Lithuania

Recommended Vaccinations For Lithuania

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

**Travellers who plan to visit Lithuania, especially the counties of Panevezio, Utenos, and Alytaus, during early spring to late autumn and hike or camp in rural or forested areas that provide a habitat for the ticks that carry the virus should consider obtaining this vaccine.**

Recommended Medications For Lithuania

There are no recommendations for Lithuania at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Lithuania

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Lithuania through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Lithuania.

For Some Travellers

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Lithuania. Travellers to Lithuania are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

**There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in all areas of this country. The main affected areas are in the counties of Panevezio, Utenos, and Alytaus. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.**

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Lithuania. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Lithuania

Personal Safety

Lithuania ranks among the safer countries in Europe with low violent crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs mainly in crowded tourist areas, busy train stations, public transport, and markets. Vilnius Old Town, public transport hubs, and popular tourist sites require standard vigilance with belongings. Drink spiking has been reported in Vilnius nightlife venues and at festivals, particularly in bars and nightclubs. Border areas with Belarus and Kaliningrad have increased security presence since 2022 with more frequent ID checks, though no specific safety concerns exist for tourists. Car theft and break-ins target newer, expensive vehicles. Scams primarily involve unofficial taxi drivers near airports and train stations who overcharge tourists. Use registered taxi services or ride-sharing apps like Bolt. Police are professional and responsive, with emergency number 112 for all services. Lithuania reported having the second-lowest cases of crime, violence, and vandalism in the EU according to 2023 data. The country has no dangerous districts or high-crime neighborhoods. Most crime incidents stem from alcohol-related disputes rather than random violence.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime is rare in Lithuania. Terrorism cannot be ruled out as all European countries remain potentially vulnerable to transnational terrorist attacks, though no major incidents targeting civilians have occurred in recent Lithuanian history. In 2024, Lithuanian authorities detained a group planning terrorist attacks in Europe with connections to Russian intelligence, involving improvised explosive devices sent through international delivery services. The country faces ongoing cyber threats from adversarial states including Russia and China, with increased cyber incidents following the start of the war in Ukraine. Harassment, physical assaults, and robbery have targeted foreigners, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ individuals, typically occurring late at night near bars and nightclubs. These incidents remain isolated rather than widespread. Lithuania has no history of terrorist bombings causing civilian casualties. The last act of foreign aggression occurred in 1991 during the January Events when Soviet forces killed 14 civilians. Human trafficking exists with Lithuania primarily serving as a source country for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and forced criminal activities.

Political Unrest

Protests occur in Lithuania, especially in larger cities, and are typically announced in advance. Recent protests in 2024 and 2025 centered on cultural and political issues, including large demonstrations against government coalition decisions regarding the Culture Ministry. These protests have been peaceful. Historical context shows Lithuania has a strong tradition of peaceful demonstration dating back to independence movements. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn confrontational, so visitors should avoid areas where protests are taking place and monitor local media for updates and traffic advisories. Demonstrations can disrupt traffic and public transportation. Political stability remains strong overall, though public trust in government faces challenges. The country maintains democratic processes and freedom of assembly. Travelers should check local media and avoid protest locations as a precaution, though violence at demonstrations is uncommon.

Areas To Avoid

Lithuania has no specific dangerous districts, ghettos, or high-crime areas that require avoidance. Vilnius authorities publish a list updated every six months identifying clubs and nightspots with higher crime rates. Some neighborhoods in Vilnius including areas around the railway station, Naujininkai, Karoliniškės, and Šeškinė are considered less comfortable after dark due to poor lighting or presence of intoxicated individuals, though serious crime remains rare. The Old Town and Žvėrynas are rated as the safest residential areas in Vilnius. The Curonian Spit is divided between Lithuania and Russia, with the northern half in Lithuanian territory and the southern half in Kaliningrad. Visitors walking the Spit should be aware they will eventually reach Russian territory. Border crossings with Belarus may experience delays and increased security checks. Former problem areas like the Dzuku district near the railway station and Kirtimai have improved significantly in recent years with reduced street crime. Overall, Lithuania lacks the concentrated dangerous zones found in many other European capitals.