Lithuania | Europe

Lithuania is located in Northern Europe, the southernmost of the three Baltic states. It borders Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the southwest, and the Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia to the west, with a coastline along the Baltic Sea. The geography is characterized by glaciated plains, over 6,000 lakes, and massive sand dunes on the Curonian Spit; the capital city is Vilnius.

Visa & Entry Policy

Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Starting in late 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) prior to arrival. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

Language & Communication

The official language is Lithuanian, the oldest surviving Indo-European language. English proficiency is very high among the youth (approx. 80%) and in urban centers. Russian is widely spoken by the older generation, and Polish is common in the Vilnius region. Communication is typically reserved, valuing directness and technical accuracy.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Lithuania is a leader in fintech; contactless "tap-to-pay" and card payments are universal in cities. However, a significant cash culture persists for small transactions; approximately 62% of point-of-sale transactions involve cash. From 2026, strict MiCA regulations have standardized crypto-asset payments, though these are primarily used for investment rather than retail.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is dominated by the LTG Link rail network, featuring modern electrification projects on the Vilnius–Klaipėda line. An extensive bus network (Kautra, TOKS) serves areas without rail access. There are three international airports: Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga. The "Via Baltica" highway serves as the primary road corridor connecting Lithuania to Poland and Latvia.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Telia, Tele2, and Bitė. 5G coverage is nationwide as of 2026, including international transport corridors. Lithuania has one of the world's fastest public Wi-Fi networks and is a global hub for laser technology and cybersecurity services.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is transitional between maritime and continental. Summers (June–August) are mild (20°C–23°C), while winters (December–March) are cold and snowy, with temperatures frequently dropping to -10°C. Heavy snowfall is common in the interior, while the coast remains slightly warmer and windier.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Tap water is safe for consumption and is sourced entirely from underground aquifers. Environmental risks include tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas. The universal emergency number is 112. Lithuania is ranked among the top countries for youth happiness and safety in 2026.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Vilnius County: Primary hub is Vilnius (Baroque architecture, UNESCO site).

Kaunas County: Primary hub is Kaunas (Interwar Modernism and student hub).

Klaipėda County: Primary hub is Klaipėda (Gateway to the Curonian Spit).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: €0.90 ($0.99 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: €4.50 ($4.95 USD)

1 Sim Card (Prepaid Data): €10.00 ($11.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Lithuania was the last country in Europe to convert to Christianity (1387), resulting in the survival of many pagan-influenced legends, such as the Tale of Eglė the Queen of Serpents. Geologically, the National Geographic Institute of France calculated the geographical center of Europe to be located in Purnuškės, just north of Vilnius. In the 15th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was the largest state in Europe, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea.