Lithuania: Authorities to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective May 24 /update 28

Lithuania to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective May 24; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities will ease a number of domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 from May 24. Catering establishments can open 07:00-22:00 to serve customers in outdoor areas and nonessential businesses are permitted to reopen seven days a week. Additionally, the limit on private gatherings is increased to five people in enclosed spaces and 10 people in outdoor spaces. Businesses that are permitted to reopen are must comply with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Working from home remains mandatory where possible. Masks remain mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and where 2 meters (6 feet) of physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Also from May 24, authorities will introduce an "Opportunity Passport" for individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19 no more than 180 days ago, or tested negative for COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours. Individuals who meet these criteria can apply for the opportunity passport in the form of a QR code online. Individuals with an opportunity passport are permitted to use indoor facilities are catering and entertainment venues, attend mass events, and are exempted from limits on gatherings in certain circumstances.

International Entry Restrictions
All international arrivals must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding public transport. Individuals arriving via private transport may instead take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival. Transport crew, transit passengers, persons under the age of 16 years, and those who have evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery are exempt. Regardless of the test result, all travelers must self-isolate for 10 days. The self-isolation period can be reduced if the traveler takes a COVID-19 test returning a negative result on or after the seventh day. These measures do not apply to cross-border workers and students, though such persons must be able to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous seven days on request.

As of May 21, individuals traveling from Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Maldives, Netherlands, Seychelles, South Africa, Sweden, and Uruguay are not permitted to leave their places of self-isolation except to seek emergency medical attention or for other specifically defined urgent reasons; all nonemergency movements require prior permission from the National Public Health Centre (NVSC). Arrivals from all other countries are permitted to walk up to 1 km (0.6 miles) from their places of self-isolation for limited reasons, such as handling legal matters or attending a funeral.

Travelers who possess a medical certificate confirming they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they have had COVID-19 within the 90 days prior to entry are exempt from the requirement to self-isolate. All individuals arriving in Lithuania via public or private transport must register online with the NVSC at least 24 hours before arrival; this does not apply to persons transiting by air and remaining airside for the duration of their layovers.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.