Lithuania
About
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Lithuania is a land of castles, lakes and forests and its landscape consists of vast plains interspersed with hills and sand dunes along the Baltic shore. Its capital, Vilnius, is one of Europe`s most enchanting cities, owing especially to its Baroque old town. See the many interesting churches in Vilnius, including the gothic St Ann`s Church and St Peter and St Paul`s Church, which houses the body of St Casimieras, one of Lithuania`s most revered dukes. Enjoy a view over Vilnius after climbing the Gediminas Tower, high on a hill in the centre of the city. |
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| Official Name: | Republic of Lithuania |
| Capital: | Vilnius (VNO) |
| Currency: | Lithuanian Litas (LTL) |
| Language: | Lithuanian. A number of local dialects are also spoken. Russian and English are widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 370 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday March to last Sunday October: UTC / GMT +3 (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | May - September |
| Best for: | Water- and Extreme sports, UNESCO World Heritage sites |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, but may be cloudy due to high mineral content. Bottled water is available. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Lithuanians are very proud of their national heritage and visitors should be respectful of this. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | It is recommended that visitors carry a copy of their passport at all times. |
| Duty Free: | Lithuania is within the European Union. If you are travelling from the UK, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices. If you are travelling from within the EU, there is no limit on the amount or value of goods you may import, providing your goods are for personal consumption. Goods imported for commercial purposes are subject to duty and the following guideline amounts are in place to determine whether this is the case: • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. • 10L of spirits over 22% volume, 20L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume, 90L of wine (no more than 60L of sparkling wine) and 110L of beer. If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Lithuania by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (if arriving by air). • 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco (if arriving by other means). • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume. • Other goods up to the value of Lt1,480 for air and sea travellers and Lt1,030 for other travellers (reduced to Lt510 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Meat and dairy products from outside the EU, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and unlicensed firearms and ammunition. There are restrictions on the import of plants and plant products |
| Prohibited Exports: | Drugs, and unlicensed firearms and ammunition. You need to obtain a permit to export cultural artefacts and antiques. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of South Africa
235 Grosvenor St., Hatfield 0028, Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0)12 760 9000
Email: amb.za@urm.lt
Email (visas): kons.za@urm.lt
Web: za.mfa.lt/en
Applications for consular services are accepted by appointment only.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 16; Mar 11; Apr 20-21; May 1, 4; Jun 1, 24; Jul 6; Aug 15; Nov 1-2; Dec 24-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 16; Mar 11; Apr 5-6; May 1, 3; Jun 7, 24; Jul 6; Aug 15; Nov 1-2; Dec 24-26
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Agreement.
- If you intend to visit only Lithuania, you must apply at the Embassy of Lithuania / Visa Application Centre.
- If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate that is your main destination / longest stay.
- If you intend to visit several countries but are spending an equal number of days in each, you should apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your first point of entry.
REQUIREMENTS
See General Schengen Requirements
In addition:
- The Schengen visa application form should be filled in on the following website: www.migracija.lt/en. Once submitted electronically, the file must be printed and signed.
- Refer to the checklist for the order of submitting supporting documentation. Checklist must be completed and signed.
- An appointment must be made for the submission of documents and biometrics - email kons.za@urm.lt.
- Copy of the personal information (data) page of passport and all previous visas
- Proof of sufficient funds of minimum of 40 (forty) Euros, per person, per day
Visa Processing Time
Apply at least 15 calendar days before the intended visit. Not more than 6 months before the visit.
Visa Validity
Stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period
Visa Cost
Adults: EUR90
Children (6-12): EUR45
Children (under 6): Free
Fees must be paid via debit / credit card. No cash accepted.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from SA Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Rabies, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
