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Lithuania Country Information
Relatively small, with only 62 miles
(100km) of Baltic coastline, and hemmed in by Latvia, Belarus, Poland
and part of the Russian
Federation, Lithuania has a big heart and wide variety of offerings
for visitors, including around 2,500 lakes, 18 sizeable meandering
rivers, and forests covering a third of its territory. The country
can also boast of being officially the centre of Europe: the National
Geographic Institute of France proclaimed a point (now a popular
tourist attraction) 15 miles (24km) northwest of the capital, Vilnius,
as the geographic centre of the continent in 1989.
Vilnius itself is an atmospheric historic city founded in 1323,
with a beautiful old quarter that has been declared a UNESCO Heritage
Site and is undergoing tasteful renovations. Just a few miles from
Vilnius lies Trakai, capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages, on
the shore of the scenic Lake Galve, and a little further west visitors
revel in the peaceful Birstonas mineral water spa resort. Lithuania's
second largest city, Kaunas, is a cultural centre boasting numerous
museums and three theatres among its attractions. On its Baltic coastline
Lithuania boasts seaside resorts, such as Palanga, with unspoilt
white sandy beaches backed by pine forests.
An increasing number of travellers are savouring the delights of
this re-discovered Baltic State, which is easily accessible from
the main centres of Europe by air and road, and whose people are
ready, willing and proud to show off its attributes.
The Basics
Time: Local time is GMT +2.
Electricity: European style two-pin sockets at 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Money: The official currency
is the Litas (LTL), which is linked to the euro at a fixed rate
of 3.4528 Lt to €1. ATMs are found
in Vilnius on the Cirrus and Visa networks, but are rare in smaller
towns. Most retailers, hotels, restaurants and the like accept credit
cards, and banks and hotels will cash travellers cheques.
Language: Lithuanian is the official language, but Russian and English
are widely spoken.
Travel
Health: The only health risks associated with visiting Lithuania
are for those intending to visit forested areas, who are advised
to take the necessary precautions against tick-borne encephalitis.
EU citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment if they have
a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their country of origin.
Medical facilities are fair and there are plenty of doctors, but
equipment and resources are lacking. There are a few private clinics
of high standard. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate
cash payment for services. Travel medical insurance is highly recommended.
Tipping: Tipping is not required as a matter of course, but is appreciated
for exceptionally good service. Rounding up the bill to avoid accumulating
small change is customary.
Safety
Information: Safety in Lithuania is not a major issue for
travellers, the country is devoid of civil unrest and the terrorism
threat is low. Car theft is rife, and there is a risk of mugging,
pick-pocketing and bag snatching especially on public transport.
Visitors should exercise due care and avoid carrying valuables. It
is advisable to carry a copy of your passport for identification
purposes. Traffic accidents are common, so extra vigilance is required
for driving, especially at night.
Business: Business in Lithuania is usually conducted formally, though
the younger generation is less conservative. Face-to-face meetings
are key, with good eye contact and a firm handshake upon greeting.
Business cards are usually exchanged and it is important to be punctual.
Use titles and surnames, unless otherwise indicated. Suits and ties
are the norm. Lithuanians are hospitable and friendly and any invitation
should be accepted, as this is a good opportunity to forge better
business relations and build trust. Meetings tend to start with some
small talk and can sometimes end with a summary of the discussions,
though decision making and results can be slow. Business hours are
usually from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialling code for Lithuania is
+370. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 0044 for the UK) and the country has three-digit area codes.
Vilnius has six different area codes: 521 and 523-527. Local calls
can be dialled without the area codes. There are three major mobile
GSM network service providers and connections are excellent. The
Internet is well established in Lithuania and cities teem with Internet
cafes. Small towns and villages have public Internet access points
in libraries, post offices and tourist information centres.
Duty
Free: Duty free allowances for travellers to Lithuania include
200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 2 litres wine
or 5 litres beer; perfume for personal use.
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Visa and Entry
Information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US citizens do not require a visa
for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: British Citizens do not require
a visa to visit Lithuania. No visa is required for a stay of up to
90 days in any half-year period if British passport is endorsed British
National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen or British
Subject (with the right of abode in the UK).
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not require a visa
for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australians do not require a
visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa
to enter Lithuania.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals do
not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in any half-year period.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not require
a visa.
Passport/Visa
Note: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least
three months beyond their stay, unless a member of the EEA or Switzerland,
in which case passport need only be valid on entry. Non-EEA visitors
must also have sufficient health/travel insurance to cover any medical
expenses, a return or onward ticket as well as sufficient funds and
all necessary documentation for onward destinations. The borderless
region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa
that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel
freely within the borders of all.
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Weather and
Climate in Lithuania
With a continental/maritime
climate, Vilnius has vast discrepancies between its summer and winter
temperatures.
In summer the mercury
can reach as high as 86°F (30°C), bringing holidaymakers
and locals alike into the outdoor bars and cafes to enjoy the long,
light evenings. Usually though temperatures are more moderate. Winter,
by contrast, is bitterly cold with temperatures dropping below 32°F
(0°C) and the rivers often freezing over, making ice-fishing
a popular pastime. Rainy days are possible all year round, but most
rain falls during mid-summer.
Attractions
in Vilnius
- Gediminas
Castle -
Standing sentinel over Vilnius since the 13th century, the landmark
Gediminas Castle was built by the founder of the city, and has
served as defence bastion, prison, and now major tourist attraction.
- Vilnius
Cathedral -
The resplendent Vilnius Cathedral, which stands proudly on the central
square of the Old City, has a chequered history that left it decaying
and abandoned through the Soviet era.
- European
Park -
A few miles north of Vilnius town centre Lithuanian sculptor Gintaras
Karosas founded the Europos Parkas (European Park) on a 55-hectare
site that encompasses the geographic centre of Europe, as determined
by the French National Geographic Institute in 1989.
- Museum
of Genocide Victims - The dark days of the Soviet occupation of Lithuania are preserved
in this disturbing collection of exhibits, which is contained in
the former KGB headquarters building. Those who drew the antagonism
of the authorities were detained, tortured and often executed in
this building.
- Hill
of the Three Crosses - Near the Gediminas Castle in the Old City stands a hill topped
with
a trio of crosses, originally erected in the 17th century in memory
of seven Franciscan monks who were crucified and thrown into the
Vilnia River.
Airports in
Lithuania
Vilnius International Airport (VNO)
- Location: The airport is situated four miles (7km) south of Vilnius.
- Time: GMT
+2.
- Contacts: Tel:
+370 (527) 39305
- Getting to the city: A
bus service connects the airport to the railway station, and
another runs from
the airport to the city centre and
suburbs, roughly every 15 minutes. A minibus service
is also available from the bus stop outside the Arrivals terminal
covering
various
routes through the city and outskirts. Taxis are plentiful
outside arrivals, and are relatively cheap.
- Car rental: Car
rental agents with offices on site in the arrivals lounge are
Avis, Budget, Europcar,
Hertz, Sixt and Unirent.
- Facilities: There
is a currency exchange counter in the arrivals concourse, and
a post office
on the departures ground floor level.
There are coffee bars and cafes in arrivals and departures,
and a newsagent. The airport offers a VIP Lounge,
which can be utilised
by all passengers at an hourly rate. There is also
a medical aid station and small duty free shop.
- Parking: Short
and long term parking is available.
- Departure Tax: 60
Lt
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Page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.04 per cent or
more severe penalties include a fine and/or withdrawal of driving licence
for up to
one and a half years.
Driving licence:
All national driving licences accepted. Minimum age for driving
a
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle is 18. UK licences
that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by
photographic proof of identity e.g. passport.
Fines:
On-the-spot (some fines may be paid at a local bank dependant upon
the
amount / traffic violation). Wheel clamps are in use.
Fuel:
Leaded petrol available at statoil petrol stations. Unleaded petrol
(95 & 98
octane), diesel and LPG are available. Petrol in a can permitted
(duty payable).
Credit cards accepted at filling stations, check with your card
issuer for usage in
Lithuania before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
driving distances
Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory, fine for non
compliance.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory, fine for non-
compliance. Wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both driver
and passenger.
Child under 12 cannot travel as passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory, but fully comprehensive recommended.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Children under 12 cannot travel as a front seat
passenger unless using a child restraint appropriate to age and
size.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers: In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), other
roads 43 mph
(70 km/h), outside built-up areas 55 mph (90 km/h). On dual carriageways
1 October to 30 March 62 mph (100 km/h) and from 1st
April to 30 September a limit of 68 mph (110 km/h) applies. On motorways
1st
October to 30th March 68 mph (110 km/h) and from 1st April to 30th
September a
limit of 80 mph (130 km/h) applies between (i) Vilnius - Panevezys
and (ii) Kaunas
- Klaipeda. The police control speeds closely and give fines for
even the smallest of
speeding offences.
Compulsory equipment:
- First
aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Warning
triangle
-
Winter tyres - compulsory between the 1 November and the 1 April.
Spiked tyres may also be used during this period.
Other
rules / requirements:
It is recommended that visitors carry an assortment of spares
for their vehicle for
example: - a fan belt, replacement bulbs and spark plugs.
It is compulsory to call the police to the scene of an accident.
For safety reasons a reflective waistcoat is recommended.
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