Lithuania to Cancel Residence Permits for Frequent Visitors from Russia
New and Tightened Travel Restrictions for Russians in Lithuania
Starting from May 3, a fresh wave of restrictions has been imposed on Russian citizens residing in Lithuania. These restrictions involve the potential loss of their residence permits if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within a three-month span, except under "objective reasons" such as transit or essential work[1][2][4].
Similarly, applications for Schengen and national visas from Russian and Belarusian citizens have been halted by Lithuania, except for those headed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs[2][4]. Another regulation enacted is the prohibition of Russians without Lithuanian residence permits from buying property in the country. Further proposals aim to extend this ban to real estate near strategic facilities[1][4].
Upon entering Lithuania, Russian and Belarusian travelers are subject to extra scrutiny for potential national security threats[2][4]. Imports and exports of Ukrainian currency, agricultural products, and animal feed from Russia or Belarus are off-limits. The legislation imposing these restrictions is set to remain in effect until May 2, 2026[1][4].
Recent developments in Lithuania's legislature also propose barring Russian citizens from enrolling in the Vilnius Academy of Arts named after Jonas Žemaitis, as well as prohibiting Lithuanian citizens holding Russian, Belarusian, or Chinese passports, or non-citizens from attending[1][4].
[1] "European Truth" with reference to LRT[2] "Lithuania extends its restrictions for Russians and Belarusians." Delfi. 30 April 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.delfi.lt/news/daily/lithuania/lithuanian-parliament-proposes-to-ban-russian-citizens-from-buying-real-estate-near-military-facilities.d?id=88861048[4] "Lithuania's Government Bans Homeschooling for Ukrainian Refugee Children." BNN News. 15 April 2025. [Online]. Available: https://bnn-news.com/lithuanian-government-bans-homeschooling-ukrainian-refugee-children/
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- Lithuania has implemented new migration measures, making it possible for Russian residents to lose their permits if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within a three-month period, provided the travel is not for valid reasons such as transit or essential work.
- The government in Lithuania has prohibited Russians without Lithuanian residence permits from buying property in the country, with plans to extend this restriction to property near strategic facilities.
- Following the recent tightening of travel restrictions, Russian and Belarusian visitors to Lithuania are subject to increased security checks.
- In addition to these policies, the Lithuanian government is considering measures to bar Russian citizens from attending the Vilnius Academy of Arts and prohibiting Lithuanian citizens with certain foreign passports from enrolling in the institution.
