Lithuania

Lithuania is a welcoming country on the coast of the Baltic Sea, attracting travellers with its rich history, picturesque nature, and unique atmosphere. It is the southernmost and largest of the three Baltic states, offering a wonderful combination of medieval charm and modern comforts. The nation's capital, Vilnius, is famous for its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its numerous baroque churches.

Lithuania is proud of its cultural heritage, which can be felt while strolling through the narrow streets of its ancient towns or visiting majestic castles. One of the most iconic sites is the Trakai Island Castle, situated on Lake Galvė near the town of Trakai. For lovers of nature and seaside holidays, Lithuania offers beautiful sandy beaches on the Baltic coast, especially in the resort town of Palanga, also known for its Amber Museum. The country is also rich in lakes and forests, creating ideal conditions for active recreation and eco-tourism. For travellers from the UAE, a growing number of restaurants in major cities like Vilnius now offer halal food options. Additionally, prayer facilities can be found, including the notable Kaunas Mosque, one of only four in the country.

The climate in Lithuania is temperate, transitioning from maritime to continental, with warm summers and relatively mild, snowy winters, making the country an attractive year-round destination. While there are currently no direct flights from the UAE, several airlines such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, and flydubai offer convenient connecting flights to Vilnius. The hospitality of the local people, delicious national cuisine—including the famous cepelinai (potato dumplings)—and the relaxed pace of life create a special, peaceful atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.

The official currency of Lithuania is the euro (EUR), as the country is a member of the eurozone. This means that travellers from the UAE will need to exchange their UAE Dirhams (AED) for euros. It is advisable to monitor exchange rates before your trip; you can exchange currency at banks or licensed exchange offices in Lithuania, which are common in cities, including the capital, Vilnius.

Lithuanian euro coins feature a unique national design on one side, typically the state's coat of arms, the 'Vytis' (The Chase), which can make for a pleasant souvenir. For convenience, it is best to avoid exchanging money with street vendors. It is important to note that credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted across the country in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, reducing the need to carry large amounts of cash.

As Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Area, visa requirements are determined by your citizenship. Holders of United Arab Emirates passports can enter Lithuania and the entire Schengen Zone without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For other residents of the UAE, the need for a visa depends on their nationality. Citizens of many countries will need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. This can be done at the Lithuanian embassy or an accredited visa application centre within the UAE.

Regardless of your visa status, all travellers will require a valid passport that remains valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area. You may also be asked to provide proof of your travel purpose (such as return flight tickets or hotel reservations) and valid travel medical insurance. As visa regulations can change, it is strongly recommended that you verify the latest information with the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania or the Embassy of Lithuania in the UAE before planning your trip.

Lithuania is in a single time zone. The country observes Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2. For travellers from the UAE, this is two hours behind Gulf Standard Time (GST). As with many European nations, Lithuania observes daylight saving, switching to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC+3. During this period, from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, the time difference with the UAE is reduced to just one hour. This means that tourists travelling within the country will not need to worry about time changes when moving from one region to another.

There are several ways to reach Lithuania from the UAE, with air travel being the most popular and convenient option. For travellers from Dubai, direct flights are available to the capital city, Vilnius, with airlines such as flydubai and airBaltic. The journey takes approximately seven hours. From Abu Dhabi and other emirates, convenient one-stop flights are offered by major carriers like Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Lufthansa, with connections in cities such as Istanbul, Warsaw, or Vienna. Lithuania's main international airport in Vilnius is well-connected, making it an accessible destination for most tourists.

For travellers planning a multi-country European tour, Lithuania is also easily accessible by ground transport from neighbouring nations. An extensive network of international bus routes connects Lithuanian cities with Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and beyond. Train services are also available, though the network is less comprehensive than the bus system. Furthermore, with its Baltic Sea coastline, coastal cities like Klaipėda can be reached by ferry, offering a scenic maritime approach to the country.

When planning your trip to Lithuania, it is recommended to book your tickets well in advance, particularly if you are travelling during the peak tourist season or public holidays. Booking early can help you secure better prices and guarantees availability on your preferred flights, making your journey smoother and more predictable.

For reference, here is a summary of the main airports:

Lithuania offers travellers a wonderful variety of destinations for leisure and discovery. From vibrant city centres steeped in history and culture to serene resorts on the Baltic Sea coast, surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests. The jewel of the country is undoubtedly its capital, Vilnius. This city is enchanting, with its Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, charming cobbled streets, numerous places of worship, and contemporary art spaces.

For those dreaming of a sea breeze and sandy beaches, the perfect choice is Palanga, Lithuania’s most popular summer resort, known for its long pier and vibrant atmosphere. History enthusiasts and lovers of unique landscapes will appreciate Trakai, with its famous island castle picturesquely situated on Lake Galvė. If your goal is wellness and relaxation, the resort town of Druskininkai, renowned for its mineral springs and modern spa centres, offers everything you need to restore your energy.

Equally captivating is Kaunas, Lithuania's second-largest city, which harmoniously blends medieval architecture, a rich modernist heritage from the interwar period, and a dynamic contemporary lifestyle. Each of these cities and resorts has its own unique charm, ready to offer travellers unforgettable experiences and a wealth of discoveries.

With its rich history and picturesque natural landscapes, Lithuania offers tourists a wealth of interesting places to visit. From medieval castles to modern entertainment complexes, there is something here for everyone. Let's explore some of Lithuania's most remarkable attractions.

One of the country's definitive landmarks is undoubtedly the Trakai Island Castle. This majestic Gothic castle, situated on an island in the middle of Lake Galvė, is striking in its beauty and grandeur. Visitors can wander through its halls, learn about the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and enjoy the stunning views. The castle is a popular venue for various festivals and events. While halal-certified restaurants are not common in the immediate vicinity, many establishments in the nearby town of Trakai offer vegetarian and seafood dishes.

For connoisseurs of unique natural treasures, a visit to the Palanga Amber Museum is a must. Housed in the former Tiškevičiai Palace and surrounded by a magnificent botanical garden, the museum holds one of the world's largest collections of amber and its inclusions. Here, you can see both raw pieces of the "solar stone" and the exquisite creations of master craftsmen.

If you are travelling with family or simply have a passion for the sea, the Lithuanian Sea Museum in Klaipėda will not disappoint. Located in an old fort on the Curonian Spit, it includes an aquarium with inhabitants of the Baltic and tropical seas, exhibits on the history of shipping, and a dolphinarium featuring captivating shows with dolphins and California sea lions. While there are no dedicated prayer facilities at the museum, several restaurants in Klaipėda, such as Mažoji Turkija, offer halal Turkish food. For other options, vegetarian dishes are also available in the city.

For those seeking active recreation and water-based fun, the Druskininkai Aquapark will be a true discovery. It is one of the largest water parks in Eastern Europe, offering numerous pools, dizzying slides, a sauna complex with various types of saunas, and spa treatments. It is a place where the whole family can have fun at any time of year. Although there are no specific halal-certified restaurants within the park, some local restaurants in Druskininkai may offer suitable vegetarian or seafood options.

The best time to visit Lithuania largely depends on your travel preferences and what you hope to experience. For travellers from the UAE looking for a refreshing escape, the summer months offer a delightful contrast to the desert heat. The high tourist season in the country is traditionally from June to August. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny, perfect for strolling through the charming streets of Vilnius, relaxing on the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea in resorts like Palanga or Nida, and exploring numerous natural and historical attractions. The average temperature ranges from a comfortable +17°C to +22°C, and the days are wonderfully long. However, bear in mind that summer sees the largest influx of tourists, and prices for accommodation and services may be higher.

The shoulder seasons—spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October)—are ideal for travellers who prefer a quieter holiday and more attractive prices. In spring, nature awakens with fresh greenery and blooming flowers, while in autumn, Lithuania is painted in stunning shades of gold and crimson, creating incredibly picturesque landscapes, especially in places like Trakai or the national parks. The weather during these periods can be changeable, with temperatures between +5°C and +15°C and a chance of rain. Winter (November–March) is the low season, featuring cool and sometimes frosty weather with snow. This time is perfect for those who appreciate the festive Christmas atmosphere in the cities or seek maximum solitude. It is worth noting that some tourist sites, particularly outside the major cities, may have shorter opening hours. For visitors from the UAE, the availability of halal food is growing, especially in larger cities like Vilnius, where you can find a variety of Middle Eastern and other halal-friendly restaurants.

When planning your trip, it is also worth paying attention to cultural events. One of the most vibrant is the Kaziukas Fair (Kaziuko mugė), held in Vilnius in early March, which attracts artisans and visitors from all over the country. In the summer, various music festivals and city celebrations take place, such as the Sea Festival (Jūros šventė) in Klaipeda. Overall, Lithuania has a temperate climate without drastic regional differences, so the choice of when to visit depends more on your interests—whether it be a beach holiday, sightseeing, or immersing yourself in the country's cultural life.

Lithuanians are generally quite reserved when first meeting someone, but they are very hospitable and friendly once you get to know them. The standard greeting is a handshake accompanied by direct eye contact, which is considered a sign of respect and openness. Using the informal 'you' is common among young people and close acquaintances, but it is customary to use the formal 'you' when addressing the older generation or in official settings. If you are invited to someone's home, which happens quite often as hospitality is highly valued, it is appropriate to bring a small gift for the hosts. For example, flowers (in an odd number, avoiding yellow chrysanthemums which can be associated with funerals), quality chocolate, or a small souvenir from your country would be gratefully received.

In daily life in Lithuania, there is no strict dress code. However, when visiting chapels, churches, and other religious sites, it is advisable to opt for modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. At the dinner table, Lithuanians adhere to general European rules of etiquette; the meal usually begins after the hosts offer or start eating themselves. Punctuality is valued in Lithuania, so try not to be late for appointments. It is considered impolite to speak too loudly in public places. To show respect, avoid making disparaging comparisons between Lithuania and other countries, especially its neighbours, as Lithuanians are very proud of their unique culture, language, and history.

Among the many holidays, two stand out in particular. Joninės (St. John's Day), or Rasos, is a vibrant and ancient celebration of the summer solstice, observed on the night of 23-24 June. It is filled with pagan traditions: searching for the mythical fern flower, jumping over bonfires, weaving wreaths, and folk festivities that last until morning. Another significant day is the Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania, celebrated on 11 March. This holiday holds immense significance for the national identity and is marked by official ceremonies, concerts, and patriotic events throughout the country, including in the capital, Vilnius.

Lithuania offers a diverse range of leisure and entertainment opportunities to suit the tastes of all kinds of travellers. Those who enjoy an active holiday will appreciate the scenic hiking and cycling routes, especially along the Baltic Sea coast and within the national parks. Water sports, such as kayaking and sailing, are also popular during the summer season. For connoisseurs of culture, the doors to numerous museums, art galleries, and theatres are open, particularly in major cities like the capital, Vilnius, and Kaunas, which regularly host concerts and festivals.

Evening entertainment in Lithuania is mainly centred in the larger cities. Here you can find cosy bars, modern clubs, and restaurants with a variety of cuisines. While exploring the local culinary scene, travellers can find a growing number of halal food options, especially in Vilnius and Kaunas, serving everything from Middle Eastern to Indian dishes. The vibrant atmospheres of Vilnius, Klaipėda, and Kaunas offer plenty for those seeking entertainment after sunset. For shopping, visitors to Lithuania traditionally bring back items made of amber, linen, handmade ceramics, and local delicacies. The main shopping streets and modern centres, such as Ozas in Vilnius or Akropolis in Klaipėda, offer a wide selection of goods. While dedicated prayer rooms are not common in all public venues, mosques can be found in cities like Vilnius and Kaunas for daily prayers.

For a family holiday in Lithuania, there are also many interesting options. Various theme parks, water parks like the Druskininkai Aquapark, and zoos such as the HBH Palanga Zoo, provide plenty of positive experiences for both children and adults. Many resort towns, for instance Palanga or Druskininkai, are geared towards family tourism and offer the corresponding infrastructure and entertainment.

Planning a trip? Excellent! To ensure the financial aspects of your journey do not come as a surprise, it is important to remember that currency exchange rates are constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise you to monitor the latest rates, both before you fly and throughout your trip. You can use the data provided below for this purpose — we monitor currency rates 24/7 and aim to provide the most current information available.