When you’re planning a trip to Lithuania, securing the right Schengen C visa guidelines shouldn’t slow you down. In this guide you’ll find everything from who needs a Schengen C visa and what documents to prepare, to step-by-step application instructions, fees, processing times, plus insider tips on culture, seasons, green travel, local cuisine and border-crossing rules—all backed by reliable sources.

Who Needs a Lithuania Schengen C Visa?

If you’re a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, you generally need a Schengen C visa to visit Lithuania for tourism, business or family purposes.
– Nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia and several others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
– If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you must apply.
– Your passport must meet the Schengen area passport validity requirements of at least three months beyond your planned departure and be issued within the last ten years.

Application Requirements for a Lithuania Schengen C Visa

You’ll need to assemble a set of core documents before booking your appointment:

• Completed Schengen visa application form (download the PDF from the Lithuanian MFA)
• Two recent passport-style photos
• Valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
• Travel insurance covering at least €30 000 for medical emergencies (see IATA Travel Centre’s insurance guide)
• Cover letter explaining your trip purpose and itinerary
• Flight reservation or round-trip ticket
• Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter)
• Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements, sponsorship letters)
• Employment documents (contract, recent payslips), or
• Self-employment (business license, company bank statements), or
• Student (enrollment certificate), or
• Retired (pension statements)

Detailed Document Checklist

1. Application Form: Fill in legibly and sign.
2. Passport Photos: 35×45 mm, light background.
3. Insurance Certificate: Specify dates of coverage.
4. Cover Letter: Include dates, places, purpose.
5. Itinerary & Accommodation: Confirmed bookings or private invitation.
6. Financial Proof: Minimum €50 per day of stay or sponsor’s declaration.
7. Supporting Documents: Employment letter or student ID as applicable.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to submit your visa file smoothly:

1. Identify visa type (short-stay Schengen C).
2. Decide on single or multiple entries.
3. Gather all required documents.
4. Book an appointment at VFS Global.
5. Attend your in-person interview, submit biometrics and pay the fee.

Visa Fees, Processing Time and Where to Apply

Fees and Processing Time

• Standard fee: €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12.
• Processing: 15 calendar days on average; can extend to 30–60 days in exceptional cases.

Application Locations and Appeals

• You can apply at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or via VFS Global in your region.
• If your application is refused, you have 30 days to file an appeal with Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Discover Lithuania: Top Attractions

Lithuania offers history, culture and scenic beauty:
– Vilnius Old Town: One of Europe’s largest baroque centers, UNESCO-listed.
– Trakai Island Castle: A 14th-century red-brick fortress set on Lake Galvė.
– Hill of Crosses: Over 100 000 crosses in a pilgrimage site near Šiauliai.

Best Times to Visit and Seasonal Events

Weather and festivals shape the best travel windows:
– Summer (June–August): Warm, ideal for outdoor cafes and music.
– Vilnius Festival (May–June): Classical music series in historic venues, see the official program.
– Kaunas Jazz Festival (October): Lithuania’s longest-running jazz event since 1991; details at kaunasjazz.lt.

Traveling Green: Sustainable Tourism in Lithuania

You can tread lightly on the environment:
– Look for lodging with the Green Accommodation Label, endorsed by the Lithuanian State Tourism Board.
– Join eco-tours through the Dzukija National Park to support forest conservation.
– Use public transport in cities—Vilnius boasts a growing fleet of electric buses.

Savoring Lithuania: Cuisine and Local Products

Taste six centuries of tradition:
– Cepelinai: Potato dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese.
– Kibinai: Pastries filled with mutton or vegetables, a Karaim specialty.
– Švyturys beer: Brewed since 1784 in Klaipėda.
– Amber jewelry: Baltic “gold” polished along the Curonian Spit.

Border Crossing Requirements and Travel Restrictions

If you plan overland travel from neighboring states:
– From Poland or Latvia: Standard Schengen controls at crossings; present your visa and passport.
– From Belarus: Only cross at designated checkpoints; carry proof of accommodation and insurance.
– Always check the latest entry rules on Frontex’s border crossing FAQ.

Your Lithuanian Journey Awaits

You’re now equipped with the visa essentials, insider tips on when to travel, green lodging suggestions and a taste of local culture. Start preparing your application today, book those flights and get ready to explore centuries-old streets, breathtaking landscapes and culinary delights. Safe travels!