Europe

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

 

Crime

 

There has been a recent increase in petty crime, notably pick-pocketing in bars and restaurants. We advise you to take extra care of your belongings in busy locations. There is a risk of mugging, pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly on public transport. Avoid poorly lit streets, parks and secluded areas after dark.
 

Be wary of accepting food and drink from strangers in bars, nightclubs and restaurants.  Some visitors have been drugged and subsequently robbed. There have also been reports of foreign tourists being charged extortionate prices for drinks or having fraudulent transactions debited against credit/debit cards. You can help avoid situations like this by:

• Checking  the price of drinks before ordering, consulting a price list where possible;
• Determining whether a 'cover' charge is made for entry;
• Being careful when ordering drinks for new acquaintances, which may be exorbitantly-priced;
• Being alert to the possibility of being overcharged or falling victim to credit card fraud after being lured into a bar or club. When paying by credit/debit card ensure the transaction is completed in your presence and be wary of attempts to make you re-enter your pin number;
• Paying for one round at a time.
  

We also advise that you seek recommendations for bars and clubs from trustworthy sources such as your hotel or other holidaymakers. Vilnius Police publish on a six-monthly basis a list of clubs where they have received the highest number of crimes reported.

Car theft, particularly of/from new or expensive cars, is rife.  Lock unattended vehicles and  conceal all contents (and radios, if possible).  Major cities have guarded car parks, which you should use if possible, especially overnight.

 
We are aware of a number of recent thefts of bicycles in Vilnius. Make sure your bicycle is securely locked when leaving it unattended.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

 

Political Situation

 

Lithuania country profile

 

Local Travel

 

Tickets for buses and trolley buses in Vilnius and Kaunas are best bought from a news kiosk (spauda). They cost more if bought from the driver. Tickets should be franked on the machine on board. If they are not - or you are travelling without a ticket at all - you may be fined by undercover inspectors.

 

Taxis are widely available in the major cities and are reasonably priced. However, do make sure there is a visible meter and that it is being used. It is cheaper and safer to phone for a taxi from a recognised company rather than to hail one in the street. Ask your hotel reception to call one for you if necessary. Do not use taxis that are unmarked, as they are illegal and usually cost a lot more than registered taxis.

 

Tourists walking along the Curonian Spit should be aware that after a short distance the Spit forms part of Kaliningrad, which is Russian Federation territory.

 

Road Travel

In 2007 there were 739 road deaths in Lithuania (source: DfT). This equates to 21.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population, compared to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

 

If driving into Lithuania in winter, equip your car for severe conditions. Winter tyres are a legal requirement in Lithuania between 10 November and 1 April. Dipped Headlights are also compulsory all year round.

 

The speed limits, unless otherwise indicated, are 50km/h in towns, 90km/h on country roads and 110km/h on highways.

 

If you do not have a UK photocard driving licence you will need to also carry either an international driving licence or your passport.

 

Do not drink and drive.  The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.04%.  Those found over the limit face a fine and possible imprisonment.

 

When arriving in Lithuania by road, border officials will ask for the following documents:

You will also need to have appropriate car insurance valid for Lithuania.

 

For more general information see driving abroad.

 

Air Travel

 

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Lithuania. For more details about this see airline security