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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:
Ambassador: Audrius BRUZGA
Embassy: 4590 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20007
Telephone: (202) 234-5860, 2639
FAX: (202) 328-0466

Consulate(s) General are in:
New York
420 5th Av., 3rd Floor,
New York, NY 10018.
(212) 354-7849, FAX (212) 354-7911

Chicago
211 E. Ontario St., Suite 1500,
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 397-0382, FAX (312) 397-0885

US Diplomatic Representation:

Ambassador: Anne Elizabeth Derse
Embassy: Akmenu 6, 2600 Vilnius, Lithuania
Mailing Address: PSC 78, Box V, APO AE 09723
Telephone: [370] (2) 665500
FAX: [370] (2) 665510

Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Lithuania
U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, Lithuania
Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, United States of America


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-LITHUANIA RELATIONS

The U.S. and Lithuania share a history as valued allies and strong partners. The United States established diplomatic relations with Lithuania in 1922, following its declaration of independence during World War I. Lithuania was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 during World War II. In 1990, Lithuania proclaimed its renewed independence, and international recognition followed. The United States had never recognized the forcible incorporation of Lithuania into the Soviet Union, and it views the present Government of Lithuania as the legal continuation of the interwar republic.

Since Lithuania regained its independence, the United States has worked closely with the country to help it rebuild its democratic institutions and a market economy. The U.S. welcomed Lithuania's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) in 2004. As a NATO ally and EU member, Lithuania has become a strong, effective partner committed to democratic principles and values. The country is a strong supporter of U.S. objectives in the area of democracy promotion and has helped the people of other young European nations develop and strengthen civil institutions.

U.S. Assistance to Lithuania

The United States provides no significant foreign assistance to Lithuania.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Lithuania is a relatively small but potentially attractive market for U.S. goods and services. Steps undertaken during the country's accession to the EU and NATO helped improve its legal, tax, and customs systems, which aided economic and commercial sector development. The United States and Lithuania have signed an agreement on bilateral trade and intellectual property protection and a bilateral investment treaty. Lithuania participates in the visa waiver program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Lithuania's Membership in International Organizations

Lithuania’s foreign policy is largely informed by what it perceives as an expansionist Russia. Lithuania and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania is Anne Elizabeth Derse; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Lithuania maintains an embassy in the United States at 2622 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, tel: (202) 234-5860.

More information about Lithuania is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Lithuania Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Lithuania Page
U.S. Embassy: Lithuania
History of U.S. Relations With Lithuania
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Lithuania check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit and International Driving Permit required
Currency (LTL) Litas
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 370, Vilnius 5+7D, Kaunas 37+6D, Gargzdai 40+6D, Varena 310+5D



Climate: Temperate climate, but with considerable temperature variations. Summer is warm with relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.

Time: GMT + 2.

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 370. City codes: 2 for Vilnius, 7 for Kaunas, 6 for Klaipeda. Outgoing international code: 810. There are two kinds of payphone: rectangular telephones which take magnetic strip cards and rounded telephones which take chip cards. Phonecards are sold at kiosks and post offices. Plans are underway to introduce one type of phonecard, compatible with both phones.

Food & Drink: Local specialities include skilandis (smoked meat), salti barsciai (cold soup), cepelinai (made from grated potatoes with a minced meat filling), vedarai (potato sausage) and bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes). Smoked eel is a famous Baltic delicacy. Waiter service is the norm in restaurants and cafes, but self-service restaurants, bistros and snack bars are numerous.
Local brands of beer and imported drinks are popular. A famous Lithuanian spirit is midus, a mild alcoholic beverage made from honey.

Shopping: Amber, linen goods and local crafts are good buys. National artists sell their works in specialised art galleries in major towns. Shopping hours: Grocery shops open Mon-Fri 0800-2000.

Tipping: Taxi fares and restaurant bills include a tip. Otherwise, tips are discretionary.

Currency: Litas (Lt) = 100 centas. Notes are in denominations of Lt500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Lt5, 2 and 1, and the worthless 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centas.

Credit & debit cards: Most major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, restaurants, shops and in some petrol stations. Check with your credit and debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travellers cheques: Not accepted by retailers and can only be exchanged at a few outlets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco..................200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco

Liquor.....................1 litre spirits; 2 litres wine; 5 litres beer

Perfume..................Reasonable for personal use

Cameras.................No restrictions

Film........................Reasonalbe for personal use

Gifts........................Reasonable quantity

Currency.................No restrictions



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