Lithuania visa - Definitive Guide

Be it any purpose, you will need a visa to enter Lithuania. Being a Schengen country itself, nationals of other Schengen nations and visa-free nations do not require a permit to enter. The Lithuanian permit is mainly issued as the short term category and long term category. With this, you are free to visit any of the countries belonging to the Schengen. 

The process of applying for the Lithuania visa from India is done online. However, the document and application submission has to be done in person at the embassy or one of the embassies appointed VACs. However, before starting the application, it is vital to determine if you are eligible to apply for the particular category of the Lithuania visa. After this, you must proceed to obtain all the documents necessary for the process. You may then proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania and open the portal for the Lithuania visa application. 
2. Fill in the Lithuania Schengen visa application form online. The form for the short term and the long term Lithuania visa online application is the same. 
3. Submit the application and take a print out of the completed application form. 
4. Proceed to book an appointment at one of the Visa Application Centres (VAC) or directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in New Delhi. You can do this by using the online services provided by the embassy or the VAC. 
5. Visit the appointment centre with the documents, completed application form, as well as the fees, You will also have to submit the biometrics here. 

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics to the Visa Information System (VIS) in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you may not have to make the submission in person. Ensure that you submit only genuine documents and provide correct information. Providing fake documents and false information are automatic grounds for visa rejection.

Based on the duration of the visit and the purpose of the visit, the Lithuania visa can be classified as follows - 

• Short term - This is also known as the C category permit and is issued for a short-period stay of 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose behind the visit, these can further be classified as the following - 

• 1. Tourist - This is for travellers whose main purpose of the visit is to take part in tourist activities such as sightseeing, leisure activities, adventure activities, and so on.
  2. Business - This allows you to travel to the country to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, MICE activities, etc.
  3. Visit - This type of permit is issued for people who have been invited to visit their family members or friends living in the country.
  4. Cultural - This is for people who are visiting to take part in cultural, religious, or sporting events.
  5. Study - This type is issued for individuals who are visiting the country to take part in short term studies, training, research and other educational activities for less than 90 days.
• Long term ‘D’ - This category is more commonly known as the national visa and is issued for periods longer than 90 days. Based on the purpose, they can also be classified as the following- 
• 1. Work - This is issued for people who are entering the country to take part in work activities.
  2. Study - This is issued for individuals entering the country to take part in academic activities for longer periods of time. 
  3. Family Reunion - This is issued for people who are visiting their family living in the country and staying with them for a long period. 

Based on the requirements, the following are the list of documents you must submit. Keep in mind that these are only general documents. Based on the individual category, there will be additional documents required.

• A valid passport
• Covering letter stating the details of the visit
• Travel itinerary
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation/employment/student status
• Financial documents to show proof of funds to support the stay.
• Letter of invitation by the Migration Department of Lithuania.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The Lithuania Schengen visa fees for Indian citizens depends on several factors such as the number of entries, the type of the permit, the stay duration, biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. It can also vary depending upon the foreign exchange rates. As a result, you must check the exact fees before starting the application. 

The processing time for the Lithuania Visa depends on the number of entries, the stay duration, type of the permit, volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it is issued in about 15 working days. However, this can vary significantly, and as a result, it is suggested that you apply well in advance. 

While you are awaiting a response, you can check the Lithuania visa application status of your application by visiting https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track and entering the visa reference number and date of birth. You may also contact your travel agency to know the status of your application.

The application for the Lithuanian permit has to be done online. The submission of the documents, however, can be done either directly at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania situated in New Delhi, or at one of the VACs located across India.