Lithuania: Authorities to further ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective June 1 /update 29

Lithuania to further ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions effective June 1; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities continue to gradually ease domestic restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19. From June 1, the limit on gatherings will be raised to 10 people indoors and removed for outdoor gatherings. Additionally, indoor events of up to 250 people are permitted, while outdoor events may be attended by an unlimited number of people. Catering establishments' operating hours will be extended by two hours to 07:00-23:59 to serve customers in outdoor areas. Nonessential businesses are permitted to open seven days a week. Businesses that are permitted to reopen must comply with strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Masks remain mandatory in all enclosed public spaces and where 2 meters (6 feet) of physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Authorities have introduced an "Opportunity Passport" for individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19 no more than 180 days ago, or tested negative for COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours. Individuals who meet these criteria can apply for the opportunity passport in the form of a QR code online. Individuals with an opportunity passport are permitted to use indoor facilities and catering and entertainment venues, attend specific mass events, and are exempted from limits on gatherings in certain circumstances.

International Entry Restrictions
Nonessential travel is permitted from EU and EEA countries, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, Vatican City, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and China; travel from other locations is restricted to EU citizens and residents and a limited number of essential purposes only. All international arrivals must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to boarding public transport. Individuals arriving via private transport may instead take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours before arrival. Regardless of the test result, all travelers must self-isolate for 10 days. The self-isolation period can be reduced if the traveler takes a COVID-19 test returning a negative result on or after the seventh day after arrival. Transport crew, transit passengers, and those who have evidence of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery are exempt. These measures do not apply to cross-border workers and students, though such persons must be able to present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the previous seven days on request.

As of May 28, individuals traveling from Argentina, Bahrain, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, Cyprus, India, Maldives, Seychelles, South Africa, Sweden, and Uruguay are not permitted to leave their places of self-isolation except to seek emergency medical attention or for other specifically defined urgent reasons; all nonemergency movements require prior permission from the National Public Health Centre (NVSC). Arrivals from all other countries are permitted to walk up to 1 km (0.6 miles) from their places of self-isolation for limited reasons, such as handling legal matters or attending a funeral.

Travelers who possess a medical certificate confirming they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or that they have had COVID-19 within the 90 days prior to entry are exempt from the requirement to self-isolate. All individuals arriving in Lithuania via public or private transport must register online with the NVSC at least 24 hours before arrival; this does not apply to persons transiting by air and remaining airside for the duration of their layovers.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.