If you decide to go to Lithuania, you will definitely need to receive special documents. Among them, in particular, will be a Lithuanian visa. It seems to many that the process of its design is a pure formality, but this is far from the case. The times of the Soviet Union and the brotherhood of nations are long gone. What requirements must be observed and what package of documents should be prepared for entry into the country? We will try to understand these diplomatic twists and turns in order to further reduce the possible number of delays.
The main types of national Lithuanian visas
Lithuanian visa is divided into four main categories. They, in turn, are divided into a number of internal subgroups:
- D - national Lithuanian visa, issued for a period of 3 months or more, most often used by students, citizens who dream of moving to permanent residence. Or businessmen who equip their business in the Baltic states.
- C - is used most often and is in high demand. It is divided into three main groups: for tourism, a private visit or doing business. Depending on the purpose, the terms, the rules for obtaining and the cost of the document may vary. If necessary, each subspecies should be considered separately.
- B - Lithuanian transit visa, on the basis of which a person can stay in the country for no more than 5 days. Most often used by tourists who cross the state in their own car on the way to Europe.
A - allows a person to be within a clearly defined zone. This can usually be a train station or an airport. Suitable for travelers who make public transport connections on their way to the final stop. Validity up to 3 months, time spent in the country up to 48 hours.
National tourist visa
Let us dwell on the main categories in more detail. Most often, a Lithuanian type C visa is in demand. Its tourist type is designed for a single entry into the country for a period of not more than 3 weeks. If necessary, the length of stay can be slightly increased. Draw up such a document through a travel company or embassy. To do this, you need to collect a package of various papers, which includes:
- passport (must be valid for at least 90 days after the end of the trip);
- internal passport (and its photocopy);
- photographs of the established sample (2 pcs., size 3.5 / 4.5, taken within the last 3 months, should be matte paper, clear image, white background);
- medical insurance (original and photocopy) in the amount of 30 thousand euros;
- certificate of employment if you plan to stay in the country for a period exceeding 30 days, the document indicates the salary and position received;
- bank account statement, if there is no official work (take strictly a week before the filing of documents, note that the account must be in foreign currency);
- profile.
Rules for filling out a visa application form
The last paragraph is extremely important and mandatory. Application form for a Lithuanian visa must be filled in Latin letters. You can take a sample on the official website of the embassy. Before you start filling out, remember that all information must be as truthful and correct as possible. Mandatory questions will be marked with an asterisk, fields without a mark can be omitted and not enter information in them. It is very convenient to work with such a questionnaire precisely in the electronic version, since if necessary you can get additional data clarifying questions or technical assistance.
About possible additional documents
Depending on the purpose of the trip to Lithuania, certain corrections may be made to the package of documents required for obtaining a visa. So, for a private visit, you may need an invitation from relatives or relatives, as well as a certificate confirming family ties. If the planned trip is related to the conduct of business activities, you must attach an official invitation from partners indicating the exact information about the timing and purpose of the visit.
If a Lithuanian visa is required for a minor child, then additional certificates will need to be collected:
- a form certified by full representatives of the child (guardians or parents);
- birth certificate (original and copy);
- Russian passport (for children from 14 to 18 years old, original and copy);
- permission to leave (if the child is accompanied by only one representative).
How much does it cost to obtain a visa, or the size of the consular fee
Obtaining a Lithuanian visa also requires certain financial costs. So, you will have to pay a consular fee, which is 35 euros. It is allowed to deposit funds in rubles in accordance with the current exchange rate. If a visa is required urgently (in less than 3 days), the fee is doubled. Pay attention to the fact that if you are still refused a visa, the money will not be returned. Certain categories of persons have the opportunity not to pay the consular fee. These include citizens of Lithuania and the European Union, children under the age of 6, students traveling to the country for education, and participants in official government events. The full list of persons entitled to such an exemption can be clarified directly at the embassy.
Simplified conditions for Kaliningrad
When will you not need a Lithuanian visa? Kaliningrad is a special Russian city, and passengers of trains heading in its direction are entitled to simplified border crossing of the Baltic state. The necessary travel documents are issued at the time of purchase of tickets by the cashier at the station. When buying, you need to know the following information:
- transit permit is double;
- transit can be both allowed and prohibited (specify information about this before the trip);
- no money is charged for transit;
- it is carried out only with a passport;
- exit from the car at railway stations in Lithuania is strictly prohibited.
Such a preferential system is relevant only for citizens of the Russian Federation traveling by train from or to Kaliningrad. For citizens of other countries with absolutely the same route, a regular visa is required.
Where and how to get a Lithuanian visa in St. Petersburg
Lithuanian visa to St. Petersburg is issued at the local consulate. A full package of documents can be submitted on any weekday, from 9.00 to 12.00. The issuance of visas is also carried out every day, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday, for one hour, from 14.00 to 15.00. The term for consideration of documents is about 10 days. All other requirements are standard.
Some interesting features
Since Lithuania is on the list of countries that have signed the Schengen agreement, its embassy is authorized to issue two types of visas. In most cases, as practice shows, a pan-European document is provided. If necessary, a decision is made to issue a national visa (in case of certain contradictions).
The Schengen visa issued by the Lithuanian Embassy is valid on the territory of all the states included in the union and makes it possible to freely cross their borders. Having a similar document, you can enter any of these countries. But one condition must be observed. Having received a visa through the Lithuanian embassy, this Baltic country should be visited first, it should become the main one in your route.
Before the trip, do not forget to get the necessary documents, and then your trip will be easy, enjoyable and memorable.