Lithuania: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 related measures as of Dec. 15 /update 38

Event

Lithuania is maintaining international entry restrictions and domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of Dec. 15.

Domestic Measures
Lithuania remains in a state of emergency in relation to COVID-19. Most businesses and services are operating subject to social distancing and capacity requirements. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces.

A National Certificate (COVID passport) is required to access many non-essential businesses and services. National Certificates are available to individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, have recovered from COVID-19 within the previous 210 days, or have recently tested negative for COVID-19. Individuals who meet these criteria can apply for the National Certificate in the form of a QR code online. COVID passports are not required to access grocery stores, pharmacies, and other businesses or services deemed essential.

International Travel Restrictions
Authorities have imposed international entry restrictions based on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) country color designations. As of Dec. 15, 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 by clicking 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.

Travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are subject to enhanced entry restrictions due to concerns regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Regardless of vaccination or recovery status, permitted travelers from these countries must possess a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to travel, isolate for 10 days on arrival and take further tests on days three and seven of the isolation period. Isolation can be ended early if the result of the final COVID-19 test is negative.

All arrivals must also fill out an online entry questionnaire in the 48 hours prior to arrival, available by clicking here.

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.