How long it takes
A Lithuania Schengen visa from the UK is normally decided within 15 calendar days of the date your application is lodged at your VFS Global appointment. The standard comes from Article 23 of the EU Visa Code, which Lithuania applies like every Schengen member.
The clock starts when VFS accepts your file at the counter, not when you book the slot and not when you begin the form. Lithuania is a lower-volume route from the UK, and complete applications are often decided well inside 15 days, though the Code allows longer where a case needs closer examination.
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard decision | 15 calendar days from lodging |
| Extended examination | Up to 45 days (extra documents or checks) |
| Exceptional cases | Up to 60 days |
We don't publish a "current Lithuania wait time" in days, but Lithuania does have one structural advantage: four VFS Global centres (London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff), the widest UK network of any Schengen route on this site. Check the live VFS calendar across all four rather than trusting any fixed figure.
When to apply
Two limits frame your timing:
- Earliest: you can lodge your Lithuania application up to 6 months before your travel date.
- Latest (recommended): at least 15 working days (realistically 3 weeks or more) before you travel, so an extended case still leaves margin.
Lithuania's UK demand peaks in summer, when Vilnius's baroque old town, Kaunas and the dunes of the Curonian Spit draw most visitors, with a festive bump in December. Baltic loops through Riga and Tallinn are popular; one Schengen visa covers the whole route, applied for through the country where you'll spend the most nights. The Cardiff centre is a genuine convenience if you're in Wales or the South West.
What can delay it
A decision slips past the 15-day standard for predictable reasons:
- Incomplete documents: a missing bank statement, insurance certificate or proof of UK residence triggers a request that pauses the clock.
- Additional checks: borderline funds, an unclear itinerary, or a profile requiring extra background checks invites closer examination.
- Peak season: summer and the festive weeks lift demand above the baseline.
- Weak UK ties: thin evidence that you'll return (employment, studies, family, property) is the leading trigger for scrutiny and refusal.
The strongest lever you control is completeness. Insurance must cover at least €30,000, and every claim in your file should be backed by a document.
Costs, margin, and the live calendar
The consulate fee is €90 for adults (about £81), €45 for children aged 6 to 11, and free for under 6s. Lithuania's VFS centre fee is €17.90 including VAT, one of the lowest in the UK, bringing a typical application to about £159 all in. Compare every country's all-in price on the Schengen destinations table.
Because processing can stretch to 45 days, keep bookings refundable until the visa is issued. For the full step-by-step, see the Lithuania Schengen visa from the UK guide, price your trip with the Schengen cost calculator, and check your allowance with the 90/180-day calculator.
Sources
Common questions
- 01
How long does a Lithuania Schengen visa take from the UK?
The standard decision time is 15 calendar days from the date your application is lodged at your VFS Global appointment. Under the EU Visa Code the Lithuanian authorities can extend the examination to 45 days, and exceptionally to 60 days, if they need extra documents or further checks.
- 02
Can I apply for a Lithuania visa in Cardiff?
Yes. Lithuania is unusual among Schengen routes from the UK in accepting applications at four VFS Global centres: London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff. That extra option is worth checking if you're in Wales or the South West, or if the other centres are booked up.
- 03
When should I apply for a Lithuania visa from the UK?
You can lodge up to 6 months before travel. Apply at least 15 working days (3 weeks or more) ahead, and earlier for summer trips to Vilnius and the Curonian Spit or the festive season, when appointment demand rises across all four centres.
- 04
Can I speed up a Lithuania Schengen visa decision?
No. There is no official fast-track that shortens the legal processing time. VFS Global's paid add-ons affect comfort and logistics, not the decision. Lodging early with a complete, consistent file, including insurance with €30,000 cover, is the only reliable approach.