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Lithuania - Consular Information Sheet
January 27, 2000
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Lithuania is a country undergoing
profound political and economic change. Tourist facilities are
improving. Many goods and services are now available in the major
cities, but may not be fully comparable to Western standards.
The capital is Vilnius.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required to enter
Lithuania. U.S. citizens do not need Lithuanian visas for most
stays of 90 days or less. U.S. citizens may contact the Lithuanian
Embassy at 2622 16TH Street N.W., Washington, D.C.
20009, tel. (202) 234-5860 for current information on visa requirements.
Travelers who plan to enter Russia, even to transit, need a Russian
visa.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care in Lithuania is slowly
improving. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems
may be at risk because medical facilities do not always meet Western
standards. However, most medical supplies are now widely available,
including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics and other
pharmaceuticals. Western-quality dental care can be obtained in
major cities. The Lithuanian Government does not require HIV testing
for U.S. citizens. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization
and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands
of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate
cash payment for health services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs
do not provide payment for medical services outside the United
States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas
may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance
company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment
will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you
will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance
policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for
disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information
on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs,
is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
brochure, Medical Information for
Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
CRIME INFORMATION: The crime rate is relatively low compared
to other major European capitals. But street crime does occur.
Travelers should exercise the same precautions with regard to
their personal safety and belongings that they would practice
in any major city in the United States. Muggings and purse snatchings
generally take place at night when the victims are walking alone
along dimly lit streets. Auto theft is common. Robberies have
occurred on trains, in train stations and in hotel rooms. Police
forces suffer from lack of manpower, resources and equipment.
Local police are not likely to speak English, so it may be difficult
to obtain police assistance.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet,
A Safe Trip Abroad, for
hints on a more trouble-free trip. The brochure is available from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or http://travel.state.gov.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial
service at present between the United States and Lithuania, nor
economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has not assessed Lithuania’s Civil
Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation
safety standards for oversight of Lithuania’s air carrier operations.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873,
or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some
foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of
air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific
carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Lithuanian customs authorities
may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation
into or export from Lithuania of items. It is advisable to contact
the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington or one of Lithuania’s consulates
in the United States for specific information regarding customs
requirements.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the United States. The information
below concerning Lithuania is provided for general reference only,
and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Roads in Lithuania range from two to six-lane highways connecting
major cities, to small dirt roads traversing the countryside.
Street lanes are not always clearly marked, and lighting is often
poor. Drivers always must be alert to visible and hidden dangers
on the roads, especially slow-moving horse carts or trucks traveling
at night without taillights or reflectors. Dark-clothed pedestrians
walking along unlit roads or darting across dimly lit streets
or highways pose a risk to unsuspecting drivers. Winter driving
can be especially hazardous because roads are not always plowed.
Driving with caution is urged at all times.
For specific information concerning Lithuanian driver’s permits,
vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact
the Lithuanian National Tourist Organization via the Internet
at http://www.tourism.lt/.
DRUG PENALTIES: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws
of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession,
use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Lithuania are strict,
and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Lithuania is still primarily a
cash economy, though an increasing number of hotels, restaurants
and other businesses now accept major credit cards.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption
of children, international parental child abduction, and international
child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet
site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans
are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S.
Embassy where updated information on travel and security within
Lithuania is available. The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius is located
at Akmenu 6; tel. (370)(2) 223-031.
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September
14, 1999, to update the Traffic Safety and Road Conditions section
and to remove Y2K information.
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