1. What is the Lithuania Tourist (Schengen C) Visa?
The Lithuania Tourist Visa falls under the Schengen "Type C" category, specifically intended for travelers whose sole purpose of visit is tourism.
- Maximum Stay: It permits a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.1
- Entry Types: It can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
- Schengen Benefit: As a Schengen visa, it allows the holder to travel freely to other Schengen member states, provided Lithuania is the country of their main purpose of stay (i.e., where they will spend the most time).2
2. How to Apply for the Lithuania Tourist Visa from India
The application process is primarily initiated online, but the final submission of documents and biometrics must be done in person.
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm that the purpose of your trip is solely tourism and that you meet all basic requirements for a Schengen visa.
- Complete the Online Form: Access and fill out the official Schengen visa application form (specifying 'Tourism' as the purpose) on the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania's designated online portal. Print the completed form.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a mandatory appointment at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in New Delhi or an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India.
- In-Person Submission: Attend the appointment to submit your printed application form, all required supporting documents, pay the necessary fees, and provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Note on Biometrics (VIS): If you have provided biometric data for any Schengen visa in the last 59 months, your data is stored in the Visa Information System (VIS) and can be reused.3 In this case, you are generally exempt from providing biometrics again. However, always confirm this with the VAC.
3. Mandatory Documents for Indian Applicants
Ensure all documents are current, genuine, and presented in English or Lithuanian.
| Category | Document Requirement | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Indian Passport | Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area, contain at least two blank pages, and have been issued within the last 10 years. |
| Application Form | Completed and Signed Form | Printout of the filled-out online Schengen application form, signed by the applicant (or the legal guardian for a minor). |
| Photos | Recent Passport-Sized Photos | 2-3 copies meeting all Schengen photo specifications (see section 4). |
| Travel Itinerary | Confirmed Bookings | Confirmed round-trip flight tickets (or reservations) showing entry and exit from the Schengen Area. |
| Accommodation | Proof of Stay | Confirmed hotel reservations for the entire duration of your stay in Lithuania/Schengen Area, or a notarized invitation letter from a host with a copy of their ID. |
| Financial Proof | Means of Subsistence | Recent bank statements (last 3-6 months) showing sufficient funds to cover the trip, generally a minimum of €40 per day of stay. |
| Insurance | Travel Medical Insurance | Policy must be valid for the entire Schengen Area, cover the full duration of your stay, and have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical expenses and repatriation. |
| Ties to Home | Employment/Education Proof | Employed: Leave approval letter and NOC from employer. Self-Employed: Business registration and ITR. Student: Letter from school/university confirming enrollment and leave. Retired: Pension statements. |
| Minors | Additional Documents | Birth certificate, and a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) if the minor is traveling alone or with only one parent. |
4. Required Photo Specifications
Your photographs are a critical part of the application and must adhere to strict Schengen standards:
- Dimensions: 35mm wide x 45mm high (35x45mm).4
- Recency: Taken within the last three (3) months.
- Background: Plain white or light grey.
- Head Size: The head must occupy approximately 70-80% of the photo (face must be clearly visible).5
- Expression: Neutral facial expression, looking directly at the camera.6
- Glasses/Headwear: Non-thick framed prescription glasses are allowed; religious headwear is permitted but must not obscure the face.
5. Processing Time and Fees Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing Time | Approximately 15 calendar days. |
| Factors Affecting Time | Application volume, previous travel history (clean history, prior Schengen/UK/US visas may expedite), and complexity of the case. Applicants should apply well in advance. |
| Schengen Visa Fee (Adults) | Currently €90 (check the latest exchange rate for INR). |
| Schengen Visa Fee (Children 6-12) | Currently €45 (check the latest exchange rate for INR). |
| Exemptions | Children under 6, family members of EU/EEA citizens, and specific categories of travelers are often exempt from the visa fee. |
| VAC Service Fee | An additional charge levied by the Visa Application Centre, which varies by center and is separate from the visa fee. |
6. The Application Submission and Tracking Process
After Submission:
The VAC facilitates the submission, but the final decision and processing are handled exclusively by the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania. The VAC does not influence the outcome.
Checking Visa Status:
You can track your application status online by visiting the official VAC passport tracking website (e.g., VFS Global's tracking portal) and entering the provided reference number and your date of birth.7
7. A Detailed, Step-by-Step Application Workflow
Step 1: Check Official Requirements
Visit the official Embassy of Lithuania in India's website to verify the latest visa requirements, application forms, fees, and submission options (Embassy vs. VAC).
Step 2: Gather and Organize Documents
Use the checklist in Section 3 to ensure every document is prepared, meets specifications, and, where necessary, is translated.
Step 3: Complete and Print the Application Form
Access the Schengen application form online, fill it out accurately (stating 'Tourism'), submit it electronically, and print the hard copy for your appointment.
Step 4: Book and Attend the Appointment
Schedule your appointment. On the day, arrive on time with your complete file of documents, the printed application form, and funds to pay the visa and service fees.
Step 5: Provide Biometric Data and Payment
Submit your documents and application form, pay the fees, and provide your fingerprints and digital photograph unless you are exempt (e.g., under 12 or VIS data is recent).
Step 6: Wait for Decision and Track
Monitor your application status online during the processing time.
Step 7: Passport Collection
Once processed, collect your passport from the same location where you submitted the application, or arrange for an authorized courier delivery.
8. Pro-Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply Early: Initiate the process at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date to accommodate the 15-day processing time and any potential delays.
- Document Verification: Use a checklist and verify that every document adheres to the size, validity, and format requirements specified.
- Interview Preparation (If Scheduled): Be prepared to clearly articulate your itinerary, purpose of travel, and intent to return to India.
- Proof of Funds: Ensure your bank statements are recent and clearly demonstrate continuous financial stability, not just a sudden large deposit.
9. Information for Specific Traveler Cases
- Minors: Ensure the consent letter from non-accompanying parent(s) is notarized and includes copies of their valid IDs/passports.
- Applicants with Prior Refusals: You must be prepared to provide a detailed, written explanation of the previous refusal and how the current application addresses the reasons for the past denial.
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The official information I retrieved confirms the essential details about the Lithuania Schengen Visa (Tourist Visa) for Indian citizens, especially the fees, which is a frequent point of confusion.
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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Regarding the Lithuanian Schengen Tourist Visa
- Can I extend my Lithuanian Tourist Visa?
- No, generally not under normal conditions. As a sub-category of the Schengen visa, it must be used for a short stay. Extensions are only considered in exceptional cases such as a Force Majeure (unforeseen circumstances) or for proven humanitarian reasons for the stay. In all other situations, you must leave the country.
- What is the maximum allowed stay?
- The tourist category is a short-term permit (Type C) that allows for a maximum stay of 90 days within any 180-day period.
- What are the consequences of overstaying my permit?
- Once your tourist permit has expired, you must leave the country immediately. Staying beyond the expiry date is a serious offence and can result in:
- Deportation
- Fines
- A ban from re-entering the entire Schengen region for a specific period of time.
- Once your tourist permit has expired, you must leave the country immediately. Staying beyond the expiry date is a serious offence and can result in:
- Can I use this visa to visit other European countries?
- Yes, you are permitted to visit other Schengen countries as Lithuania is part of the visa-free Schengen arrangement. You must still meet their entry requirements. However, you cannot visit all European nations—only those that are part of the Schengen Zone. You may also visit certain non-Schengen countries that permit entry with a valid Schengen visa (e.g., Croatia).
- Are medical tests required for this visa?
- No, there are no mandatory medical test requirements for this short-term permit. However, it is mandatory to have medical travel insurance. It is always suggested to get a medical check-up before traveling abroad.
- Can I convert the tourist permit into a work permit or another visa category?
- No. Similar to all other Schengen short-term categories, you cannot convert a tourist permit into a work permit or any other long-term category while you are in Lithuania. Furthermore, you are prevented from working or taking up paid positions. If you wish to obtain a work permit, you must apply for it from your home country.
