Lithuania Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Lithuania: Tips on Driving, Safety, and Culture

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Top 10 Most Searched Questions About Lithuania

The capital of Lithuania is Vilnius, known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town and baroque architecture.

Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area. EU, US, and Canadian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Check with the Lithuania Government for specifics.

Lithuania uses the Euro (EUR). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros; banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

Yes, Lithuania is very safe for tourists, with low crime rates. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas like Vilnius Old Town—stay vigilant.

The official language is Lithuanian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, and many locals also speak Russian or Polish.

Lithuania is known for Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO site), the Curonian Spit, Trakai Castle, amber jewelry, and its basketball culture.

Summer (June-August) is ideal for warm weather and festivals, with temperatures around 20-25°C. Winter (December-February) is great for snowy landscapes and Christmas markets.

Lithuania is affordable compared to Western Europe. Budget travelers can manage on $50-70/day, though prices in Vilnius can be higher.

Yes, tap water in Lithuania is safe to drink, meeting EU standards. Bottled water is also widely available.

Top spots include Vilnius Old Town, Trakai Castle, the Curonian Spit, the Hill of Crosses, and Kaunas’ Ninth Fort.

Lithuania, a Baltic gem in Northern Europe, boasts a rich history and stunning landscapes. Its capital, Vilnius, features a UNESCO-listed Old Town. Highlights include the fairytale-like Trakai Castle, the sandy Curonian Spit, and the spiritual Hill of Crosses, blending culture and nature.

Visa & Passport for Lithuania: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay with at least one blank page.
  • Visa Requirements: Lithuania is in the Schengen Area. EU, US, and Canadian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Others should check with the Lithuania Government.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required. Check for health advisories on the Lithuania Ministry of Health.

Driving in Lithuania: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: EU licenses are valid. Non-EU visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their license for stays over 6 months.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on highways like the A1. The blood alcohol limit is 0.04%.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are generally good, with highways like the A1 (Vilnius-Kaunas) being well-maintained. Rural roads to places like Trakai can be narrower—drive cautiously in winter due to snow.
  • Parking: Parking in Vilnius is regulated—use metered street parking or paid lots in the Old Town. Free parking is available in smaller towns like Trakai.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Roadside assistance is available through services like the Lithuanian Automobile Club.
  • Useful Resource: For more on driving regulations, visit Lithuania Travel.

Lithuania Currency: Using the Euro for Your Trip

  • Euro: Lithuania uses the Euro (EUR). Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros; banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.
  • Currency Exchange: Euros are standard, but you can exchange money at banks or bureaus in Vilnius and Kaunas for the best rates. Avoid exchanging at airports due to high fees.
  • Payment Methods: Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities like Vilnius and Klaipėda. Carry some cash for rural areas or small vendors at markets like Užupis.
  • ATMs: ATMs are plentiful in cities like Vilnius, with banks like Swedbank and SEB offering reliable services. Some ATMs may charge fees for foreign cards.

Lithuania Legal Guide: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Public intoxication may result in fines—drink responsibly.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Lithuanians value politeness—greet with a handshake and use “Labas” (hello). Respect historical sites like the Hill of Crosses and avoid loud behavior in churches.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is generally fine, but avoid taking pictures near military sites or government buildings without permission.
  • Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are discreet. Smoking is banned in public indoor spaces—use designated areas.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine and 200 cigarettes duty-free within the EU. Declare cash over 10,000 EUR upon entry or exit.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 112 for emergencies. For non-urgent issues, contact local police in Vilnius at +370 5 271 6000.

Travel Safety in Lithuania: Staying Safe on Your Trip

  • Crime in Lithuania: Lithuania is safe, with low crime rates. Petty theft can occur in tourist spots like Vilnius Old Town—keep belongings secure.
  • Road Safety: Roads are well-maintained, but winter snow (December-February) can make driving tricky—use winter tires. Always yield to pedestrians in cities like Kaunas.
  • Health Risks: No major health risks. Tap water is safe to drink. Ticks can be a concern in forested areas like the Curonian Spit—check for bites after hiking.
  • Natural Hazards: Winters can be harsh, with temperatures dropping to -20°C in January—dress warmly. Summer thunderstorms are common but rarely severe.
  • Medical Facilities: Lithuania has good healthcare, with hospitals like Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius offering high-quality care. Pharmacies are widespread—look for “Vaistinė” signs.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for emergencies. Pharmacies in Vilnius and Kaunas are well-stocked for over-the-counter meds.
  • Public Transport Safety: Buses and trains, like those from Vilnius to Klaipėda, are safe and reliable. Taxis in cities are safe—use apps like Bolt for better rates.

Flights to Lithuania: Travel Options

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is the main gateway, with flights from major European cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Kaunas (KUN) and Palanga (PLQ) also serve international routes.