Lithuania entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
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
Rwandan passport holders need a visa to enter Lithuania. Apply for a Schengen visa at the Lithuanian embassy or designated visa center before traveling. Processing can take several weeks, especially during peak seasons in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply before travel | Rwandan passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Lithuania. Submit your application at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in your home country — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Apply through the official visa portal at migracija.lt.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from Schengen | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity after your planned exit from the Schengen area. It must have been issued within the last 10 years. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of exit from Schengen | Border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. A bus or train ticket to a non-Schengen country works. Without one, expect extra questioning or denial of entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lithuania. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Hosts must register you with the Migration Department within 3 working days of your arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Officers can request proof you have at least €40 per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a sufficient limit works. Carry cash or a card you can access — ATMs are widely available in Lithuania. | Recommended |
Apply Early — Slots Fill Fast
Visa appointment slots at the embassy or visa center can be booked up weeks in advance, especially during summer and holiday seasons. Start the process at least 6–8 weeks before your trip.
Schengen Area Rules Apply
Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area. With a Lithuanian visa, you can also visit other Schengen countries (e.g., Latvia, Poland, Germany) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. But your main destination must be Lithuania.
What happens at the border
1
Gather Your Documents
Collect your passport, completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, accommodation bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any other supporting documents.
2
Book an Appointment
Schedule an appointment at the Lithuanian embassy in Kigali or the nearest Schengen visa application center. Slots fill up fast — book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
3
Attend the Interview
Show up in person with all your documents. You'll submit your application, pay the visa fee (around €80 for adults), and may be asked a few questions about your trip.
4
Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days if more checks are needed. Track your application online if available.
5
Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, validity) are correct before leaving the center.
6
Arrive in Lithuania
At the airport (usually Vilnius Airport), proceed to the Schengen border control queue. Have your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your plans — answer clearly and briefly.
Download Lithuania Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa; requires proof of accommodation, funds, and travel insurance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Same fee as single entry; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost€120 (≈ $131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
National Visa (D) for Employment
1 year, renewable
€120 (≈ $131 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Lithuania. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows family reunification.
student visa
National Visa (D) for Studies
Up to 1 year, renewable based on course length
€120 (≈ $131 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Lithuanian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Business
1 year, renewable
€120 (≈ $131 USD) application fee plus investment
For investors starting a business or investing in Lithuania. Minimum investment varies; requires business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults; may be reduced for children. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Visa application service feePaid to visa application center (e.g., VFS Global) for processing. | €30 (≈ $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen visa-free or visa period. | €20 (≈ $22 USD) per day, max €500 (≈ $545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Rwanda passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to change planes at Lithuanian airports, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for a Schengen member state may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsVilnius Airport (VNO) · Kaunas Airport (KUN) · Palanga Airport (PLQ)
Health & vaccines for Lithuania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Rwanda).
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderTick-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 areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is low for most travelers.
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
Švitrigailos g. 11, LT-03228 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 Office of the Migration Department
A. Mickevičiaus g. 37, LT-44244 Kaunas
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–15:45
Handles visa-related issues for central Lithuania.
Practical information for RW 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 = 0.88 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
If you are transiting through a Lithuanian airport and staying airside (not passing through border control), you generally do not need a visa. However, if you need to leave the transit area or have a connecting flight to another Schengen country, you will need a Schengen visa.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your application. In busy periods or if additional documents are needed, it can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel.
The standard fee is €80 for adults. Children aged 6–12 pay €40, and children under 6 are free. Fees are subject to change — check the embassy website before paying.
Extensions are possible only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergency, force majeure). You must apply at the Migration Department in Lithuania before your visa expires. Overstaying without permission can result in fines or a ban.
There is no Lithuanian embassy in Rwanda. You typically apply through the embassy of another Schengen country that represents Lithuania (often the French or German embassy in Kigali) or through a visa application center like VFS Global. Check the official Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest accredited office.
You need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two recent passport photos, round-trip flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements for the last 3–6 months, proof of employment or leave, and a cover letter explaining your trip purpose.
Yes, if you have a valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen state, you can enter Lithuania as long as Lithuania is your main destination or you are passing through. The visa must still be valid and cover the period of your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.