Lithuania entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Lithuania. Apply at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen visa application Apply at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate | South African passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Lithuania. Apply at the nearest Lithuanian embassy or consulate in South Africa — processing takes at least 15 calendar days. Submit your application no more than 6 months before your trip.Visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date from the Schengen area | Your passport needs at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps. The 3-month validity rule applies to your entire stay across all Schengen countries — not just Lithuania. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Schengen area | Border officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Lithuania. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover €50–€70 per day for your stay. Schengen rules require you to show sufficient funds if asked. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days, especially during peak travel seasons. Don't book non-refundable flights or accommodation until your visa is approved.
Schengen area rules apply
Your Lithuanian visa is valid for all 27 Schengen countries. You can enter through any Schengen country, but Lithuania must be your main destination or first point of entry.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photos, travel insurance, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and visa fee. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your application
Visit the Lithuanian embassy or consulate in South Africa (usually in Pretoria) to submit your application in person. You may need to book an appointment online first. Submit at least 15 days before your trip, but no more than 6 months in advance.
3
Attend the visa interview
At the embassy, you'll be interviewed briefly about your travel plans, purpose of visit, and financial situation. Answer honestly and clearly. You'll also provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 15 calendar days, but can take up to 45 days in some cases. Track your application online if the embassy provides that service.
5
Collect your passport
Once approved, your passport with the visa sticker will be returned to you. Check the visa details (dates, number of entries) are correct before you travel.
6
Arrive in Lithuania
At the airport or border, present your passport with the visa. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation proof. Keep copies handy. You'll be stamped in — the stamp shows your allowed stay (usually up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
Download Lithuania Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (National D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€120 (~$131 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires additional documentation.
work visa
National Visa (D) for Employment
Up to 1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD)
For those with a job offer in Lithuania. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows family reunification.
Apply student visa
National Visa (D) for Studies
Up to 1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD)
For students accepted at a Lithuanian educational institution. Allows part-time work. Must show proof of enrollment and funds.
Apply digital nomad visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Remote Work
Up to 1 year, renewable
€120 (~$131 USD) plus administrative fee
For remote workers employed by a foreign company. Requires proof of income (at least €2,000/month) and health insurance. No work permit needed.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service fee (VFS Global)Additional fee for visa application center services. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €20 (~$22 USD) per day, max €500 (~$545 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Lithuania
Transit visa required
South African passport holders need a Schengen transit visa to transit through Lithuania, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit
- Holders of a valid visa or residence permit from an EU/EEA country
Transit hubsVilnius Airport (VNO) · Kaunas Airport (KUN) · Palanga International Airport (PLQ)
Health & vaccines for Lithuania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTick-borne encephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially during spring and summer.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common during winter months; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vilnius
Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior
L. Sapiegos g. 1, LT-10312 Vilnius
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–15:45
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Kaunas
Kaunas Territorial Unit of the Migration Department
A. Mickevičiaus g. 37, LT-44244 Kaunas
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–15:45
Handles visa and residence matters for central Lithuania.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalVilnius
LanguageLithuanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Lithuania.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a Schengen visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for South Africans. You must apply at the Lithuanian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but it can take up to 45 days if your application needs additional checks. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to be safe.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6–12, and free for children under 6. This fee is non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
No, the Schengen visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days in any 180-day period. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons).
You apply at the Lithuanian Embassy in Pretoria. You may need to book an appointment online. Check the embassy's website for the latest instructions.
Have your passport with the valid visa, your return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter), and proof of sufficient funds (cash, card, or bank statement). The officer may ask to see any of these.
Yes, a Lithuanian Schengen visa allows you to travel freely within all 27 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Just make sure Lithuania is your main destination or first point of entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.