The Lithuania tourist visa lets Indian citizens explore one of Europe's most underrated destinations — a Baltic nation where a UNESCO-listed Baroque Old Town rivals Prague's, a medieval island castle sits on a mirror-still lake, and some of the friendliest locals in Europe greet you with hearty cepelinai and cold pink borscht. As a Schengen member state, Lithuania issues a standard short-stay visa that also covers all 27 Schengen countries — giving you access to Latvia, Estonia, and beyond on a single application. This guide covers every document, fee, timeline and insider tip you need to plan your Lithuania trip with confidence.
Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
Visa Required | Yes — Indian citizens need a Schengen visa (Type C) |
Cheapest Option | Schengen short-stay visa from €90 (₹9,700) |
Processing Time | 10-15 working days (standard); up to 30-45 days in complex cases |
Max Stay (Tourist) | Up to 90 days within any 180-day period |
Visa on Arrival | No — apply in advance via VFS Global |
Insurance Required | Yes — minimum €30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen states |
Best Time to Apply | At least 4-6 weeks before travel |
Application Via | VFS Global centres across India or Lithuanian Embassy, New Delhi |
Before you start your Lithuania visa application, make sure you have these essentials ready:
· Passport valid for 3+ months beyond your return date with 2 blank pages
· Two recent passport-size photos (35mm x 45mm, white background)
· Completed Schengen visa application form (printed and signed)
· Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage valid across all Schengen states
· Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary with booking reference
· Hotel bookings for every night of your stay
· Bank statements for the last 3-6 months (₹2.5-4 lakh balance recommended)
· Salary slips (last 3 months) and Income Tax Returns (2-3 years)
· Cover letter explaining your trip purpose and itinerary
· Employment letter or NOC from your employer
The key thing to remember about Lithuania is that it follows the standard Schengen visa process — the same form, the same insurance requirement, and the same VFS Global application centres used by France, Germany, and other Schengen countries. What makes Lithuania special is that appointment slots are easy to get due to very low Indian applicant volume, and the approval rate is high for well-prepared applications.
> Important: Since 2025, Lithuania has updated its visa application process. Appointments must be booked through the VFS Global portal. The Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi handles all applications from Indian residents.
Europe's best-kept secret Old Town. Vilnius has one of the largest Baroque Old Towns in Europe — a 3.6-square-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with over 40 churches, cobblestone lanes, and hidden courtyards. It rivals Prague and Kraków for architectural beauty but without the crowds or the price tag.
Trakai Island Castle is breathtaking. Just 30 minutes from Vilnius, Trakai Island Castle sits on a lake surrounded by 21 islands. The red-brick medieval fortress rising from Lake Galvė is one of the most photogenic sights in Europe. You can row a boat right up to its walls, taste traditional Karaim kibinai pastries, and hike through the surrounding national park.
Užupis is Europe's most charming micro-republic. This self-declared republic within Vilnius has its own constitution posted on a wall in dozens of languages, an angel statue blowing a horn, and a bohemian atmosphere filled with artists, cafés, and quirky murals. It is like stepping into a different world just across the river from the Old Town.
One of Europe's most affordable Schengen countries. Lithuania offers incredible value — hostels from €18 per night, a hearty meal for €10-15, and museum entries from €3-7. You can explore Vilnius for days without touching your emergency fund, making it ideal for budget-conscious Indian travellers.
A gateway to the Baltics. A Lithuania Schengen visa covers all 27 Schengen countries. Bus connections to Riga (4 hours) and Tallinn (7 hours) make it easy to combine Lithuania with Latvia and Estonia on a single trip — the classic Baltic route.
Indian citizens who want to visit Lithuania for tourism apply for a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C):
Option | Best For | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
Schengen Type C (Tourist) | Most tourists | Apply via VFS Global |
Multiple-entry Schengen | Frequent Europe travellers | Strong travel history required |
ETIAS (future) | When launched | Separate application, not yet active — does NOT apply to Indians |
The standard tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries. You apply through VFS Global, which processes applications on behalf of the Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi.
If you plan to visit multiple Schengen countries, apply to the country where you will spend the most nights. If Lithuania is your main destination, you apply to Lithuania. If you are spending equal time across the Baltics, apply to the country of first entry.
For the full document list, eligibility details and multi-entry options, see the main Lithuania visa guide.
Your Holiday Type | Recommended Route | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Vilnius city break (3-4 days) | Schengen Type C single entry | €90 (₹9,700) |
Baltic loop (Lithuania + Latvia + Estonia) | Schengen Type C single entry | €90 (₹9,700) |
Trakai and nature (5-7 days) | Schengen Type C single entry | €90 (₹9,700) |
Extended European trip (2-4 weeks) | Schengen Type C multiple entry | €90 (₹9,700) |
Frequent return visits | Multiple-entry Schengen | €90 (₹9,700) |
Getting your Lithuania Schengen visa does not require obscure paperwork. Most of what you need is standard for any European trip.
· Passport — Valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date, with at least 2 blank pages. Your passport should also not be older than 10 years.
· Passport photos — Two recent colour photos, 35mm x 45mm, white background, full face visible. The same规格 photos you used for your last visa work here.
· Flight itinerary — A confirmed round-trip booking with PNR number showing entry and exit from the Schengen zone. Book refundable tickets or use a dummy ticket for the application.
· Hotel bookings — Confirmed reservations for every night of your stay. Refundable bookings are perfectly acceptable.
· Bank statements — Last 3-6 months of statements, original and stamped by your bank. Lithuania recommends approximately €50-60 per day of stay. For a 7-day trip, maintain a closing balance of ₹2.5-4 lakh. A steady balance over months is better than a large last-minute deposit.
· Employment proof — A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your position, salary, and approved leave dates. Self-employed applicants should provide business registration documents and ITR for the last 2-3 years.
· Cover letter — A brief letter explaining why you want to visit Lithuania, your planned itinerary, and how you will fund the trip. Keep it conversational and honest.
· Travel insurance — Mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. Must cover minimum €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid across all 27 Schengen states, for your entire trip duration. A basic policy costs ₹500-1,500 and adds credibility to your application.
1. Download the Schengen visa application form from the VFS Global portal and fill it in English — print on white A4 paper and sign in black or blue ink.
2. Gather your documents using the checklist above. Make sure bank statements are original and stamped by your bank.
3. Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global centre. Slots are easy to get due to very low Indian applicant volume for Lithuania.
4. Visit the VFS centre with all original documents plus photocopies. Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the centre.
5. Pay the fees — visa fee plus VFS service charge. Collect your acknowledgement receipt with the reference number for tracking.
6. Track your application online via the VFS Global portal. Standard processing is 10-15 working days, but can extend to 30-45 days in complex cases.
7. Collect your passport from the VFS centre or opt for courier delivery.
> Tip: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date. While processing is usually quick, the Lithuanian Embassy may request additional documents in complex cases.
Season | Best Time to Visit Lithuania | Apply By |
|---|---|---|
Spring (March-May) | Ideal — Kaziukas Fair (March), cherry blossoms, comfortable temperatures | 4-6 weeks before travel |
Summer (June-August) | Peak season — long days, outdoor festivals, lake swimming | 6-8 weeks before travel |
Autumn (September-November) | Perfect — golden foliage, fewer crowds, lower prices | 4-6 weeks before travel |
Winter (December-February) | Christmas markets, snowy Old Town, skiing at Druskininkai | 4-6 weeks before travel |
Lithuania is a year-round destination, but summer offers the best weather with long daylight hours and outdoor festivals. Spring brings the famous Kaziukas Fair and cherry blossoms. Autumn is scenic with golden foliage and lower prices. Winter transforms Vilnius into a Christmas wonderland with markets and snowy landscapes.
1. Applying to the wrong embassy. If Lithuania is your main destination, you must apply through the Lithuanian Embassy or VFS Global's Lithuanian division. Applying to the German or French embassy when Lithuania is your main destination will result in rejection.
2. Weak bank statements. Lithuania is affordable, but the embassy still wants to see that you can fund your trip. Maintain a steady balance of ₹2.5-4 lakh for 3-6 months. Large last-minute deposits are viewed negatively.
3. Vague itinerary. A detailed day-by-day itinerary strengthens your application significantly. Mention specific attractions, restaurants, and day trips — not just "sightseeing."
4. Last-minute application. While Lithuania's processing is typically fast (10-15 days), complex cases can take up to 45 days. Apply at least 4-6 weeks early to avoid stress.
5. Skipping the cover letter. A well-written cover letter explains your travel purpose, itinerary, and intent to return to India. It is not optional — it strengthens your application.
6. Incomplete application form. Leaving fields blank or providing inconsistent information between your form and supporting documents raises red flags. Fill every field and cross-check against your passport.
> Expert Tip: If you have previously travelled to Schengen countries, the US, or the UK, mention this in your cover letter. Strong travel history significantly improves your chances of approval and may qualify you for a multiple-entry visa.
Vilnius Old Town is a revelation. The 3.6-square-kilometre UNESCO-listed Baroque Old Town is one of the largest in Europe, with over 40 churches, cobblestone lanes, and hidden courtyards. It rivals Prague and Kraków for beauty but without the crowds or inflated prices.
Trakai Island Castle is unforgettable. The 14th-century red-brick castle on Lake Galvė is one of the most photogenic sights in Europe. You can row a boat right up to its walls, hike through the surrounding national park, and taste traditional Karaim kibinai pastries.
Užupis is pure magic. This self-declared republic within Vilnius has its own constitution posted on a wall in dozens of languages, an angel statue blowing a horn, and a bohemian atmosphere filled with artists and quirky murals. It is Europe's most charming micro-republic.
The food is hearty and delicious. Lithuanian cuisine is built for cold winters — cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold pink borscht), dark rye bread, and kibinai pastries. The food is filling, flavourful, and remarkably affordable.
It is incredibly affordable. Lithuania is one of the cheapest Schengen countries. Hostels from €18 per night, meals for €10-15, museum entries from €3-7, and public transport for €1 per ride. You can explore Vilnius for days without breaking the bank.
The Baltic route is unbeatable. Lithuania is the perfect starting point for a Baltic loop — bus connections to Riga (4 hours) and Tallinn (7 hours) make it easy to combine three countries on a single Schengen visa.
Daily Expenses | Cost (EUR) | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
Budget hotel/hostel | €18-45 | ₹1,975-4,945 |
Mid-range hotel | €70-110 | ₹7,690-12,085 |
Meals (3 per day) | €25-40 | ₹2,745-4,395 |
Local transport | €5-10 | ₹549-1,099 |
Activities/sightseeing | €10-20 | ₹1,099-2,198 |
Daily total (budget) | €58-115 | ₹6,375-12,635 |
Daily total (mid-range) | €115-180 | ₹12,635-19,775 |
Trip Cost Estimates (7 Days) | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Flights (round-trip) | ₹38,000-55,000 | ₹50,000-70,000 | ₹75,000-1,10,000 |
Accommodation (7 nights) | ₹13,825-34,615 | ₹53,830-84,595 | ₹1,05,000-1,75,000 |
Food (7 days) | ₹19,215-30,765 | ₹27,450-43,950 | ₹50,000-80,000 |
Activities & transport | ₹7,690-15,385 | ₹15,385-27,450 | ₹30,000-50,000 |
Visa fees | ₹9,700 | ₹9,700 | ₹9,700 |
Total | ₹88,430-1,36,465 | ₹1,56,365-2,40,695 | ₹2,69,700-4,24,700 |
Flights from India | Route | Duration | Cost (Round-Trip) |
|---|---|---|---|
Delhi → Vilnius | Via Warsaw/Istanbul | 10-14 hours | ₹40,000-60,000 |
Mumbai → Vilnius | Via Istanbul/Warsaw | 12-14 hours | ₹45,000-65,000 |
Bengaluru → Vilnius | Via Dubai/Istanbul | 14-16 hours | ₹48,000-68,000 |
Delhi → Vilnius | Via Helsinki (Finnair) | 12-14 hours | ₹42,000-62,000 |
No direct flights operate between India and Lithuania. The most common routes connect through Warsaw (LOT Polish Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Helsinki (Finnair), or Dubai (Emirates). Flight time from Delhi is approximately 10-14 hours including layover. LOT Polish Airlines via Warsaw is often the cheapest option, with fares starting from ₹38,000 round-trip.
4-Day Vilnius Discovery
Day 1: Vilnius Old Town — Explore Cathedral Square, Gediminas Tower with panoramic views, Pilies Street, and the Gothic masterpiece St. Anne's Church. Evening walk through the atmospheric Old Town lanes.
Day 2: Užupis & Culture — Cross into the self-declared Užupis republic, find the angel statue, read the constitution in dozens of languages. Afternoon at the KGB Museum for a sobering look at Soviet history.
Day 3: Trakai Day Trip — Train or bus to Trakai (30 minutes). Explore the 14th-century Island Castle on Lake Galvė, taste traditional Karaim kibinai pastries, and row a boat on the lake. Return to Vilnius for dinner.
Day 4: Markets & Departure — Morning at Halės Market for local food and coffee, visit the Gates of Dawn chapel, and explore the Bernardine Garden. Departure.
7-Day Baltic Loop
Day 1-2: Vilnius — Old Town, Gediminas Tower, Užupis, KGB Museum, Halės Market.
Day 3: Trakai — Island Castle, Lake Galvė, Karaim village, national park hiking.
Day 4: Vilnius to Riga — Morning bus to Riga (4 hours). Explore Riga Old Town, House of the Black Heads, and Central Market.
Day 5: Riga — Art Nouveau district, Jurmala beach (30 minutes by train), Riga Castle, and nightlife in the Old Town.
Day 6: Riga to Tallinn — Morning bus to Tallinn (7 hours). Arrive in the medieval Old Town, explore Toompea Hill and the Town Hall square.
Day 7: Tallinn — Estonian Maritime Museum, Kadriorg Palace, creative quarter Telliskivi, departure.
Processing typically takes 10-15 working days through VFS Global. In complex cases requiring additional verification, it can extend to 30-45 days. You can track your application status online through the VFS Global portal. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date.
No. Indian citizens CANNOT get a visa on arrival in Lithuania. You must obtain a Schengen visa before travel through VFS Global or the Lithuanian Embassy. Arriving without a visa will result in denied entry and deportation.
No. The Schengen visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. This is standard for all Schengen visa applications worldwide. If your application is refused, you can reapply after addressing the reason for rejection. Check our [Lithuania visa rejection reasons guide](https://btwvisas.com/visa-guide/lithuania-visa/) to understand common pitfalls.
Yes. A Schengen visa issued for Lithuania is valid for all 27 Schengen countries. You can travel freely within the Schengen Area during your visa's validity period, subject to the 90-day limit. Bus connections to Riga (4 hours) and Tallinn (7 hours) make the Baltic loop easy.
Absolutely. The Tallinn-Riga-Vilnius Baltic route is one of Europe's best-kept travel secrets. All three countries are well-connected by affordable buses. If you plan to visit multiple Baltic states, give Vilnius an extra night to make it your main destination for the visa application. See our [Latvia tourist visa guide](https://btwvisas.com/visa-guide/latvia-tourist-visa/) for tips on combining these destinations.
Lithuania recommends approximately €50-60 per day of stay. For a 7-day trip, maintain a closing balance of ₹2.5-4 lakh in your bank account for the last 3-6 months. Large last-minute deposits are viewed negatively — a steady balance over months tells a better story.
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. It must cover minimum €30,000 for medical emergencies, be valid across all 27 Schengen states, and cover your entire trip duration. A basic policy costs ₹500-1,500 and adds credibility to your application.
No. The tourist visa is strictly for leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family. Working, studying, or conducting business on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa bans. If you plan to work or study, apply for the appropriate Type D national visa.
Visa Applications Made Simple
Fast, Reliable, and Expert-Reviewed.
Our expert visa consultants are ready to help you succeed!