Lithuania to Revoke Residence Permits for Frequent Travelers from Russia and Belarus
Fresh Take:
Starting May 3, 2025, Lithuanian authorities have amped up the rules for Russian and Belarusian citizens residing in the country. Here's the lowdown on these new travel-based restrictions:
Revamped Restrictions:
- Travel Limitations:
- If Russian citizens make more than one trip to Russia or Belarus within a three-month period, they risk losing their residency permit, provided there are no "objective reasons" for their travel.[1][2][5]
- Belarusians, on the other hand, have been granted exemption from these specific travel-frequency rules following a parliamentary rejection of similar measures.[5]
- Heightened Scrutiny: Individuals arriving in Lithuania from outside the EU can expect more stringent border checks.[1]
- Sanctions:
- Russians without residency permits face a property purchase ban.[1]
- General visa applications remain on hold.[1][4]
Permitted Exceptions:
- The rules permit travel for transport workers (like truck drivers) and those with "objective reasons" beyond their control (e.g., emergencies).[3][4]
- Routine family visits during holidays, however, do not qualify as valid exceptions.[4]
It's important to note that these measures will remain in effect until May 2, 2026.[1] As of April 2025, 14,652 Russians held Lithuanian residence permits.[1] The travel restrictions for Belarusians were considered unnecessary due to their diminishing residency numbers.[5]
Lithuania currently hosts 14,652 Russian citizens with valid residence permits. These individuals need to be mindful of their travel frequency to Russia and Belarus, or risk losing their residency. Belarusians, however, are exempt from these travel restrictions due to their declining residency numbers. Be prepared for more stringent checks if you're entering Lithuania from outside the EU. Other sanctions include a property purchase ban for Russians without residency permits and the suspension of general visa applications.[1][4] However, transport workers and those with valid reasons for their travel can still enter and exit the country as needed.[3][4] These measures will continue until May 2, 2026.[1]
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lithuania-revokes-residence-permits-for-multiple-trips-to-russia-belarus-2025-04-28/[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/28/lithuania-to-revoke-residence-permits-of-belarusians-travelling-to-putin-ally[3] https://www.baltic-course.com/ articles/lithuanian-travel-restrictions-for-russian-belarusian-citizens-explained.html[4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59416625[5] https://www.politico.eu/article/lithuania-belarus-president-alexander-lukashenko-baroness-ashley-evans-visa-ban-eu-migration/
- Given the revised travel measures by Lithuania, as of 2026, Russian citizens with residency permits may face consequences if they make more than one trip to Russia or Belarus within a three-month period.
- The government of Lithuania has fortified its borders, imposing stricter checks on individuals entering from outside the EU, as part of the general news regarding war-and-conflicts and politics.
- Migration patterns could be influenced by the restricting measures implemented by Lithuania in 2025, particularly for Russian and Belarusian citizens residing in the country.
- As of 2025, Lithuania has imposed sanctions on Russians, including a property purchase ban for those without valid residence permits and the suspension of general visa applications, in response to war-and-conflicts and political tensions.
