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COUNTRY OVERVIEW | ||||||||||||||||
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COUNTRY GENERAL INFORMATION | |||||||
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Language: |
Lithuanian (official) 82%, Russian 8%, Polish 5.6%, other and unspecified 4.4% |
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Currency: | Lithuanian Litas (LTL) | ||||||
Predominant Religions: |
Roman Catholic 79%, Russian Orthodox 4.1%, Protestant (including Lutheran and Evangelical Christian Baptist) 1.9%, other or unspecified 5.5%, none 9.5% |
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National Holidays: | 11 March 1990 (independence declared from Soviet Union); 6 September 1991 (Soviet Union recognizes Lithuania's independence) | ||||||
Economic Status: |
Lithuania is a stable democracy undergoing rapid economic growth. Lithuania, the Baltic state that has conducted the most trade with Russia, has slowly rebounded from the 1998 Russian financial crisis. Unemployment dropped from 11% in 2003 to 4.5% in 2006. |
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Security: |
Ground Forces, Naval Force, Lithuanian Military Air Forces, National Defense Volunteer Forces |
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US Presence: |
U.S. Embassy in Vilnius
Akmen? g. 6 Vilnius, Lithuania LT-03106 Tel: +370 5 266 5500 Fax: +370 5 266 5510 |
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Document Requirements: |
Lithuania is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Lithuania for up to 90- days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet . Travelers remaining in Lithuania for more than 90 days within any six-month period must apply for temporary residency. Lithuanian authorities recommend applying for a residency permit through a Lithuanian embassy or consulate before initial entry into Lithuania, as processing times can run beyond 90 days. All foreigners of non-European Union countries seeking entry into Lithuania must carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs of hospitalization and medical treatment in Lithuania. Visitors unable to demonstrate sufficient proof of medical insurance must purchase short-term insurance at the border from a Lithuanian provider for roughly $1.00 per day. The number of days will be calculated from the day of entry until the date on the return ticket. Children residing in Lithuania must have written permission from at least one parent to travel outside the country if neither parent is accompanying them on their trip. This policy is not applicable to temporary visitors. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Lithuania and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Lithuania website at for the most current visa information. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry requirements for visitors to or foreign residents of Lithuania. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page. |
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Major Airports: |
Airports: 91, Airports w/paved runways: 34 |
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Servicing Airlines: |
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Risks and Precautions: |
Civil unrest is not a problem in Lithuania, and there have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward American interests. Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare. Lithuania is a relatively safe country. Visitors should maintain the same personal security awareness that they would in any metropolitan US city. |
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Mortality Statistics: |
Infant MR total: 6.78 deaths/ 1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: TOTAL 74.2 years (male 69.2/ female 79.49) |
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Immunization Indicators: |
Required: None Recommended: Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid |
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Infectious Disease Concerns: |
Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout Eastern Europe and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). The risk of hepatitis A can be high in parts of the region. |
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Overall Quality of Medical Services: |
Medical care in Lithuania has improved in the last 15 years, but medical facilities do not always meet Western standards. There are a few private clinics with medical supplies and services that nearly equal Western European or U.S. standards. Most medical supplies are now widely available, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. However, hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, particularly if immigration status in Lithuania is unclear. |
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Providers in Network: |
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Recent Medical Threats/ Concerns/Warnings: |
Tick-borne encephalitis and lyme disease are widespread throughout the country. Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Lithuania are urged to speak with their health care practitioners about immunization. Rabies is also increasingly prevalent in rural areas. The Lithuanian Government does not require HIV testing for U.S. citizens. However, sexually transmitted diseases are a growing public health problem. |
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Communications Info: |
Country Calling Code: +370 Internet Country Code: .lt |