A year after the publication of this video, I decided to make another video about my hometown of Vilnius. 6 fatalities per 100.000 population Source IRTAD, 2016 These include providing your journey and contact details, and evidence of a negative COVID-19 test before you travel. If you’re returning to the UK from overseas, you will need to: If your return journey to the UK transits another country, you should check whether it is subject to a travel ban or any other additional requirements. Inequality is increasing. The crime levels are on par with those in the USA. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. Lithuania’s GINI Index, the extent to which the distribution of income within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution, stands at 37, somewhat unequal, the same as its 2004 rating. Check the rules in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The CDC has released a list of vaccines that are mandatory to take before you visit Lithuania. Required fields are marked *. Some beggars work along with the organized crime there and you are basically feeding an organized crime syndicate. There is no ghetto and unsafe cities in Lithuania. Not only, leaving a handbag of a coat unattended in a restaurant or coffee shop will have the same result. He's even learnt how to speak Lithuanian, and many of our classmates find his accent endearing. New information on coronavirus measures from 15 March ('Coronavirus' page). Lithuania is indeed, a safe place to visit, but there are things that you should consider before going there. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Road Conditions and Safety: While in Lithuania, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Is Liechtenstein Safe to Visit? This happens when somebody approaches you, befriends you and then indulges you to buy them drinks and of course, they will leave without paying and you will be left with a very big bill to cover. Most visits to Lithuania are trouble free. Overall Crime and Safety Situation. Waterparks and amusement parks are numerous in the Baltic regions, so children will not be at rest until they will try them all. Movement within Lithuania is restricted. Money extortion is also present in bars and pubs. British nationals travelling to Lithuania from the UK are required to self-isolate for 10 days. However, a small risk resides in the country as it belongs to the Schengen Area, but Special Forces and the government are ready to fight off threats that imply terrorist activities. As stated above, scammers are usually great English speakers. Grabbing some extra clothes to take with you when traveling in the winter is highly recommended. First of all, Lithuania is sheltered from natural disasters. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information. Lithuania, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks in the country. Lithuania has a serious problem involving theft and pickpocketing, especially in the summer when the number of tourists is large. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on … Skip to main content Stay informed on COVID-19 updates from EASA Read more Subscribe. So, normal safety features must be taken, especially when you’re visiting the city center. In Lithuania it is not permitted to drive using a hand-held mobile phone. Your email address will not be published. Vilnius/Trakai? Before going to Lithuania, be sure that your health insurance is available for the country as well. When thinking about grabbing a cab, to make your journey easier from point A to point B, use Uber or Taxify. Vilnius, the capital city, is starting to be a city worth traveling to. Scams in Lithuania are very common and they are not out of the ordinary. Lithuania is one of the safest countries in the world, where you can freely walk alone during the night. When it comes to the aggressiveness of Lithuanian drivers, some of them display aggressive driving, so you should embrace some defensive driving techniques. Hands-free mobile phones may be operated. Always double check the chance you received from a street seller. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. You may shorten your isolation period by having an additional PCR test, taken no earlier than day 7 of isolation. Pickpocketing is mostly common in larger cities and some of the most notorious locations for this crime are Vecriga (Riga’s Old Town), Dzelzcela Stacija (central train station), the Autoosta (central bus station) and Centraltirgus (central market). So how safe is Lithuania? In some parts of the country, road conditions may vary from very good to very poor. The authorities are liberal, the crime is existent but at a tolerable level. Also, be sure that you have all your prescribed medication plus the medical recommendation from your doctor. This will take place in a managed quarantine hotel if you enter England from a red list travel ban country, or enter Scotland. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. Failure to comply with isolation requirements could result in a fine of between 60 and 1,500 Euros. When in a bar, pub or restaurant, never leave your coat or jacket unattended and certainly do not leave any valuables inside your jacket. Check our advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sign up for email alerts for this travel advice. O K E N. H. U T C. Reconsider travel to Lithuania due to COVID-19. This is mainly due to the high number of thefts happening when the tourist flow is big and the city center of Vilnius is crowded. Paying by credit card is accepted in Vilnius and in larger cities at restaurants, shops and gas stations. Lithuania, after breaking away from the Soviet Union had a difficult crime situation, however the Lithuanian law enforcement agencies eliminated many criminals over the years, making Lithuania a reasonably safe country. If so, contact your travel provider. Thawing in the spring could result in floods, especially in the low altitude cities and villages. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Lithuania face legal and social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT citizens. In England, you must complete a declaration form for international travel (except for travel to Ireland). Lithuania has been an active member of the European Union since 1 May 2004 and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 29 March in that same year. The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. Also, sources warned that you should not take a free drink from anyone in any bar in Vilnius and in other towns. Naujamiestis, Naujoji Vilnia, and Savanoriu-Gerosios are best to be avoided at any given time. 1. And certainly, do not drink and drive, as the fines are pretty hard to swallow and you could even face imprisonment. For example, poorly lit and remote areas of the city center are best avoided. Update to information on testing requirements for entry to Lithuania ('Summary' and 'Entry requirements' pages). All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, complete a declaration form for international travel, register in advance with the Lithuanian government, register travel plans with the Lithuanian government, provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to 3 days before departure, check if you need to self-isolate on your return, advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, Visiting the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, What to do if you’re affected by a crisis overseas, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. In means of transportation, be aware that some Lithuanians tend to be aggressive in driving and you should embrace defensive driving all the time. Although they are common, you should have them: In Vilnius, there are some districts that you should avoid. With an increase in service work, more Lithuanians can choose to earn a living in a safer, more comfortable occupations. When considering getting a rental car, be sure to ask the rental service to provide you with a child safety seat, although the road conditions in Lithuania are pretty good. Single individuals that might look like they are in possession of money or valuable belongings, may be targeted in less populated areas after dark. Driving in the nighttime is not recommended and some say that getting a cab is far safer than driving yourself to the destination. Being kidnapped in Lithuania is uncommon. To enter or return to the UK from abroad (except from Ireland), you must follow all the rules for entering the UK. There is a risk that the drink is spiked or the food poisoned. The crime index is shallow. And with this being said, the penalties for drunk driving are very severe. Preparing for your return journey to the UK. The most common scam is the beggar that will not leave you alone after you have given them some money. Public transportation is generally reliable, fast, and cheap and they can provide an alternative to your personal or rental car. These shops are baits for unwary tourists that are looking to buy a souvenir and paying lots of money for basically nothing. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Lithuania due to COVID-19. Also, the Lithuanian seaside is like a Mecca for long walks along the beach. Also, weak security features as the absence of an alarm are the main cause of residential burglaries. All the quality medical services are available in Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Kaunas, but outside these cities and in the rural side of the country, health services can be limited. Individuals have also been harassed for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. European Union Aviation Safety Agency. There has never been a terrorist Traveling with children in Lithuania is as safe as it gets. To be remembered that Lithuania is a northern country and winters could be very harsh and temperatures could plummet below freezing. With a big number of tourists, come a big number of scammers, thieves, and pickpockets. If you’re living in or moving to Lithuania, visit our Living in Lithuania guide in addition to this travel advice. Do not travel unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. Roads in Lithuania range from well-maintained two-to four-lane highways connecting major cities, to small dirt roads crossing the countryside. But be aware, that some of them are not beggars at all and certainly not poor. On buses, children often ride alone and are exempt from the bus police. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. In the bigger cities, the quality of health services are good, but however, do not meet the western standards. See Entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel. Almost all scams are similar to those found in other countries, so if you have some experience traveling, you can tell if it’s a scam or not. Alcohol consumption and driving is the number one cause of deaths in Lithuania. How Safe Is Latvia Really? He comes from Egypt! During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. There is a chance that those drinks are spiked. Beggars that reside the city center may harass you and sometimes follow you if they have your attention. But beware, that some taxis are not metered and prices could go high if you choose the wrong taxi. Check it out here! Due to the country’s location, smuggling, gambling, and prostitution are the biggest problems. Taxi companies are generally safe and they can save you lots of money on gas if you own a car. Roads are generally in a good condition and meet Western European standards. Lithuania is a safe country. It can be said that the regions where many bars like Vilnius Old Town are less safe due to drunk people. Also, when in a bar, do not accept any drinks or food from strangers. Currently, U.S. citizens are prohibited from entering Lithuania. On 16 December 2020, Lithuania entered a nationwide lockdown. Travel may be subject to entry restrictions. Taking normal safety precautions is mandatory as things could get messy near the Old Town Vilnius and especially near the area where all the pubs are present. Street sellers usually give you the wrong change and not because they are bad at math. Also, traveling inside the country is easy as well, using the numerous transportation systems implemented there. Call 112 if you need to contact the emergency services. As a matter of fact, statistics show that Lithuania leads the EU in the annual number of accidents caused by alcohol. However, in 2017, from 63,846 reported criminal cases, 12.7& were rapes. A Unesco World Heritage Site, it … We also like the fact that you have a number of payment options to choose from, such as ACH, bank wire, or a debit/credit card. To avoid any unpleasant scenarios, travel in groups and avoid poorly illuminated streets and areas that you don’t know. Check the latest guidance for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. However, thefts usually take place in the Old Town of Vilnius. There are no armed conflicts, no ethnic conflicts, almost no gang fights, there are few wild animals and none in the cities. There are many attractions for children in the country, especially by the seashore. When withdrawing money from a stand-alone ATM, be aware of your surroundings, especially in the nighttime. I actually have a brown person attending my school. https://isthatplacesafe.com/is-lithuania-safe-to-visit-lithuania-safety-travel-tips That said, there are of course some safety concerns which are equal to any country. Crime in Lithuania has been declining rapidly. Most visits to Lithuania are trouble free. See Terrorism. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Lithuania is a very safe country to travel to. Although terrorism is basically absent, crime still remains a concern in Lithuania, so keeping a close eye on your possessions is the key in having a safe vacation. Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home (or in Wales, stay local). EASA. The wonderful architecture and the bustling streets of happy people are a sight for sore eyes. Lithuania is a safe country for kids. It is recommended that you dispatch a cab to your location or order on via Taxify. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays. There may be increased security in place over the festive period, including at Christmas markets and other major events that might attract large crowds. Check our advice for all the countries you will visit or transit through. In addition, you must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result, taken no earlier than 72 hours before arrival in Lithuania. Bars and pubs are safe in Lithuania, but there are also prime targets for thieves. And in terms of illumination, it can also get from bad to worse outside big cities. Of course, every single city has some sketchy neighborhoods, but in Lithuania, the worst thing that can happen to you in those neighborhoods is getting … EASA | European Union Aviation Safety Agency: The European Union Authority for aviation safety. Not only, offering drinks to anyone that asks for a drink will put you in a really great debt at the bar and for certain, the people that ask for drinks will not pay. Your email address will not be published. As matter of fact, statistics show that the number of thefts is of over 19000 in 2017, with 13.2% lower than in 2016, which is not so alarming. Also, be aware of street shops that have no price tags. Some hotel rooms are actually designed for families, with bunk beds and/or private playgrounds. To avoid this from happening, walking in the nighttime in other districts of Vilnius, away from the city center increases the chance of rape. Although many people have voted that Lithuania is safe to visit, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security has assessed the country as being of medium risk. A statistic shows that from 2004 to 2015, rapes have decreased from 7.7 cases to 100000 to 5.4 cases. Also, staying away from districts outside the city center is recommended as some muggings and thefts happened before, especially targeting lone tourists. The rape risk is low in Lithuania. Liechtenstein Safety Travel Tips, Top 10 Anti-Theft Travel Bags and Backpacks of 2019, COVID-19 Travel Safety – Weekly Worldwide Updates, Coronavirus: How Safe Is It to Get on a Plane, Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 during Travel, Travel Advice and Recommendations during the COVID-19 Outbreak, anti-rabies shot (especially for children as they are more subjected to play with animals). Colombia is broadly safe to visit, and a traditional tourist itinerary to capital Bogota and cities Medellin and Cartagena is considered safe by the FCO. Apart from the amazing view that Lithuania, there are some things that you should consider if you really want a peaceful vacation without any unpleasant scenarios. However, unlike the USA and many other countries, Lithuania has no unsafe districts or ghettos and the crime is … To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. According to a number of sources, terrorism in Lithuania is absent and no one sympathizes with terrorism in the country. Slippery roads and ice formations are pretty common, so exercise great caution in the winter time. In the past years, detaining a person against their will had a rate of 1.7 per 100000 people in Lithuania. You can change your cookie settings at any time. If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. However, it is recommended once you leave a big city, always carry with you cash as ATM’s are pretty scarce. Getting directions in Vilnius and also in the surrounding areas is fairly easy as many Lithuanians are English speakers. If you are an expat and you will need to live for a period of time in Lithuania, be sure to mount anti-theft alarm. Lithuania is a country located in the southwestern shore of the Baltic Sea and although many haven’t heard about the country, it’s worth to visit. Why is that? Petty crime is common. Tips and tricks for your trip to Lithuania. It is safe. The country has a huge problem with organized crime and it is steadily taking its toll on the police forces. The main problems are connected only with vandalism and corruption. People often leave their belongings unattended and they are subjected to theft. These districts are prone to crime and theft and they are also very depressing to look at and certainly, not that safe as the city center. Wedged at the dividing line of Western and Eastern civilizations, Lithuania … Terrorist attacks in Lithuania can’t be ruled out. Some taxis in Lithuania are not registered and if they are registered, some taxi drivers will take advantage of you by being a tourist and not being able to speak Lithuanian. To make matters safer for tourists, Lithuania is an ally of the US when it comes to fighting terrorism. Terrorist attacks in Lithuania can’t be ruled out. Lithuania is the only Baltic country with more than eight hundred years of statehood tradition and its name was first mentioned one thousand years ago, in 1009. Some countries have closed borders, and any country may further restrict travel or bring in new rules with little warning. The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks. - Targets: Table 5: Road safety targets for Lithuania Year Fatalities 2017 Max. You're signed out. Car theft and theft from cars also does occur. These criminal activities come from the fact that it neighbors Belarus and the country is known for its organized crime. The possible outcome of this is that you will get driven around in circles around the city. The crime rate is low but violent crime, including mugging, does occur. However, there is no estimate of the number of fatal crashes due to the use of mobile phones. British nationals travelling to Lithuania must, British nationals may leave Lithuania before the end of their isolation period in order to return to the UK/their country of residence, but must. Lithuania shares half of the Curonian Spit, a 61-mile strip of sand dunes that keeps the Curonian from the Baltic Sea. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Lithuania at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.. An increasing problem for traffic safety in Lithuania is distraction, for instance through the use of mobile phones while driving. Residential burglaries are common in the country due to a window or door left open. If you’re planning travel to Lithuania, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section. Road Safety Country Overview - LITHUANIA - 4 - Programmes and measures National strategic plans and targets - The current National Traffic Safety Development Programme in Lithuania spans the years 2011-2017. According to some bloggers and female solo travelers, Vilnius and the whole of Lithuania is safe to visit by solo backpackers. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is legal in Lithuania, but neither civil same-sex partnership nor same-sex marriage is available, meaning that there is no legal recognition of same sex couples, so LGBT people do not enjoy all of the rights that non-LGBT people … Latest travel advice for Lithuania, including how to stay safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and information on returning to the UK site.title - Having recently discovered a swine fever outbreak in a major Lithuanian pig farming complex, consumers are concerned with consequences of consuming infected pork. 1. Most of other surveys also agree that Lithuania is among 30 safest countries in the world, safer than USA or UK. Learn how your comment data is processed. Latvia is generally safe to travel to, and petty crime is relatively low although it exists. See Crime So if you’re thinking that you’ll have a beer and then go home with your car, you’ll better rethink on another strategy of getting home safely. Traveling in Lithuania is usually not a concern, but following the usual security measures will help to avoid any troubles. Answer 1 of 4: I'd like to hear from anyone who could tell me if it safe for a single lady to travel in the tourist areas of Lithuania, i.e. Most thefts happen near bus and trains stations. Lithuania has plenty of transportation options for travelers, but which public transport methods are safest? The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all non-essential travel to: If you are returning to the UK from Lithuania, you will need to self-isolate on your return (unless you are exempt). On the contrary, TransferWise has the ability to save you a considerable amount of money in exchange fees, all of which can be completed at the click of a button. Lithuanian residents and citizens are able to travel to Lithuania from anywhere in the world, but will have to self-isolate for two weeks unless arriving from the list of the so-called safe countries. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Also, no terrorist organizations had been established in the country. Lithuania is generally a safe country. Ensure that y… As stated by some statistics, almost all violent crimes happen between 22:00 and 06:00, when the streets are almost empty. The studies of the World Economic Forum and the Institute for Economics and Peace found that Lithuania is a safe country for tourists to visit! There is a general threat from terrorism. Children frequently walk home from school alone and visitors will see strollers outside with children sleeping and the parents enjoying a meal or coffee indoors. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occasionally occurs, particularly on public transport and in barsand night clubs. See the. See Terrorism. You must remain in isolation regardless of the test result. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. Crime rates are at the same level as the United States of America. You should remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. Speed traps and random roadblocks are to be seen on every major road and highway in Lithuania. Country-Specific Information: Situation in Lithuanian regarding COVID-19 as of November 17, 2020. And believe it or not, scammers in Vilnius are excellent English speakers. Before you grab a random cab, make sure that you’ve consulted a map before jumping in a cab. When you arrive, you must quarantine and take additional COVID-19 tests. For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.