Lithuania is a relatively safe country. Visitors should maintain the same personal security awareness that they would in any metropolitan U.S. city. Those who take normal security precautions should enjoy a safe stay in Lithuania.

 

As with any major city, crimes against persons include pocket picking, mainly occurring in crowded areas such as in and around malls, airports, tourist areas, train and bus stations, public transportation, bars, and restaurants. Large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry should be secured in a hotel safe or left at home. Vandalism of vehicles can occur almost anywhere in Vilnius, but these crimes are mostly concentrated in poorly illuminated parking areas.

 

Roads in Lithuania are generally very good. However, with so many new drivers on the road, one should take care when driving, and watch out for erratic drivers. Accidents caused by drunk drivers are also a problem in Lithuania.

 

 

There is a low threat of political violence in Lithuania. Since its independence in 1991, Lithuania has had virtually no history of significant civil unrest. There have been no incidents of terrorism directed at American interests. Incidents of anti-Americanism are rare. Public protests and demonstrations are rare, and a permit is required for public demonstrations involving more than 15 persons.

 

 

Organized crime is significant in the Kaunas region, but violence due to organized crime seldom affects the international community. Regional, international and transnational terrorism generally pose no significant threat in Lithuania due to professionalism of counterterrorism units and lack of such groups operating within the country. Additionally, there are no significant concerns in Lithuania in regard to earthquakes, major floods, industrial and transportation catastrophes, kidnappings and narcoterrorism.

 

 

Police response to crimes, especially in areas widely frequented by foreigners, is good.  While incidents of police harassment and unjust detention are rare, bribery solicitation by highway police continues to be a concern. Drivers stopped by highway police for speeding infractions are reminded such infractions are subject to official adjudication, with final payment (if necessary) to be made through the bank. Under no circumstances should money be paid directly to the police officer.

 

If one experiences trouble or becomes a victim of a crime, the number to call for police assistance is 112. Most police only speak Lithuanian and, on occasion, Russian. The embassy can assist by translating your concerns to the police. Embassy local guard force operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all guards speak English. The 24-hour number of the embassy is (370) (5) 266-5666. The number for a fire emergency is also 112.

 

 

In any emergency, you can call 112 for an ambulance. There are also private ambulance services that are highly qualified and quick to respond. A private ambulance can be contacted at (370) (5) 237-5757. One can receive most medical services in Vilnius, Klaipeda and Kaunas. In all other towns and villages, medical aid is of a much lower level or is not available at all. One good source for medical assistance is the Baltic American Clinic in Vilnius. It can be reached at (370) (5) 234-2020.

 

Before coming to Lithuania, visitors may want to obtain a traveler health insurance policy to cover any medical services abroad. Without insurance, visitors will have to pay for all services in cash. All foreigners of non-European Union countries seeking entry into Lithuania must carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs of hospitalization and medical treatment in Lithuania. Visitors unable to demonstrate proof of medical insurance must purchase short-term insurance at the border from a Lithuanian provider for roughly US $1 per day. The number of days is calculated from the day of entry until the date of the return ticket.

 

 

The crime rate in Lithuania is low. Pocket picking and theft are problems, so personal belongings should be well protected at all times. Valuables should not be left in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been an increasing number of reports of car windows smashed and items stolen. One should take normal precautions such as avoiding unlit alleyways and parks during late hours. ATMs should be avoided late in the evening, just as they should be in the United States. You should park in garages or well-lit areas. Carjackings are rare, although car alarms are recommended.

 

 

The Regional Security Office number is (370) (5) 266-5621. The embassy medical unit can be reached at (370) (5) 266-5549. The U.S. Embassy is located at Akmenu 6 in the capital city of Vilnius. The mailing address is U.S. Embassy, Akmenu 6, 2600 Vilnius, Lithuania. The main telephone number is (370) (5) 266-5500, and the fax number is (370) (5) 266-5510. In case of an emergency after regular duty hours citizens can reach the embassy at (370) (5) 266-5666. In addition, travelers should visit U.S. Embassy Vilinius website.

  

 

The nearest OSAC country councils are the Riga Country Council in Latvia and the Warsaw Country Council in Poland. The Lithuania point-of-contact for the U.S. private sector is RSO Daniel M. Childs, (370) (5) 266-5621, ChildsDM@state.gov.