U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
Consular Information Sheet
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U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet |
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February 10, 2004
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Lithuania is a country undergoing rapid economic transition. Tourist facilities in Vilnius, the capital, and to a lesser extent in Kaunas and Klaipeda, are similar to those available in a Western European city. In other parts of the country, however, some of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries may not be available.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required to enter Lithuania. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. U.S. citizens do not need Lithuanian visas for most stays of 90 days or less. Travelers remaining in Lithuania for more than 90 days within any six-month period must apply for temporary residency. For further information on entry requirements, contact the Lithuanian Embassy at 2622 16th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. (202) 234-5860, http://www.ltembassyus.org for current information on visa requirements.
Travelers to Lithuania who also plan to enter Russia, even in transit, need a Russian visa. The Russian Embassy in Lithuania is able to provide same-day processing of tourist visas with the payment of an additional fee. Proof of medical insurance valid through the period of travel is required.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of family relationship and permission from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian for the child's travel. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry and departure.
DUAL NATIONALITY: In addition to being subject to all Lithuanian laws affecting U.S. citizens, those travelers also holding Lithuanian citizenship may be subject to other laws imposing special obligations on Lithuanian citizens. Lithuanian law views dual nationals in the same way as those who have only Lithuanian citizenship, which could hamper U.S. efforts to provide consular protection. More information regarding Lithuanian citizenship can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, J. Tumo Vaizganto Street 2, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370)(5) 236-2539, e-mail: urm@urm.lt, website: http:// www.urm.lt and from the Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, Sventaragio 2, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370)(5) 271-7236, fax: (370)(5) 271-8210, website: http://www.vrm.lt. For additional information regarding dual nationality, please see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Civil unrest is not a problem in Lithuania and there have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward American interests. Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.
CRIME: Crimes against foreigners, while usually non-violent, are becoming more common. Pickpocketing and theft are problems, so personal belongings should be well-protected at all times. Theft from cars, carjackings, and car thefts occur regularly. Drivers should be wary of persons indicating they should pull over or that something is wrong with their car. Often, a second car or person is following, and when the driver of the targeted car gets out to see if there is a problem, the person who has been following will either steal the driver's belongings from the vehicle or get in and drive off with the car. Drivers should never get out of the car to check for damage without first turning off the ignition and taking the keys. Valuables also should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been increasing reports of car windows smashed and items stolen. Burglary of foreigners' homes is also prevalent; home alarm systems should be used whenever possible. American citizens should avoid walking alone or in small groups after dark. There have been cases of American citizens being drugged in bars and then taken elsewhere to be robbed. In any public area, one should always be alert to being surrounded by two or more people at once. Racially motivated verbal, and sometimes physical, harassment of American citizens of non-Caucasian ethnicity has been reported in major cities. Incidents of racially motivated attacks against foreigners have been reported in Klaipeda in particular.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care in Lithuania is improving but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards. There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that are nearly equal to Western European or U.S. standards. Most medical supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. Lithuania has many highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Western-quality dental care can be obtained in major cities. Elderly travelers who require medical care may face extreme difficulties. Most pharmaceuticals sold here are from Europe ; travelers will not necessarily find the same brands that they use in the U.S. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are widespread. Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization. The Lithuanian Government does not require HIV testing for U.S. citizens. However, sexually transmitted diseases are a growing concern.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP 1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Lithuania is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good (on major highways)Roads in Lithuania range from well-maintained two to four-lane highways connecting major cities, to small dirt roads traversing the countryside. Violation of traffic rules is common. It is not unusual to be overtaken by other automobiles, traveling at high speeds, even in crowded urban areas. Driving at night, especially in the countryside, can be particularly hazardous. In the summer, older “seasonal” vehicles and inexperienced drivers are extra hazards. During the winter, most major roads are cleared of snow. Driving with caution is urged at all times. Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. The speed limit is 50 km/hr in town and 90 km/hr out of town unless otherwise indicated. The phone number for roadside assistance is 8-800-0000 from a regular phone and 188 from a GSM mobile phone.
Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers except children under the age of 12. Winter or all season tires are required from November 10th through April 1st. However, studded tires are not allowed from April 10th through October 31st. Headlights must be turned on at all times from September 1st through April 1st. The Police allow Americans to drive in Lithuania with an American driver's license for up to 6 months.
Public transportation may be slow but is generally safe.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Lithuanian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism at Vilnius gatve 4/35, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370)(5) 262-2610, e-mail: info@tourism.lt, website: http://www.tourism.lt. See also road safety information from the Lithuanian Road Administration at http://www.lra.lt/index_en.html.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Lithuania, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lithuania 's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.intl.faa.gov.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Lithuanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Lithuania of items such as firearms and antiquities. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington or one of Lithuania 's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements. Special permission from the Ministry of Culture is required before one can remove antiques from Lithuania. Travelers are advised to contact the Foreign Export Valuation Control Section of the Ministry of Culture, Snipiskiu 3, Vilnius, tel: (370)(5) 272-4113 or (370)(5) 272-4005 before removing any object more than 50 years old from Lithuania; the definition of antiquity depends on the type of object. To export firearms one needs special permission from the Ministry of the Interior. Cash in excess of 10,000 Lithuanian litai (or its equivalent in other currencies) must be declared in written form upon entry and exit. More specific information is available at http://www.cust.lt/eng/left.htm.
Lithuanian customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law in Lithuania can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Lithuanian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Telephone connections are generally good, though phone numbers are in the process of being changed, especially in Vilnius. American 1-800 numbers can be accessed from Lithuania but not on a toll-free basis; the international long distance rate per minute will be charged. Local Internet cafes offer computer access. ATMs are widely available. Most hotels, restaurants and other businesses now accept major credit cards.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone the Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747. The OCS call center can answer general inquiries regarding international adoptions and abductions and will forward calls to the appropriate country officer in the Bureau of Consular Affairs. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Lithuania are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius and obtain updated information on travel and security within Lithuania. The U.S. Embassy is located at Akmenu gatve 6, tel. (370)(5) 266-5500 or 266-5600, fax: (370)(5) 266-5590. Consular information can also be found on the Embassy Vilnius home page at http://vilnius.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated December 13, 2002, to update information on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions and Children's Issues.