Lithuania Imposes More Stringent Rules for Arrivals From Croatia and Turkey

The Government of Lithuania has announced more stringent measures for all persons arriving from Croatia and Turkey due to the high risk of COVID-19 currently prevailing in these two countries. All persons entering from Croatia or Turkey are required to submit a negative Coronavirus test result and stay self-isolated for ten days.

On the other hand, Italy and Moldova will be subjected to the usual isolation requirements, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

“The update of the list of affected countries has also adjusted the rules for carriers, travellers with COVID-19, staff serving in diplomatic missions and arriving for humanitarian purposes,” the Government’s statement reads.

In a press release issued by the Lithuanian Ministry of Health, it was explained that crew and crew members who carry passengers on international routes by all means of transportation would be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test result if their stay in Lithuania is longer than 72 hours. However, those who stay in Lithuania’s territory for less than 72 hours are not required to present a negative test result at border checkpoints.

Additionally, the same measures apply to other crew members that are engaged in international commercial transport, whose purpose of travel is to carry out business matters.

The Ministry of Health pointed out that all persons who have recovered from the COVID-19 during the last 180 days will be exempt from the current testing and self-isolation measures. Previously only those who had recovered in the last 90 days were exempt from these measures.

Moreover, foreigners entering Lithuania for humanitarian purposes through a permit issued by the Ministry of Interior will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 test result. However, they will be required to carry it out in Lithuania by registering to undergo the test within 24 hours of their arrival. The ones who will travel with their personal vehicles are allowed to undergo a test 72 hours before their arrival or undergo one as soon as they arrive in Lithuania.

Based on the data provided by the Lithuanian Ministry of Health, the following groups of people are exempted from the 10-day isolation period upon their arrival in Lithuania:

• Carriers travelling to Lithuania’s neighbouring countries and Estonia if they return within 24 hours without having any contact with other people.
• Staff serving in diplomatic missions.
• Persons under the Vienna Convention.
• Persons serving in NATO and their family members, soldiers, and other personnel.
• Officials performing deportation, transfer, or take-over tasks.
• Foreigners ensuring national security at Lithuanian intelligence institutions.
• Healthcare professionals.
• Frontier workers.
• Seafarers carrying passengers on international routes.
• Athletes, sports professionals, sports instructors, and medical personnel taking part in tournaments.
• Citizens of Lithuania who work as teachers in Belarus.

However, the COVID-19 test remains mandatory for all the listed persons.

Previously, Lithuanian authorities added Belgium, the Netherlands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Bermuda, and Curacao to the high-risk COVID-19 list.