Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Lithuania
Customs regulations
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Passport copy
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / airway bill (AWB)
- Packing list
- Pro-forma invoice
- Convention Marchandises Routiers (CMR )
Specific Information
- The owner of the goods should be present at the destination and should have a valid visa.
- The owner of the goods should be employed with a registered company.
- Temporary import of household goods and personal effects is duty and taxes free.
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- This is valid for 12 months and can be renewed every year until the time the foreigner has finished his or her stay and is ready to re-export the shipment.
- Permanent import of household and personal effects is subject to customs duties and taxes.
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- Additionally, a value added tax (VAT) of 20% is charged on the import.
- Only a limited amount of foodstuff, new items, and electronics are allowed duty free.
The duties for non-European countries are relatively low, especially for manufactured goods (4.2% on average for the general rate); however, textile, clothing items (high duties and quota system) and food-processing industry sectors (average duties of 17.3% and numerous tariff quotas) still face protective measures.
Goods transiting Lithuania are not subject to duties. It is possible to obtain a temporary duty exemption for items such as commercial samples and for goods intended for public displays at exhibitions or trade fairs.
You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
Although there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco one can bring in from EU countries, customs officials are more likely to ask you questions if you have more than:
Tobacco products:
- 800 cigarettes;
- 400 cigarillos (max. 3g each);
- 200 cigars;
- 1kg smoking tobacco;
Alcoholic beverages:
- 10 litres of spirits over 22%;
- 20 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%;
- 90 litres of wine (though no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine);
- 110 litres of beer.
These quantities can be seized if customs are satisfied that they are of a commercial nature.
Free Import quantities when travelling from outside EU
Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Over 17 years olds can bring (in personal luggage) the following quantities:
- 1 litre of alcohol that does not exceed 22% volume of alcohol, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol 80% volume and over
- 2 litres of alcohol that does not exceeds 22% volume of alcohol
- 4 litres of still wine
- 16 litres of beer.
The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
Over 17 years old that belong to the following categories:
- persons residing in the frontier zone (region beyond the expanding borders of the European Union including: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro)
- frontier-zone workers,
- the crews of means of transport used between third countries and the Community,may bring (in your personal luggage) alcohol in the following quantities:
- 0,5 litre of alcohol exceeding 22% volume, or un-denatured ethyl alcohol of 80% volume and over
- a total of 0,5 litre of alcohol and alcoholic beverages of an alcoholic strength not exceeding 22% volume
- 0,5 litre of still wine
- 2 litres of beer.
The passengers can combine the first two types of alcohol as long the alcohol volume does not exceed 100%.
Note that the consideration of what constitutes frontier countries lies entirely with EU and the list outlined above may change.
Tobacco products
When travelling by air or sea , over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
- 200 cigarettes or
- 100 cigarillos or
- 50 cigars or
- 250 g of smoking tobacco.
Each amount specified in above points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
When travelling by land, over 17 years old can bring tobacco products for personal use only the following:
- 40 cigarettes or
- 20 cigarillos or
- 10 cigars or
- 50 grams of smoking tobacco.
Each amount specified in all the points will amount to 100% of the total allowance for tobacco products.
Other goods
- Medication – for personal use only
- Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 430 euro when travelling by air or sea
- Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 300 euro when travelling by land
- Personal items of non-commercial nature worth up to 150 euro for travellers under 15 years of age.
Non-commercial item are of an occasional nature and consist exclusively of goods for the personal or family use of the traveller, or of goods intended as presents. The nature and quantity of the goods must not be such as to indicate that they are being imported for commercial reasons.
The duties for non-EU countries are relatively low, especially for manufactured goods (4.2% on average for the general rate); however, textile, clothing items, and food-processing industry sectors still face protective measures. Goods transiting Lithuania are not subject to duties. It is possible to obtain a temporary duty exemption for items such as commercial samples and for goods intended for public displays at exhibitions or trade fairs. For further information visit Lithuanian Customs
Prohibited Items
- Meat and milk and any items thereof from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests.
The Integrated Tariff of the European Communities (TARIC) lists various rules applying to specific products being imported into the customs territory of the EU or, in some cases, when exported from it. To determine if a product is prohibited or subject to restriction, check the TARIC for that product for the following codes:
- CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species
- PROHI Import Suspension
- RSTR Import Restriction
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Title / registration
Specific Information
- It is difficult for a foreigner to import a motor vehicle into Lithuania and is not recommended.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health record
Specific Information
- Cats and dogs are subject to special regulations of the European Parliament and of the Council (EC No. 998/2003
Pets:
Cats and dogs are subject to Regulations (EC) No. 998/2003 and Regulation (EU) 576/2013 .
Birds are subject to Decision (EC) No. 25/2007.
For more information contact the nearest embassy of Lithuania. Pets may enter as passenger’s checked baggage, in the cabin or as cargo.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry or transit in Lithuania.
Exempt: baggage of passengers traveling onward with the same flight, which is cleared at the airport of final destination in Lithuania.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Same regulations as per Export apply.
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Euro – EUR) and foreign currencies: no restrictions if arriving from or traveling to another EU Member State .
If arriving directly from or traveling to a country outside the EU: amounts exceeding EUR 10,000.- or more or the equivalent in another currency (incl. banker’s draft and
cheques of any kind) must be declared.
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No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Lithuania
British nationals travelling to Lithuania must complete an online registration form prior to arrival.
Lithuania lifted the ban on flights from the UK on 1 January 2021. Travel may still be disrupted so you should check with your travel operator. Check our advice on things to consider, and be prepared to stay overseas longer than planned.
British nationals travelling to Lithuania from overseas, including from the UK, are required to self-isolate for 10 days. In addition you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result, taken no earlier than 48 hours before arrival in Lithuania, or register for a PCR or antigen test within 24 hours of arrival. Test results must be in English, Russian or Lithuanian.
From 00:01 10 March British nationals arriving in Lithuania from overseas must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test results, taken no earlier than 72 hours before your arrival. It will no longer be possible to book the test after you arrive in Lithuania.
Regardless of the initial PCR/antigen test result, you must remain in isolation.
You may shorten your isolation period, by taking an additional PCR test from day 7 of your isolation period. You may leave isolation once you receive a negative result. You must inform the NVSC of your negative result and intention to end isolation early.
There are a small number of exemptions from self-isolation on arrival from affected countries. Please check the Lithuanian National Public Health Centre (NVSC) website for the latest information on exemptions.
The Lithuanian Government recommends that all individuals arriving from overseas refrain from mixing with other people, as much as possible for 14 days after their arrival, regardless of isolation exemptions.
You can register for a PCR test by calling the COVID-19 hotline on +370 37367 963. The hotline is open daily between 8am and 11pm. Tests booked through the hotline are free of charge.
A list of private clinics offering PCR/antigen tests is available on the NVSC website. The tests booked through these clinics will be charged.
You should note that not all testing centres in Lithuania offer results in English. Should you require your results in English, you should request at the point of booking. English language certificates are likely to incur additional charges.
You must not use public transportation to travel to the testing centre. If you do not have access to a private vehicle, you will need to travel to the testing centre by taxi. You are advised to check at the time of booking whether the taxi company is able to take you to a testing centre, as some taxis may not have the precautions in place to provide this service.
Some international travel operators have suspended services to and from Lithuania. You should check with your travel company for the latest information. People arriving in Lithuania by private vehicles or on foot must complete the online registration form within 12 hours of arriving in Lithuania.
On 16 December, Lithuania entered a nationwide lockdown. Movement within Lithuania is restricted, including for those arriving in Lithuania who are not required to self-isolate. You can find more information on the Coronavirus page.
The movement of goods is not restricted.
Quarantine requirements
British nationals travelling to Lithuania from the UK, or other countries designated as affected by new COVID-19 mutations, must not self-isolate with anyone outside their travelling party. You must self-isolate in a separate apartment/house, or in a well-isolated floor of a private house/apartment, with a separate bathroom.
Unaccompanied minors may self-isolate with a parent/guardian who has not travelled with them. However, the parent/guardian will be required to self-isolate for the full 10 day period with the minor.
While in isolation, you must:
- not leave your place of isolation without the permission of a healthcare professional;
- not go to shops;
- not attend face to face public services;
- not have guests/visitors;
- organise for essential provisions to be delivered by friends, family or delivery services;
- consult with a GP by phone/email to arrange extensions to prescriptions; and
- call the Emergency Response Centre on 112, or COVID-19 hotline on +370 37367 963, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19. The hotline is open daily between 8am and 11pm.
While in isolation, you may be contacted by Lithuanian health officials.
British nationals travelling to Lithuania from a country that is not designated as affected by a new COVID-19 mutation may take a walk within 1km of their place of isolation, but must not mix with others outside their travelling party. For more information on the restrictions on social contact in Lithuania, see the Coronavirus page.
British nationals needing to temporarily break isolation, who meet one of the requirements set out by the Lithuanian Government, must notify the NVSC in advance. You do not need to inform the NVSC if you are breaking isolation for a COVID-19 PCR test or for emergency medical treatment.
British nationals may leave Lithuania before the end of their isolation period in order to return to the UK/their country of residence. However, you must register your travels plans with the NVSC at least 24 hours before departure.
Neighbouring countries
There may be restrictions in countries neighbouring Lithuania. Please check country-specific FCDO Travel Advice for details and contact the British Embassy if you need assistance.
You should follow the local quarantine measures of the country that you are in.
Visas
If you need further information about entry requirements, contact the local immigration authorities or the nearest Lithuanian embassy/consulate. You should also check with your airline or travel company for the latest information.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
if you are travelling to Lithuania and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days
to stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons, you will need to meet the Lithuanian government’s entry requirements. Check with the Lithuanian Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit you may need
if you stay in Lithuania with a visa or permit, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit
Any time you spent in Lithuania or other Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.
At Lithuanian border control, you may need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit. You may also need to:
show a return or onward ticket
show you have enough money for your stay
There are separate requirements for those who are resident in Lithuania. If you are resident in Lithuania, you should carry proof of residence as well as your valid passport when you travel. For further information on these requirements, see our Living in Lithuania guide.
Passport validity
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip, and renew your passport if you do not have enough time left on it.
You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Lithuania.
Crime
There have been reports of petty theft and robbery. Beware of pickpockets, avoid unlit streets and parks at night, and be extra vigilant if you’re walking alone. Take extra care of your belongings in busy locations and on public transport. Don’t leave coats and handbags unattended in bars, pubs and clubs.
A small number of tourists have reported incidents on public transport and around the train station area of Vilnius where they have been approached by small groups of people asking for money or help. Be vigilant in these areas.
Don’t leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Car theft is a problem in certain areas. Lock unattended vehicles and hide contents. Use guarded car parks in cities, especially overnight.
There have been a number of thefts of bicycles in Vilnius.
In an emergency or if you wish to report a crime, call the police on 112.
Local travel
Public transport
On local buses and trolley-buses, remember to activate your ticket (whether it’s pre-purchased or bought from the driver) on the machine on board or you may be fined by undercover inspectors.
Taxis are reasonably priced. Make sure the meter is used. It is cheaper and safer to phone for a taxi from a recognised company than to hail one in the street. Ask your hotel reception to call one. Do not use unregistered taxis.
Klaipeda, Nida and Palanga
If you intend to walk along the Curonian Spit be aware that after a short distance the Spit forms part of Kaliningrad, which is a territory of the Russian Federation.
Road travel
In 2019 there were 184 road deaths in the Lithuania (source: Department for Transport). This equates to 6.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2019.
Licences and documentation
You can drive using a UK photo card driving licence. You must have suitable insurance and carry the original vehicle registration documents (copies are not acceptable).
If you’re living in Lithuania, check the Living in Guide for information on requirements for residents.
Road safety
Driving regulations
Winter tyres are a legal requirement in Lithuania between 10 November and 10 April.
Dipped headlights are compulsory all year round.
Speed limits, unless otherwise indicated, are 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on country roads and 110km/h on highways.
Don’t drink and drive. The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.04%. Those found over the limit face a fine and possible imprisonment.
See the European Commission, AA and RAC guides for advice on driving in Lithuania.
Bringing a vehicle into Lithuania
When arriving in Lithuania with a car, border officials will ask for a passport which is valid for the duration of your stay, the original vehicle registration documents (copies are not acceptable) and evidence of international vehicle insurance (Green Card).
Winter travel
Be prepared for extremely cold and possibly hazardous weather if you intend to travel to Lithuania in the winter (October to March). There’s likely to be snow or ice on the ground and temperatures may drop to -25°C or below.
