Foreign tourists can come to Lithuania simply
Foreign tourists can already come to Lithuania more easily and renew themselves – as of today, February 15, there are no more restrictions not only for the citizens of the European Union (EU), but also for the citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA). In addition, the ban on entering the countries of the countries that have joined the EU’s Digital COVID certification system is lifted. The ban on foreigners from other third countries will be lifted on 31 March.
“Until now, we have been one of the most restrictive countries in the European Union. We are glad that finally, after a long break, Lithuania is even more waiting for foreign tourists, and travel to Lithuania will be even easier. We hope that this has stimulated the flow of tourists, and at the same time the recovery of the tourism sector after a difficult period of the pandemic, ”says the Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė.
With the entry into force of the changes, those who come to Lithuania from today in the EU and EEA countries will no longer have to perform a test for COVID-19 if the person has not been vaccinated or become ill. The isolation requirement for arrivals from EU countries was lifted on 5 February.
Travelers from countries such as Israel, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Sacartwell, Taiwan, and Ukraine will also be able to enter Lithuania without restrictions, as the EU Digital COVID certificate is issued and recognized in these countries.
Arrivals from third countries for whom there are no valid vaccination and re-infection criteria in Lithuania are not more than 72 hours before the trip. will have a PCR test and a negative report before boarding a plane, bus, ferry or other vehicle. Several vehicles can bring a negative PCR test and can also perform a P test or antigen test upon arrival in Lithuania.
Citizens of all other third countries and residents of those countries until 31 March. The ban on entering Lithuania is still in force, but exemptions will continue to apply to vaccinated persons recognized in Lithuania. Travelers arriving in Lithuania from third countries must have been vaccinated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA): COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, Comirnaty, Spikevax, Vaxzevria, Nuvaxovid. Another COVID-19 vaccine – Covishield – is produced in India for these tourists coming to Lithuania is also recognized for these tourists.
In order to improve the situation for the tourism business, from 2020 the Ministry of Economy and Innovation has implemented measures for which more than 450 mln. euro funding. 2020-2021 tour operators and agencies received more than 71 million from the state. euro loans, grants and compensation; accommodation providers – more than 122 million. euros; catering establishments – more than 257 mln. funding.
This month, the government also approved new measures to support the tourism business: partial compensation for utilities to providers of classified accommodation services and subsidies to inbound tour operators. Direct support is expected to reach the tourism sector in the second quarter of this year. These new measures provide for the allocation of EUR 4 million. euros.