Lithuania entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders can travel to Lithuania visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since Lithuania joined the Schengen Area in 2007. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your French passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Lithuania. Since Lithuania is in the Schengen zone, you can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all Schengen countries — not just Lithuania. Airlines check this at check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen zone | Immigration officers at Vilnius Airport routinely ask for a return ticket or proof of onward travel out of the Schengen area. Have a printed or digital copy ready. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air also check this at boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Lithuania. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A simple booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Lithuania doesn't publish a fixed amount, but around €50–€70 per day is a safe benchmark. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Schengen Area rules apply
Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area. Your 90-day visa-free stay counts across all 27 Schengen countries, not just Lithuania. Keep track of your total days in the zone.
eGates available at Vilnius Airport
French passport holders can use the automated eGates at Vilnius Airport for faster entry. No need to queue at the manned booths unless the eGates are closed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Vilnius Airport
After landing at Vilnius Airport (VNO), follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Passport Control'. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens use the separate e-gates or the 'EU/EEA/CH' lane. As a French passport holder, you'll use those lanes too.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport to the border officer. They may ask a few questions: purpose of visit, how long you're staying, where you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
If requested, show your return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of funds. Have them ready in a folder or on your phone.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp is legible before walking away. Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when leaving.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then walk through 'Nothing to Declare' (green channel) unless you have goods to declare.
Download Lithuania Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Required for stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free entry is not used.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
National Visa (D) for Employment
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Lithuania. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
National Visa (D) for Studies
Up to 1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a Lithuanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Apply digital nomad visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Remote Work
1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) application fee
For remote workers earning income from abroad. Requires proof of monthly income of at least €2,000 and health insurance.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays beyond 90 days or if visa is required. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €500 (~$545 USD). | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Lithuania
No transit visa needed
French passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Lithuanian airports, as Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsVilnius Airport (VNO) · Kaunas Airport (KUN) · Palanga International Airport (PLQ)
Health & vaccines for Lithuania
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November. Vaccination recommended for outdoor activities.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and forested areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but ensure food is properly cooked to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vilnius
Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior
L. Sapiegos g. 1, LT-10312 Vilnius
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–15:45
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Kaunas
Kaunas Territorial Division of the Migration Department
A. Mickevičiaus g. 37, LT-44244 Kaunas
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–15:45
Handles local immigration matters; bring all required documents.
Practical information for FR travellers
Country basics
CapitalVilnius
LanguageLithuanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Lithuania.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't. French citizens can enter Lithuania visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, or visiting family.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling window. The clock resets once you leave the Schengen Area for 90 consecutive days. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Generally no for tourism. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You'd need to apply at the Migration Department in Vilnius before your 90 days expire.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced at Lithuanian border control. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you still need proof of onward travel. A bus or train ticket out of Lithuania (or the Schengen Area) works just as well as a flight ticket.
Not strictly mandatory for entry, but highly recommended. If you need medical treatment, costs can be high. A Schengen-compliant travel insurance policy covers this.
You risk a fine (typically €50–€200 depending on the overstay length) and a possible entry ban. The Migration Department handles overstay cases. Avoid it by tracking your days carefully.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.