Lithuania: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of July 6 /update 33

Lithuania tightens COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of July 6; domestic restrictions remain in place.

Event

Officials in Lithuania are tightening the nation's international entry restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 variants in the country. Authorities have generally imposed international entry restrictions based on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) country color designations. As of July 6, all travelers arriving from countries designated as green need to present either a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 48 hours before arrival. Travelers arriving from countries designated as orange (yellow) need to meet the same testing criteria, and must take a second PCR test three to five days after arrival in Lithuania. Arrivals from red, dark red, and grey countries must meet the same testing requirements and self-isolate for 10 days from the day of arrival; the isolation period can be ended early following receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no less than seven days after arrival. Limited exceptions to these requirements are in place for cross-border workers and students, among other groups; however, they generally must be able to present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous seven days on request. The ECDC's map of countries by color designation can be found here.

Individuals who can present evidence that they have completed a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) no less than 14 days ago are exempt from the above testing and self-isolation requirements and may enter Lithuania without restrictions. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have recovered in the previous 180 days are also exempt from the testing and self-isolation requirements. All permitted arrivals must complete an online questionnaire prior to departure for Lithuania.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities moved the country from a state of quarantine to a state of emergency from July 1. Remote working is no longer mandatory. Masks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces.

Opportunity passports (or "national certificates") are available to individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19 no more than 210 days ago and have recovered, or have recently tested negative for COVID-19 (i.e., PCR test within the last 72 hours; antigen test within the last 48 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 subject to slightly less stringent restrictions.

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.