Lithuania Bans Frequent Visits to Russia by Its Residents: Violators to Lose Residence Permits

The Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) has approved the extension of national restrictive measures against citizens of Russia and Belarus for another year—until May 2, 2026. The decision amends the Law on Measures in Response to Military Actions in Ukraine. The amendments passed with 115 votes in favor and one abstention.

Originally introduced on May 3, 2023, these measures are renewed annually. However, new rules are now in effect: starting May 3, 2025, a Russian citizen can lose their temporary residence permit in Lithuania if they are found to have visited Russia or Belarus more than once within a three-month period. Exceptions are made for urgent reasons, such as illness of relatives, or for professional drivers and crew members involved in EU-bound or transit transport.

A similar restriction was previously proposed for Belarusian citizens but did not gain support in the Seimas and was deemed excessive under current political conditions.

Visa and Residence Permit Restrictions

Lithuania continues to suspend visa applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens, unless submitted via the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russian citizens cannot apply for residence permits unless they hold a national visa or an existing EU residence document.

Border control has been tightened, with a comprehensive security risk assessment for both Russian and Belarusian nationals, covering threats to public order, health, foreign relations, and internal affairs.

The ban on importing agricultural products and animal feed from Russia and Belarus remains in force.

Russian citizens without residence permits are also prohibited from purchasing property in Lithuania.

Ministerial Justification and Expanded Measures

Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that the reasons for the restrictions remain valid. The legislative notes state:

"In light of ongoing threats, these measures are necessary and appropriate, to be applied strictly in response to existing risks."

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has also proposed banning certain foreigners from obtaining Lithuanian citizenship, particularly individuals who pose a national security risk or support actions against Lithuania and the EU—this includes Russian citizens.

In 2024, Lithuanian authorities revoked residence permits from over 24,000 foreign nationals. This reflects a broader effort to tighten immigration policy.

Decline in Foreign Residents with Residence Permits

Due to these stricter policies, the number of Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian citizens with Lithuanian residence permits has dropped significantly in two years. In early 2023:

- Ukrainians: ~57,000
- Belarusians: ~25,000
- Russians: ~11,000

By 2025, the number of Russians with Lithuanian residence permits had nearly halved. Ukrainians are also leaving the country more often. One reason is Lithuania’s refusal to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians without valid biometric passports—despite the fact that such a document is not required under EU law. Lithuanian authorities have acknowledged this but continued issuing rejections.

Outlook: A Continuing Trend of Restriction

Lithuania’s immigration policy toward Russian and Belarusian citizens continues to harden, building on existing visa bans, property restrictions, and border controls. These trends are especially strong in the Baltic States, though other EU countries are also adopting similar measures in response to ongoing geopolitical risks.

Given current conditions, it is likely that this restrictive course will continue in the coming years.