Safety and Security

There have been no incidents of terrorism directed toward U.S. interests in Lithuania. Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare. However, like other countries in the Schengen area, Lithuania’s open borders with its Western European neighbors allow the possibility of members of terrorist organizations entering/exiting the country with anonymity. You should remain vigilant about your personal security and exercise caution while traveling abroad.

Lithuania is not experiencing any civil unrest. However, marches and protests do occur, especially in larger cities. Although such events have generally been peaceful in nature, U.S. citizens are reminded that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational. Therefore, we urge you to avoid the areas of demonstrations, if possible, and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any event. You should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

From time to time, especially late at night near bars and night clubs, foreigners have been subject to violent crimes, such as robberies, or have become involved in altercations with inebriated individuals. Racially motivated verbal and sometimes physical harassment of foreigners and ethnic minorities in major cities have occurred. In addition, members of the LGBT community have experienced verbal and sometimes physical harassment.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius on Facebook and visit the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and check for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Although Lithuania is relatively safe, both violent and non-violent crimes affecting tourists have occurred throughout the country. You should maintain the same awareness and practice good personal security that you would in any U.S. metropolitan area. Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home. Common crimes against foreigners include pick-pocketing and thefts, so personal belongings should be well protected at all times.

Thefts from cars and car thefts occur regularly. Valuables should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been increasing reports of car windows being smashed and items stolen. You should avoid walking alone at night and only utilize taxi services arranged by telephone. Isolated ATMs should be avoided after dark. Like in the United States, public inebriation should be avoided as criminals have been known to take advantage of drunken pedestrians. U.S. citizens have reported being robbed and/or scammed while intoxicated.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal to bring back into the United States, you may be breaking local law too. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as   assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact your family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
• For more information about assistance for victims of crime in Lithuania, please visit the Embassy’s website. The local equivalent to the 911 emergency number in Lithuania is 112.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.