🇿🇦South Africa

🇱🇹LithuaniaZA-LT

South Africa to Lithuania visa requirements

Q: Can I use ETIAS instead of a visa?

No. ETIAS applies only to visa-exempt nationalities. South Africa is visa-required, so you must apply for a full Schengen visa.

Q: How long can I stay with a Schengen visa?

Up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area, subject to the conditions of your visa.

Q: Where do South African residents apply for a Lithuania visa?

At the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Pretoria (or its authorized visa service centre), provided Lithuania is your main destination.

Q: How much does the visa cost?

The standard adult fee is EUR 90 (about ZAR 1,800); children aged 6-11 pay EUR 45, and children under 6 are free, plus any service-centre and insurance costs.

Q: How early should I apply?

Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel. You can lodge an application up to 6 months in advance; standard processing is around 15 days.

Yes. South African ordinary passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (Category C) visa before traveling to Lithuania for tourism. South Africa is on the EU's visa-required list (Annex I, Regulation 2018/1806), so ETIAS does not apply and a full visa must be obtained in advance, typically at the Lithuanian Embassy in Pretoria. Lithuania is a member of the Schengen Area, and visa policy is set uniformly by EU Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. South Africa appears on Annex I (the visa-required list), so South African ordinary passport holders must obtain a Schengen Type C short-stay visa before departure. The visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area for tourism, family visits, business and similar non-paid purposes. Because South Africa is NOT visa-exempt, the upcoming ETIAS travel authorization (for visa-free nationalities only) does not apply to South Africans; they continue using the standard visa procedure. Applications for travel to Lithuania are lodged at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Pretoria for residents of South Africa. The standard adult visa fee is EUR 90, with biometrics (fingerprints and photo) collected at application. Travelers should also be aware of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) being rolled out at external borders, which records entries and exits biometrically. Default verdict is visa-required; no visa-free, visa-on-arrival, eVisa or ETA channel exists for this nationality and destination.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30

Visa type

Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

Maximum stay

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

per entry

Entries

Single, double or multiple (as granted)

from issue date

Visa fee

EUR 90 (adult); EUR 45 (children 6-11); free under 6

consular fee only

Processing time

Typically 15 calendar days; up to 45 days in some cases

standard track

Validity

Validity set per application; up to multiple-entry for repeat travelers

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm purpose and main destination

Lithuania must be your main/sole Schengen destination (longest stay or first entry) for you to apply through Lithuanian channels.

· Tourism / short visit· Main destination rule

/02

Gather required documents

Prepare passport, photos, travel insurance, itinerary, accommodation and proof of funds before booking an appointment.

· Document checklist

/03

Book an appointment

Schedule an appointment with the Embassy of Lithuania in Pretoria (or its authorized visa service centre) for South African residents.

· Embassy of Lithuania, Pretoria

/04

Complete and sign the application form

Fill in the harmonised Schengen visa application form accurately and sign it.

· Schengen application form

/05

Attend appointment and give biometrics

Submit documents in person, pay the fee, and provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics valid 59 months).

· Biometrics· Fee payment

/06

Collect passport and check the visa sticker

Retrieve your passport after processing and verify dates, number of entries and authorized stay on the visa sticker.

· Verify visa details

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items

Personalized checklist

South Africa -> Lithuania · Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)

0 / 12 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredPassport valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure, with 2+ blank pages, issued within last 10 years

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

required

RequiredCompleted and signed Schengen visa application form

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

required

RequiredTwo recent biometric passport photos (ICAO standard)

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

required

RequiredTravel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for the Schengen Area

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RequiredRound-trip flight reservation / itinerary

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation/host details)

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

required

RequiredProof of sufficient funds (recent bank statements)

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

required

RequiredVisa fee payment (EUR 90 for adults)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

required

RecommendedCover letter explaining the purpose and itinerary of travel

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

recommended

RecommendedProof of employment / ties to South Africa (leave letter, business registration)

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

recommended

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesEUR-Lex - Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (visa requirements for non-EU nationals)Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to South Africa - Schengen Visa European Commission - Schengen Visa Policy

Application link included: EUR-Lex - Regulation (EU) 2018/1806 (visa requirements for non-EU nationals)

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Schengen visa fee (adult)EUR 90Standard short-stay Type C fee; approx. ZAR 1,800

Schengen visa fee (child 6-11)EUR 45Children under 6 are exempt

Service centre feeApprox. EUR 30-40Charged if applying via an outsourced visa service provider

Travel medical insuranceApprox. EUR 30-60Mandatory; minimum EUR 30,000 coverage

Total estimateEUR 90 — EUR 190incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing

15 calendar days

Typical decision time after submission; apply well in advance.

Extended review

Up to 45 days

Possible if additional documents or checks are required.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

South Africa is on the EU visa-required list

Under Regulation (EU) 2018/1806, South Africa is in Annex I, meaning nationals must hold a visa for Schengen short stays.

High

/02

Lithuania is a full Schengen member

Lithuania applies the common Schengen visa policy; no separate national short-stay waiver exists for South Africans.

High

/03

ETIAS does not apply

ETIAS is only for visa-exempt nationalities; visa-required South Africans continue using the standard Schengen visa process.

Medium

/04

No visa-on-arrival or eVisa channel

Schengen states do not issue visa-on-arrival or eVisas for South African tourists; the visa must be obtained beforehand.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.

/02

Customs

Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.

/03

Connectivity

Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-05-30 · major

South Africa to Lithuania route verified

Confirmed visa-required status via EU Regulation 2018/1806 (Annex I), Lithuanian Embassy (Pretoria) Schengen visa guidance, and ETIAS scope confirming South Africans are not visa-exempt.

/09 — The questions