The Lithuanian passport is an official travel document issued by the Republic of Lithuania to its citizens. It is a biometric (e-passport) document compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and has been issued in its current format since 2006, with regular security updates. As Lithuania is a full member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, the passport grants its holders extensive travel and residency rights across Europe.

Global Ranking and Visa-Free Access

As of 2025, the Lithuanian passport consistently ranks among the world’s most powerful travel documents. According to the Henley Passport Index and Arton Capital’s Passport Index, it typically places between 7th and 11th globally.

Holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 180–185 countries and territories, including:

  • The entire European Union, EEA, and Switzerland
  • United Kingdom (post-Brexit visa-free access maintained)
  • United States (through the Visa Waiver Program – ESTA required)
  • Canada (eTA required)
  • Australia (eVisitor or ETA)
  • Japan, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, and most of Latin America

This makes it one of the strongest passports in Central and Eastern Europe.

Rights Within the European Union

Lithuanian citizens benefit from full EU citizenship rights:

  • Freedom to live, work, study, and retire in any EU/EEA country or Switzerland without a visa or work permit
  • Access to local healthcare and education systems under the same conditions as nationals
  • Voting rights in European Parliament and local elections in any EU country of residence

Design and Security Features

The current-generation Lithuanian biometric passport (issued since 2019) features:

  • Polycarbonate data page
  • Laser-engraved personal information
  • Holographic images and microtext
  • UV-reactive elements
  • RFID chip storing facial image and fingerprints
  • A burgundy-red cover with the coat of arms (Vytis) and the words “Europos Sąjunga” and “Lietuvos Respublika”

The passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children under 16.

How to Obtain a Lithuanian Passport

Citizenship by Birth or Descent

  • Born to at least one Lithuanian parent (regardless of place of birth)
  • Children born in Lithuania to stateless parents or foundlings
  • Descendants of Lithuanian citizens who left before March 11, 1990 (restoration of independence) can restore citizenship

Citizenship by Naturalization

Requirements include:

  • 10 years of permanent legal residence in Lithuania
  • Passing a Lithuanian language and constitution exam
  • Stable income and no criminal record
  • Renunciation of previous citizenship (dual citizenship is restricted but allowed in specific cases)

Application Process

Passports are issued by the Migration Department or Lithuanian embassies/consulates abroad. Processing usually takes 1–4 weeks (express options available). Since 2023, it is possible to apply online and collect the document in person for identity verification.

Dual Citizenship Rules

Lithuania generally prohibits dual citizenship, with important exceptions:

  • Children born with multiple citizenships
  • Citizens of NATO/EU/Australia/New Zealand countries (limited cases)
  • Persons who acquired another citizenship automatically (e.g., by marriage)
  • Restored citizenship by descent (allowed to keep another passport in most cases)

Passport Renewal and Replacement

  • Can be renewed at any Lithuanian embassy or consulate worldwide
  • Emergency travel documents (one-way) are issued if the passport is lost or stolen abroad
  • Name changes (e.g., after marriage) require a new passport

Future Outlook

lithuania passport to expand visa-free agreements. Recent additions include longer stays in certain South American countries and strengthened ties with Asian nations. With stable rankings and strong diplomatic relations, the Lithuanian passport is expected to maintain or slightly improve its position in the global mobility indexes in the coming years.

In short, the Lithuanian passport remains one of the most valuable in Europe — offering not just extensive travel freedom but also the full spectrum of EU citizenship privileges.