Safety in Lithuania: Tips for a Smooth Expat Experience

Published on November 10, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Lithuania, a country experiencing robust economic growth, is attracting an increasing number of expatriates seeking a fresh start in an environment that is both dynamic and serene. With a balance between cultural traditions and modernity, it offers an enchanting and captivating living environment.

However, to ensure a successful relocation, it is essential to be aware of certain rules regarding safety and to adapt to local specifics. This article will provide you with practical advice and essential information to make your transition with complete peace of mind and fully enjoy the opportunities offered by this Baltic country, which is both endearing and secure.

Is Lithuania a Safe Haven for Expatriates?

Lithuania stands out as one of the safest expatriate destinations in Europe, displaying a crime rate significantly lower than other popular expatriate countries like France, Spain, or Portugal. According to the Global Peace Index, Lithuania has a crime score of 2 out of 5, while many Western European countries show higher rates.

Country	Crime Rate (1-5 scale)	Safety Ranking (Europe)
Lithuania	2	High
France	4	Medium
Spain	3	Good
Portugal	2	Very High

Recent statistics indicate:

• Low crime rate, particularly concerning violent crimes and burglaries.
• Reported incidents mainly involve pickpocketing and some scams, primarily in the Snipiskes, Naujininkai districts and around the train station in Vilnius.
• Vigilance is still recommended at night and in tourist or entertainment areas, where assaults or scams targeting foreigners can occur.

Government measures for expatriate safety:

• Increased police surveillance in sensitive neighborhoods and tourist areas.
• Emergency information and safety guidelines regularly updated on the official lt72 website, accessible in English.
• Simplified procedures for reporting incidents to the police and rapid consular support via embassies.
• Temporary closure and enhanced controls at the Belarusian border to ensure national security.

Resources available to expatriates:

• National emergency number: 112, accessible in English.
• Consular assistance, notably via the French Embassy in Vilnius.
• Information and prevention platforms, such as lt72.
• Expatriate groups and community networks facilitating mutual aid and sharing of local alerts.

Expatriate Testimonials:

“Vilnius, like Lithuania in general, is an extremely safe place. How many times have we forgotten a wallet or a phone, and each time, these items were returned to us.”

— Thierry, French expatriate

“Here in Lithuania, you feel safe at all times.”

— Anthony, European expatriate

“We had many interns, mostly women. They always said they felt safe, even when returning home late at night.”

— Testimony collected from the European community

Positive aspects highlighted by expatriates:

• Pervasive feeling of safety, even at night or on public transport.
• Local population perceived as reserved but honest and kind after the initial approach.
• High responsiveness of emergency services.

Negative points mentioned:

• A few neighborhoods in large cities where vigilance is still advised.
• Occasional scams in certain nightlife establishments specifically targeting foreigners.
• Initial perception of cultural reserve that can be interpreted as coldness, but which fades over time.

Community initiatives and local involvement:

• Neighborhood watch and community surveillance programs in some districts of Vilnius and Kaunas.
• Safety awareness workshops for newcomers, often organized by expatriate associations and town halls.
• Collaboration between expatriate communities and local police to quickly report any incident.

Cultural perceptions of safety:

Expatriate Perception	On-the-ground Reality
Fear of nighttime crime	Rarely justified
Concern about local reserve	Disappears after integration
Anticipation of administrative fraud	Efficient and clear administration

Summary:

Lithuania offers a security environment superior to the European average for expatriates, with a low crime rate, proactive government measures, and strong community involvement. The feeling of safety is confirmed by the majority of testimonials, although vigilance is still advised in certain neighborhoods and specific situations.

Expatriation Tip: Enhancing Your Safety in Lithuania

Basic daily safety measures for expatriates in Lithuania:

• Carry only the bare minimum of cash and identification documents. Leave the rest in a secure place (safe, accommodation).
• Bring photocopies of important documents when traveling.
• Keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in public places, public transport, train stations, and tourist areas.
• Avoid displaying outward signs of wealth (jewelry, valuables).
• Never leave your drink unattended in bars and clubs. Refuse drinks offered by strangers.
• Preferably travel accompanied at night and avoid isolated or poorly frequented neighborhoods.
• Do not pay in advance remotely for a rental property.
• Do not leave items visible in a parked vehicle.
• Be wary of scams, especially in downtown nightlife establishments.

Steps to follow in case of emergency:

• Dial the European emergency number: 112 (police, fire, ambulance).
• In case of theft or assault, file a report at the nearest police station.
• Contact the consular section of your embassy for assistance (lost documents, arrest, etc.).
• Refer to the official emergency management website: (https://lt72.lt) (available in English), which provides instructions to follow in case of natural disaster, fire, or other critical situations.
• In case of loss or theft of a bank card, immediately contact your bank’s blocking service.

Important local contacts:

Service	Emergency Number
General Emergencies	112
Police	112
Fire Department	112
French Embassy	+370 5 219 96 00
Belgian Embassy	+370 5 212 07 10
Canadian Embassy	+370 5 239 62 99

Online resources to stay informed:

• Official emergency management website: lt72.lt
• Travel advice from the French or Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Local alert mobile applications (check your embassy’s page for recommendations).
• Local information platforms and expatriate groups on social media for real-time updates.

Cultural or legal differences to know:

• Lithuanians are known to be reserved at first; integration often happens through work or shared activities. Showing genuine interest fosters warmer relationships.
• Alcohol consumption is regulated: it is prohibited to drink in public places (except authorized terraces).
• Penalties for drunk driving are severe.
• Drugs, even soft drugs, are strictly prohibited.
• Respect parking and traffic rules, including for pedestrians.
• Public demonstrations require prior authorization.

Neighborhoods to prefer or avoid for safe residence (concrete examples):

City	Recommended Safe Neighborhoods	Neighborhoods to Avoid (especially at night)
Vilnius	Old Town, Žvėrynas, Antakalnis, Naujamiestis	Snipiskes, Naujininkai, areas around the central station
Kaunas	City Center, Žaliakalnis	Some outlying sectors near train stations or industrial areas
Klaipėda	Center, Melnragė, Giruliai	Port areas late in the evening

Examples and expatriate testimonials:

“Vilnius, like Lithuania in general, is an extremely safe place, especially regarding petty crime. How many times have we forgotten a wallet or a phone, and each time, these items were returned to us.”

“When I worked for the European Union, we had many interns, mostly women. They always said they felt safe, even when returning home late at night.”

“Integration is easier if you show interest in the local culture, even if Lithuanians seem reserved at first.”

Pitfalls to Avoid During Your Stay in Lithuania

Common Pitfalls for Expatriates in Lithuania

Tourist Scams: Although Lithuania is generally safe, some scams exist, particularly in the tourism sector (inflated taxi prices, fake guides, dubious vacation apartment rentals).

Doubtful Business Practices: In real estate, some sellers offer deals that are “too good to be true” or present properties without all the necessary legal paperwork. Other pitfalls include hidden fees or unfulfilled promises during major purchases.

Language Barrier: Outside urban or tourist centers, English proficiency decreases, making administrative, medical, or commercial procedures more complex. It is not uncommon for documents to exist only in Lithuanian, which can lead to misunderstandings or errors.

Precautions to Take

• Always verify information with official sources or professionals (notary, lawyer, recognized agencies).
• Refuse overly tempting offers and favor transparent transactions.
• Demand complete and translated contracts before signing anything.
• Use a trusted intermediary who speaks Lithuanian for important transactions, especially in real estate.
• Be wary of unofficial taxis and prefer recognized apps or registered companies.
• Prepare a basic medical kit as some products may have different names.
• Consult recommendations from local authorities for areas to avoid, especially certain neighborhoods in Vilnius at night.

Practical Tips for Navigating Safely

Learning a few essential words in Lithuanian greatly facilitates interactions and eases the initial wariness of locals.

Use translation apps or ask for help from local colleagues or friends for complex procedures.

Take the time to integrate through work or social activities: the welcome quickly becomes warmer once the first barrier is crossed.

Respect local laws, particularly regarding alcohol consumption (prohibition in certain public places), traffic, and respect for private property.

Risky Situation	Precaution/Advice
Overly attractive real estate offer	Check paperwork, seek a notary’s opinion
Language barrier	Use an interpreter or translation apps
Unofficial taxi	Prefer Bolt, Uber, or registered taxis
Neighborhoods to avoid at night	Follow authorities’ recommendations
Administrative documents in Lithuanian	Never sign without a reliable translation

Anecdotes and Testimonials

“When I wanted to buy an apartment in Vilnius, the agent was pressuring me to sign quickly. Fortunately, a Lithuanian colleague noticed that an essential certificate was missing. I avoided a big mistake by taking the time to verify everything.”

“During the first few months, I struggled to understand medical procedures because the staff didn’t speak English at the local clinic. Since then, I’ve built a basic lexicon and ask a friend to accompany me for important appointments.”

“I took an unofficial taxi after leaving a bar in Kaunas, the fare was three times the normal price. Since then, I only use apps; it’s much safer and more transparent.”

Respecting local laws and following authorities’ recommendations is essential for a peaceful expatriation in Lithuania. Caution, preparation, and wariness of overly advantageous offers are your best allies.