Airport (VNO)
Vilnius International Airport
http://www.vilnius-airport.lt
Location: Vilnius The airport is situated four miles (6km) south of Vilnius.
Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 between last Sunday in March and last Sunday in October).
Contacts:
Tel: +370 5 273 9326
Getting to the city:
A special train service runs from the airport to the Vilnius Railway Station around 16 times per day, taking just 7 minutes to connect the airport to the railway station. Bus and minibus services also connect to downtown Vilnius.
Car rental:
Car rental agents with offices on site in the arrivals lounge include Enterprise, Europcar, Euro Renta, Flizzr, Green Motion, Hertz, Ollex, Panek, Rentis, Sixt, and Trusticar.
Airport Taxis:
Approved airport taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal. Average rates include €10 to Cathedral Square, €12 to Konstitucijos Avenue and €18 to Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos. Taxis charge set rates and accept credit cards.
Facilities:
There is a currency exchange counter in the arrivals concourse. There are snack bars, cafes and restaurants in arrivals and departures, and a newsagent. The airport offers a VIP Lounge, which can be utilised by all passengers willing to pay the entrance fee. There are also some small duty-free shops.
Parking:
Short and long-term parking is available.
Overview of the Attractions in Lithuania
Gediminas Castle
Vilnius
Standing guard over the city of Vilnius since the 13th century, the landmark Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of the city and has served as defence bastion, prison, and now major tourist attraction.
Originally, the castle was made of wood, later clad in 10-foot (3m) thick stone walls, and then all but destroyed by Russian troops in the 17th century. Now completely and carefully restored to its former glory, the top of the majestic octagonal tower provides a breath-taking view of the old city.
It is the highest point in the Vilnius Old Town, which itself is a UNESCO-listed site. The castle also contains a museum depicting the history of Lithuania and Vilnius, with exhibits including models of the city at various points in history as well as archaeological finds from the region.
The castle is also an emotional landmark for those who remember the Baltic Chain, or Chain of Freedom, a peaceful political movement which united the three Balkan states in their fight for independence back in 1989 when Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia were republics of the Soviet Union.
The Baltic Chain was a demonstration in which more than two million people joined hands in August 1989 to create a human chain spanning the three Baltic countries to demonstrate their solidarity and their desire for freedom. The chain, a memorable and impactful moment in European history, ended at Gediminas Castle in Lithuania.
Vilnius Cathedral
Vilnius
The resplendent Vilnius Cathedral, which stands proudly on the central square of the Old City, has a chequered history that left it decaying and abandoned through the Soviet era. The Cathedral now resembles a classical Greek temple more than it does a Christian church.
It's now once again the pride of the city, filled with incredible artworks, traditional icons and history. The cathedral, originally built in the 13th-century, stands on the site of an ancient pagan temple. Rebuilt several times in the succeeding centuries after fires and storm damage, Vilnius Cathedral is an unusual and architecturally impactful cathedral, containing more than 40 paintings and frescoes.
There are a number of chapels which are interesting in their own right, located around the premises. Most noteworthy is the Casimir Chapel, first constructed in 1623, containing eight silver-plated statues and décor wrought by artist Constantino Tencallo. No matter what their religion, visitors tend to find the cathedral impressive and the grounds peaceful and attractive.
Vilnius has some amazing churches and other special attractions in the city include the St Peter and St Paul Church, which houses numerous sculptures, and St Anne's Church, a beautiful Gothic building.
Website: http://www.katedra.lt
European Park
Vilnius
A few miles north of Vilnius town centre, Lithuanian sculptor Gintaras Karosas founded the Europos Parkas (European Park) on a 55-hectare site that encompasses the geographic centre of Europe, as determined by the French National Geographic Institute in 1989.
The Park attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, who come to stand in the centre of the continent and admire a permanent outdoor sculpture exhibition, set amid rolling hills, woods and fields dotted with natural springs.
About 100 works by artists from dozens of different countries are on display. Guided tours are available, and the site includes a small restaurant, shop and post office. European Park is also a really lovely place to enjoy a walk in the natural surroundings and have a picnic.
Autumn is particularly beautiful because of the striking colour of the trees and vegetation but it still remains gorgeous through spring and summer too. In winter, it's perhaps a bit cold but an invigorating stroll through the snowy landscape can be fun, as gates are open all year round.
If you are travelling in Lithuania with children, then Europos Parkas is the ideal family excursion from Vilnius. It's a good opportunity to enjoy some fresh air and let the kids get rid of some energy. Lovers of contemporary art will also enjoy the park, where the sculptures are well integrated into the natural scenery.
Website: http://www.europosparkas.lt
Jewish Memorials
Vilnius
In the early 20th century, about half of the population of Vilnius were Yiddish-speaking Jews and the city was dubbed the 'Jerusalem of the North'. The Nazis in World War II effectively obliterated this community, encircling the Jewish quarter in barbed wire.
They marched the 60,000 or so residents into the Paneriai Forest and executed them. Sadly, some sources estimate that the number of Jews killed in Vilnius was far higher. Today, the Genocide Museum has been established at the killing field in memory of the victims of this horror.
There is also a Jewish Museum depicting pre-war Jewish life and visitors are welcome at the only remaining Vilnius Synagogue. The Jews were once numerous in Lithuania, with efforts now underway to rebuild and restore many aspects of the former Jewish Quarter.
Incredibly, some say that Vilnius once housed more than a hundred synagogues, not to mention schools, libraries and other cultural institutions. Tours of Jewish Vilnius incorporate these sombre but extremely worthwhile historical and cultural attractions.
Several private operators offer these tours which should captivate any visitors with an interest in Jewish culture or European history. However, young children may not be prepared for the realities of these tragic sites.
Website: http://www.jmuseum.lt
Museum of Genocide Victims
Vilnius
The dark days of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania are preserved in this disturbing collection, which is contained in the former KGB headquarters building; a building which is a symbol of hardship for the Lithuanian population old enough to remember the realities of the occupation.
Those who drew the antagonism of the authorities were detained, tortured and often executed in this building. The Museum of Genocide (Genocido Auku Muziejus) is also often called the KGB Museum and the building remains almost exactly the same as it was during Soviet occupation.
Some of the museum's exhibitions include the 'Eavesdropping Room', highlighting the use of secret surveillance by the KGB, and 'Life Goes On', a look at the day to day living of Lithuanian deportees and prisoners.
There is also the haunting experience of the prison in the basement. Audio guides are available for a small cost and they bring the place vividly to life. Guided tours of the museum are also available in English.
The Genocide Museum is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Vilnius and the collection is informative, well-organised and haunting. Visitors should note that some of the material is rather macabre and may not be suitable for young children.
Website: http://www.genocid.lt/muziejus
Public Holidays in Lithuania
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| All Saint's Day |
Sat. November 1 |
Sat. November 1 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Restoration of the State Day |
Sun. February 16 |
Sun. February 16 |
| Restoration of Independence Day |
Tue. March 11 |
Tue. March 11 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| St John's Day |
Tue. June 24 |
Tue. June 24 |
| Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas |
Sun. July 6 |
Sun. July 6 |
| Assumption |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Christmas Eve |
Wed. December 24 |
Wed. December 24 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Second Day of Christmas |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
