Lithuania Tourist Visa Guide
Lithuania, with its picturesque pine forests, stunning coastlines adorned with sand dunes, and a rich medieval and Gothic architectural heritage in the capital city of Vilnius, beckons travelers from around the world. Thanks to the Lithuania tourist visa, this Schengen nation has been welcoming foreign tourists for quite some time now.
Understanding the Lithuania Tourist Visa
The Lithuania tourist visa, sometimes referred to as the Lithuania Schengen tourist visa, is a category under the Schengen C type. It is issued to tourists intending to visit Lithuania for the sole purpose of tourism. This visa allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period and offers options for single-entry, double-entry, or multiple entries. As a Schengen visa, it also permits entry into other Schengen countries, provided you meet the specified conditions.
How to Apply for Lithuania Tourist Visa
The process of applying for a Lithuania tourist visa from India is primarily conducted online, with document and application submission required offline at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania or one of the Visa Application Centers (VACs) in India. Here are the steps to follow:
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania Website:
- Begin by visiting the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and access the Lithuania tourist visa application form.
Complete the Application Form:
- Fill out the Schengen visa application form online. In the application, specify your purpose of visit as ‘tourism.’
Submit the Application Online:
- Submit your completed application online and retain a printed copy for your records.
Book an Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment at one of the embassy-appointed Visa Application Centers (VAC) or directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in New Delhi. You can do this using the online services provided by the embassy or the VAC.
Attend the Appointment:
- Visit the appointment center in person, bringing with you the required documents, the completed application form, and the necessary fees. Biometric data may also be collected during this appointment.
Please note that if you have previously submitted biometrics for a Schengen visa within the past 5 years, your data is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and can be reused. In such cases, you do not need to provide biometrics again. It is crucial to submit genuine documents and accurate information, as providing false information or fake documents can result in automatic rejection of the Schengen visa application.
Eligibility for Lithuania Tourist Visa
To successfully obtain a tourist permit, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the conditions you must fulfill:
- You must be residing in the country where you are submitting the application. If you hold a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply to the corresponding visa authority in that country.
- Possession of a valid passport is mandatory.
- Your primary purpose of visit must be tourism-related activities.
- You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses throughout your stay.
- Apply for the permit only if:
- Lithuania is your sole destination, or
- Lithuania is one of your multiple Schengen destinations, and you will spend the majority of your time in Lithuania, or
- Lithuania is your designated port of entry into the Schengen region.
Documents Required for Lithuania Tourist Visa
The Lithuania tourist visa requirements for Indian citizens typically include the following list of documents for successful processing:
A Valid Passport:
- Must have at least 2 blank pages.
- Should not be older than 10 years.
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Lithuania.
- Attach any old passports if applicable.
A Covering Letter:
- This should include the applicant’s details.
- Clearly state the source of funds.
- Specify the purpose and duration of the visit.
- Be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania.
Letter of Invitation or Tour Itinerary:
- Either a letter of invitation from the Migration Department of Lithuania granting temporary stay in Lithuania or documents confirming the purpose and details of the planned visit, such as a tour itinerary prepared by a travel agency, hotel bookings, flight bookings, etc.
Medical Travel Insurance:
- Coverage of at least €30,000.
Proof of Occupation:
- Evidence of occupation, such as an employment letter or copy of a business license.
Financial Documents:
- Bank statements from the past 3 months.
- Copy of the passbook.
- Income Tax Returns (ITR), etc.
Please note that you should carry all original copies of the documents, although only photocopies may be required for some types as they will not be returned.
Photo Specifications for Lithuania Tourist Visa
Ensure that your visa photos meet the following specifications:
- Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm.
- Color: Colored.
- The head should occupy the central position.
- Photos must be taken within the last 3 months.
- Background: Solid, plain white, or grey.
- Maintain 80% face coverage.
- Maintain a neutral facial expression.
- Non-thick framed and prescription glasses are allowed.
- Headgear is permitted for religious reasons.
- Facial hair is allowed.
Processing Time for Lithuania Tourist Visa
The processing time for a Lithuanian tourist permit depends on factors such as the volume of applications at the embassy, the type of entry, the period of validity, and your previous travel history. If you have a clean travel record and have been issued visas for Schengen, US, UK, Canada, or Australia in the past, your application may be processed faster. Generally, it takes about 15 working days for processing. However, since processing times can vary significantly, it is advisable to apply well in advance.
Lithuania Tourist Visa Fees
The total fee for the visa is influenced by factors such as the number of entries, biometric charges, and any service charges imposed by the VAC. Currency exchange rates may also affect the final amount. Therefore, it is essential to verify the exact fee before submitting your application.
Here is a sample fee:
- Multiple entry Normal (90 days): €67.20.
After Submission
Once you have successfully submitted your application, the embassy will process it based on the aforementioned factors. It’s important to note that even if you applied through a VAC, the processing is solely handled by the embassy. The VAC does not influence the processing. If your application is approved, you can collect your visa directly from the VAC or have it delivered to you for an additional charge.
Checking Visa Status
While awaiting a response regarding your application, you can track the status of your Lithuania tourist visa by visiting the Visa Status Tracking website and entering your reference number and date of birth.
While You Have This Visa
Once you possess this permit, certain conditions must be followed for a smooth entry and stay in Lithuania:
- Take note of the visa’s expiry date, duration of stay, and the number of entries mentioned on the visa sticker, and adhere to these conditions.
- Carry all necessary travel documents, including personal identification.
- Ensure you travel to Lithuania within 6 months of the issue date or as required by the visa authority, as the permit becomes invalid after this date.
- While traveling within Lithuania, keep a copy of your travel documents with you. For travel to other Schengen countries, carry your original travel documents.
- While on a tourist permit, you cannot engage in work-related activities. However, you are allowed to participate in other activities that fall within the permitted conditions, such as visiting friends or engaging in voluntary charity work.
- Extensions for tourist visas are generally not granted under normal conditions. You must exit the country at the end of your permitted stay.
- You have the freedom to move within the Schengen zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extending a tourist permit is generally not allowed under normal conditions. However, in specific cases such as Force Majeure or humanitarian reasons, extensions may be considered. In most other cases, you must depart the country.
Overstaying your tourist permit is a violation of regulations. You must leave the country immediately before the visa’s expiry date. Staying beyond this date can lead to deportation and, in some cases, a ban from reentering the Schengen region.
No, there are no mandatory medical test requirements for Lithuania tourist visas. However, medical travel insurance is necessary. It is advisable to undergo a medical check-up before traveling to a foreign country for your well-being.
No, tourist permits cannot be converted into other visa categories in Lithuania. Additionally, while on a tourist permit, you are prohibited from working or taking up paid positions. If you wish to obtain a work permit, you must apply for it in your home country.
Yes, you are permitted to visit other Schengen countries with a Lithuanian tourist permit. Lithuania is a Schengen country, and it participates in visa-free arrangements. Therefore, you can enter other Schengen countries as long as you meet their entry requirements. However, this does not grant you access to all European nations; you can only visit European countries that are part of the Schengen zone, along with a few others that allow entry with a Schengen visa, such as Croatia.