New Requirement for Lithuania in 2026: ETIAS

Lithuania is a stunning country in the Baltics. From its incredible architecture – like castles and churches – to its diverse natural landscapes, Lithuania has something to offer everyone.

When planning a trip to Lithuania, it’s important to know all of the travel requirements well ahead of time, including whether or not you need ETIAS to visit this spectacular country. 

Understanding what you need and what you don’t can seem complex, especially as European travel requirements continue to evolve and change. We’re here to help.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Vilnius, Trakai, or wherever it is you’re off to in this gem of a country!

Lithuania ETIAS: Who it's for

From 2026 on, travelers without a visa for Lithuania must obtain ETIAS before they travel (unless they are citizens of a Schengen country). 

For context, the Schengen area (which includes Lithuania) has an agreement with a variety of different countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and others. This agreement allows citizens of these countries to travel to the Schengen area without having to apply for a visa. 

However, because a visa isn’t required, these travelers will need to apply for ETIAS before traveling to Lithuania, or anywhere in the Schengen zone for that matter.

Now, ETIAS shouldn’t be confused with a visa. Instead, ETIAS is simply a pre-authorization to enter the Schengen area. 

If you’re planning to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days, or to work or to study, you need to apply for the appropriate Lithuanian visa, not ETIAS – which is an entirely different process.

On the other hand, if you aren’t a citizen of a country with a visa-waiver agreement (such as India or China), then you do not need ETIAS to travel to Lithuania; you need a visa. In this case, it would benefit you to read our Lithuania visa guide instead.

ETIAS vs visas

No. If you hold a valid visa for Lithuania (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. 

ETIAS is only required for travelers from visa-exempt countries.

How to apply for Lithuania ETIAS

The ETIAS authorization process is 100% online and should only take you 10 to 20 minutes.

You can apply for your Lithuania ETIAS in just a few steps:

Step one: fill out the form on ETIAS

Add your travel details like your full name as it's displayed on your passport, your nationality, and your passport number. You’ll also need to share a bit about your travel plans, like when you’re leaving and where you’re going. 

Step two: answer questions about your background

You’ll be asked questions about your background. According to the official EU website, you’ll be asked your parents’ first names, your highest level of education, occupation, and more. 

Step three: pay the ETIAS application fee

There is a fee for your ETIAS application that is paid online using a debit or credit card. You can expect to pay 20 euros, but this fee is waived for applicants under the age of 18 or over 70.

Step four: wait for your approval

In the vast majority of cases, ETIAS approval only takes a couple of minutes. With that being said, approval can take up to 30 days in some cases. While unusual, it’s best to plan accordingly and apply for ETIAS well ahead of your trip, just in case.

Step five: enjoy your trip to Lithuania! 

Once your ETIAS is processed, your authorization will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities at the borders to see. While that’s the case, it never hurts to print out your approval or save a digital copy. 

Your ETIAS is valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once it expires, you can reapply by following the same steps listed above.

What if my ETIAS for Lithuania is denied? 

If your ETIAS application for Lithuania is denied, you’ll receive an email detailing the reason(s) for its refusal. You’ll also receive instructions on how to appeal the decision. Unfortunately, you will not be able to travel to Lithuania without ETIAS approval.

Traveling to other countries

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry. Border guards can still deny you entry