Lithuanian Consulate Chicago– 5 Easy Steps to Apply for Lithuania Schengen Visa
When compared to other European countries, Lithuania is small, but there are still plenty of things to see and do there. Head to Vilnius for its charming old quarter and its beautiful buildings or take a trip into the heart of the country for stunning natural parks full of lakes, forests and green hills. Not forgetting the Baltic coastal area with its sand dunes and dazzling beaches. Whatever you do, you’ll have a blast! In this article learn more about how to apply for Lithuania Visa at the Lithuanian consulate in Chicago, Illinois, Lithuania visa appointment booking, Processing time at the Lithuanian visa application center and Lithuanian Visa Application Process at the Chicago consulate.
Schengen Visa
In 2017, there were 413,966 Lithuanian visa applications received worldwide. Of this amount, 1.19% were not approved. The Lithuanian consulate in Chicago dealt with 729 applications and they were all approved making Lithuania one of the easiest countries to get a Schengen visa.
Applying for Schengen Visa from the United States
If you are a US citizen and wish to travel to Lithuania for up to 90 days in total, you do not need a visa to enter the country. However, if you are not a US citizen, but you live permanently in the US, you need a visa for Lithuania and you can apply from the United States. You have to make sure you apply at the right Lithuanian embassy and consulate.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Lithuania in Chicago deals with applications from those that reside within its jurisdiction of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Wyoming. So, if you live in any of these areas, you are able to apply at the consulate in Chicago.
Types of Schengen Visas Offered at the Lithuanian Consulate in Chicago
There are two types of entry visas to Lithuania and the one you need to apply for depends on how long you are planning to go to Lithuania for.
Schengen visas are available for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period. They are issued as single, double, or multiple which relates to how many times you can enter the country within the validity of the visa.
If you are going for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a National visa type D or a Temporary Residence permit. National visa is issued as single or multiple entry only.
The consulate of Lithuania in Chicago, issues visas for the following purposes:
- Tourism
- Visit
- Business
- Training or study
- Cultural, scientific, sports or religious events
- Medical reason
- Employment
- Residence
You must apply for the correct one and this will be determined by your reason for traveling to Lithuania.
Schengen Visa Application Process at the Lithuanian Consulate in Chicago
When you apply for your visa for Lithuania you must take account of processing times. Turnaround times are usually 15 days, but in some cases, this could extend to 30 or 60 days. You should apply at least 15 days prior to your trip, however, you can apply up to 90 days before.
Please note, visas will not be issued on the same day and rush processing does not happen.
It is easy to apply for your Lithuanian visa, just follow these steps in order.
Before you start, go to the Lithuanian consulate’s website. Go to the “Travel and Residence” tab and click on visas:
Click on: “Schengen visas” or “National visa” on the right-hand side:
The next page will give you detailed information about the visas, how to apply, and what documents you need:
Scroll down to: “How to apply for Schengen visa”:
The next part of the process is the same for both Schengen and National visas.
Step 1: Book an appointment
You need to book an appointment in order to submit your application to the Lithuanian consulate in Chicago. No walk-ins are permitted.
Where it says: “How to apply for Schengen visa” click on Https://konsreg.urm.lt/visit/register/us4 and the system will direct you to the consulate’s booking system
Choose the appointment category – in this case, “Visa” and scroll down the page where you will need to register by keying in the requested information before hitting: “Register”:
You’ll also find a list of required documents for each type of visa, so familiarize yourself with that before moving on.
Making appointments with the embassy or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!
Step 2: Complete your online application
Return to the consulate’s website and how to apply for a Schengen visa and click on: “Online visa application form”:
You will complete your application on the Lithuanian consulate’s system – called EPM. Click on: “New application”:
On the next page, you can complete the application and submit it electronically to the consulate ready for your appointment:
Step 3: Get your documentation ready
Before you start to get your documentation ready, take the time to acquaint yourself on the requirements for your visa. The consulate’s website has a lot of information regarding this – you can’t really go wrong.
The consulate will not accept incomplete applications, so make sure you provide everything. You also need to submit originals and photocopies. In addition, do not staple anything together.
Documents for your visa application include but are not limited to:
1) A completed application form (to be signed and dated at the consulate)
2) 2 x 35×45 mm passport-sized photos (not older than 6 months).
3) Valid travel document, i.e. passport (issued within previous 10 years and valid for 3 months after the intended date of return. Must also have 2 free pages)
4) Proof of legal residence in the US and re-entry document (The Lithuanian consulate in Chicago does not accept applications from B1/B2 holders. If this applies to you, you must apply in your country of residence)
5) Proof of socio-professional status
– Employed: Employment letter confirming applicant name, job role, citizenship, and that they will return to the job after trip PLUS last payslip
– Self-employed: Latest tax return or proof of previous financial activity
– Student: Letter confirming course details including start and finish dates
6) Proof of travel arrangements (return flight reservation or other proof of transport and full itineraries)
7) Proof of accommodation (hotel, hostel, or apartment booking and/or travel agency certificate)
8) Travel insurance to cover minimum €30,000 for repatriation, medical attention and/or hospital treatment or death
9) Supporting documents to prove the purpose of stay (tour itineraries, car rental agreements, tickets for travel etc.)
10) Proof of sufficient funds (3 x bank statements or payslips OR latest tax return OR proof of pension income OR parental financial responsibility statement)
11) Invitation letter from the host/family/business partner/educational establishment
12) Medical certificate
13) Pre-paid envelope
If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
- Submit the travel details and make the payment online
- Receive flight itinerary in email
Step 4: Attend your visa appointment
On the day of your appointment, get to the Lithuanian consulate in Chicago early. Dress smartly and, whatever you do, don’t forget any of your paperwork. If there is anything missing, your application will be denied –there are no exceptions!
If the visa staff want to know more or confirmation anything you have stated in your application you may be asked extra questions. If this happens, don’t lie about anything and answer them confidently. Some interview questions that you may be asked are:
- Are you traveling alone to the Schengen zone?
- What’s your salary?
- Are you meeting anyone else in Lithuania?
- Are you married?
- Where do you live in the US?
Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!
You’ll also have to pay the correct fee for your visa. You can pay by credit or debit card only. Please be aware that this money will not be refunded to you, even if your application is refused.
Schengen Visa Fee
Visa Type | Fee |
Short-stay visas (C) | $78/€68 |
Short-stay visas (C) children aged 6-12 Short-stay visas (C) children aged 0-6 | $46/€40 Free |
Reduced fee for applicants of the following nationalities: Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Moldova, Georgia, and Macedonia | $46/€40 |
Long-stay visas (D) | $194/€170 |
The last part of your interview involves having a scan of your 10 fingerprints.
Step 5: Receive your visa
The consulate will notify you when you can collect your passport from their office or you can choose to have it returned by mail if that’s more convenient for you.
Hopefully, you’ll find your visa for Lithuania attached to your passport. However, if it has been refused you can obtain notification on the reason from the consulate, but you have to do this in person. Furthermore, you can appeal the decision within 14 days. Common reasons why visas get rejected are:
- False documents were presented
- No proof of travel insurance
- Lack of funds
- Missing paperwork
- Purpose of stay cannot be determined
- Applied at the wrong consulate
Whatever you do, do NOT hand over fake documents – there is no point. If you cannot obtain the correct paperwork, contact the consulate for further information or provide and/or a cover letter. As mentioned about, each consulate has their own jurisdiction, so check the consulate in Chicago’s website to make sure you are applying at the correct one. The consulate can only make a decision on your visa if you provide everything that they require, so don’t forget anything. Likewise, you must take out the necessary travel insurance and prove why you want to travel to Lithuania, otherwise, your visa will not be accepted.
Contact detail for the Lithuanian Consulate in Chicago
Address: 455 N City front Plaza Drive, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611
Email: kons.cikaga@urm.it/cons.chicago@mfa.it
Tel: +1 312 397 0382
Fax: +1 312 397 0385
Visa Section Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm and 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm
The visa section is closed to the public on Fridays, but the consulate will still provide information via phone and email
Conclusion
Overall, 5 easy steps to apply for your Lithuania Schengen visa.
- Book your appointment
- Complete your application online
- Get your documentation ready
- Attend your visa appointment
- Receive your visa
Once you have completed step 4 and handed in your application, there is nothing more to do, but sit back and wait for the consulate to contact you. Before long you should have your visa in your hand, so you can concentrate on the good bit – getting excited about your upcoming trip to Lithuania.
At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.