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 ancient country are now wide open for western 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 big heart and 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 can also boast of being officially the centre of Europe: the National Geographic Institute of France proclaimed a point (now a popular tourist attraction) 15 miles (24km) northwest of the capital, Vilnius, as the geographic centre of the continent in 1989.

Vilnius itself is an atmospheric historic city founded in 1323, with a beautiful old quarter that has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site and is undergoing tasteful renovations. Just a few miles from Vilnius lies Trakai, capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, on the shore of the scenic Lake Galve, and a little further west visitors revel in the peaceful Birstonas mineral water spa resort. Lithuania's second largest city, Kaunas, is a cultural centre boasting numerous museums and three theatres among its attractions. On its Baltic coastline Lithuania boasts seaside resorts, such as Palanga, with unspoilt white sandy beaches backed by pine forests.

An increasing number of travellers are savouring the delights of this re-discovered Baltic State, which is easily accessible from the main centres of Europe by air and road, and whose people are ready, willing and proud to show off its attributes.

Climate

Lithuania has a climate mid-way between maritime and continental. The weather is changeable, with mild, wet summers and cold winters. Winter temperatures are usually below freezing. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, but more rain tends to fall on the coast. Summer is the wettest season and cloudy skies are common.

Money

The official currency is the Litas (LTL), which is linked to the euro at a fixed rate of 3.4528 Lt to EUR1. 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, and banks and hotels will cash travellers cheques.

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. Additionally, 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

• 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.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Lithuania. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Note that holders of a copy of a visa application can obtain a visa on arrival, for a maximum stay of 10 days. Visa applications must be submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the State Border Guard Service; or by the Ministry of the Interior to the Border Police Deptartment.
• Irish 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.
• 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.

Health

The only health risks associated with visiting Lithuania are for those intending to visit forested areas, who are advised to take the necessary precautions against tick-borne encephalitis. 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. 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.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Lithuania, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 5860.
• Embassy of Lithuania, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7486 6401.
• Embassy of Lithuania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (613) 567 5458.
• Consulate of Lithuania, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: +61 (0)2 9498 2571.
• Honorary Consul of Lithuania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 328 3550. Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 486 3660. Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 421 7045.
• Embassy of Lithuania, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 203 5757.
• Consulate of Lithuania, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 524 9463.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)26 65500.
• British Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)24 62900.
• Canadian Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)24 90950.
• Australian Honourary Consul, Vilnius: +370 (5)212 3369.
• South African Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark (also responsible for Lithuania): +45 3918 0155.
• Irish Embassy, Vilnius: +370 (5)262 9460.
• New Zealand Embassy, Warsaw, Poland (also responsible for Lithuania): +48 (0)22 521 0500.