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Lithuania visas

Lithuania transit visa

Most passengers can change flights at one Lithuanian airport without a visa if they stay in the international transit area for less than one day. Citizens of 12 listed countries need an airport transit visa unless an exemption applies.

Ways to get a Lithuania transit visa

  1. Airport transit without a visa

    Transit without a visa

    Passengers outside the mandatory airport transit visa list, and listed passengers who qualify for an exemption.

    Stay
    Less than one day, entirely within one airport's international transit area.

Who needs it

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless exempt.

Who doesn't

Exemptions cover qualifying visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of EU single market citizens and flight crew.

Changing planes

Can you stay airside?
Yes, without a visa if you stay in the transit area
Leaving the airport
The visa-free airport transfer rule only covers staying in the international transit area. If you must leave that area, you must meet Lithuania's normal entry rules.
Longest transit
24 hours
Transit without a visa
Transit without a visa requires a transfer through one airport, a stay strictly shorter than 24 hours, and no need to leave the international transit area. Travellers on the mandatory transit visa list must also qualify for an exemption.

Good to know

  • Your connecting flight and the airport layout must allow the transfer without leaving the international transit area.
  • Lithuania lists no additional nationalities beyond the common 12-country airport transit visa list.
  • The 24-hour figure is a strict upper boundary: the transfer must take less than 24 hours.
  • An airport transit visa covers the airport transit area; leaving it requires meeting normal entry rules.

Questions

Do I need a transit visa for Lithuania?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka need an airport transit visa unless exempt. Exemptions cover qualifying visa or residence permit holders, diplomatic passport holders, family members of EU single market citizens and flight crew.

What are the ways to get a transit visa for Lithuania?

There are 2 options: Airport transit without a visa (transit without a visa); Airport transit visa (a visa from an embassy).

How long can I stay on a Lithuania transit visa?

For the general visa-free airport transfer rule, less than one day in the international transit area.

How long can I stay in transit in Lithuania?

Up to 24 hours, if you meet the conditions. Transit without a visa requires a transfer through one airport, a stay strictly shorter than 24 hours, and no need to leave the international transit area. Travellers on the mandatory transit visa list must also qualify for an exemption.

Can I stay inside the airport in Lithuania without a visa?

Yes, staying in the international transit area is allowed for most travellers. To leave the airport: The visa-free airport transfer rule only covers staying in the international transit area. If you must leave that area, you must meet Lithuania's normal entry rules.

What rules do I have to follow on a Lithuania transit visa?

Your connecting flight and the airport layout must allow the transfer without leaving the international transit area. Lithuania lists no additional nationalities beyond the common 12-country airport transit visa list.

Does my passport change whether I need a transit visa for Lithuania?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Lithuania visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a transit visa for Lithuania be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Lithuania transit visa rules?

On Lithuania's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my transit visa once I am in Lithuania?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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