Lithuania safety snapshot
112 emergency number
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire services.
EU data: low reported local crime, violence or vandalism
Eurostat reported that Lithuania was among the EU countries with the lowest shares of people reporting crime, violence or vandalism in their local area in 2023.
Official crime data is publicly available
Lithuania publishes crime and criminal justice statistics through the State Data Agency and the Interior Ministry data department.
Main visitor risk: petty theft, scams and winter road conditions
Watch belongings in busy places, keep drinks in sight, secure parked cars and check weather before winter driving.
Overall visitor message
Lithuania is suitable for ordinary travel with normal safety precautions. Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Trakai, Palanga, Nida and the main visitor areas are normal public places, not special danger zones. Use the same awareness you would use in other European cities.
What official crime statistics show
Official crime and criminal justice statistics are published by Lithuanian public institutions. The IRD CSV export compares 26,941 registered criminal offences in January–July 2025 with 26,018 in January–July 2026, a decrease of 3.4%. This is the national total of registered offences, not a measure of attacks on travellers.
How to read crime figures
National crime statistics do not calculate the risk of an individual trip. Take normal precautions with belongings, drinks and parked cars, use trusted transport at night and allow extra time for winter road conditions.
Petty theft and bag safety
Pickpocketing and bag theft can happen in busy tourist areas, stations, public transport, bars, restaurants and events. Keep bags closed, do not leave phones or wallets on cafe tables, and keep passports or spare cards separate from everyday cash.
Nightlife, drink safety and scams
Drink spiking can happen anywhere, including otherwise safe countries. Buy your own drinks, keep them with you, leave with trusted people if you feel unwell, and avoid any bar or taxi situation where prices or payment feel pressured.
Cars and winter roads
Do not leave luggage, cameras, bags or laptops visible in a parked car. In winter, snow, ice and black ice can make rural roads and highways difficult even when city streets are managed well. Check the forecast before driving and allow more time.
Emergency help in Lithuania
The emergency number in Lithuania is 112. Call it for police, ambulance, fire and immediate danger to life, health, safety or property. Lithuania emergency call takers can accept requests for help in Lithuanian, Russian, Polish and English.
Vilnius and public transport
Vilnius is generally safe for visitors, including the Old Town, Cathedral Square, Gediminas Avenue, Uzupis, museums, hotels and restaurant areas. Public transport is commonly used by locals and visitors; the main issue is ordinary theft risk in crowded or tired travel moments.
Laws, borders and regional safety
Lithuania is a country of law and order. Visitors should follow local laws, carry identification when required and avoid illegal drugs. Border rules and crossing conditions can change near Belarus and Russia, so check official travel advice before any cross-border journey.
Bottom line
For most trips, protect your belongings, use trusted transport at night and allow extra time for winter journeys. Keep emergency number 112 and your accommodation details available.
FAQ
Is Lithuania dangerous?
No. Lithuania is not generally considered dangerous for ordinary visitors. It is a normal European travel destination where standard precautions are enough for most trips.
Is violent crime common in Lithuania?
The cited Eurostat indicator concerns residents reporting crime, violence or vandalism in their neighbourhood; it does not by itself measure attacks on travellers. Keep ordinary precautions, especially at night and around alcohol.
Is Vilnius safe at night?
Central Vilnius is generally safe, but use normal night-time awareness. Stay in well-lit areas, avoid aggressive behaviour, watch your drink and use trusted transport if returning late.
Is Lithuania safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Lithuania is suitable for solo travellers who use normal precautions. Keep someone informed of your plans, protect your documents and avoid isolated places late at night.
Is Lithuania safe for families?
Yes. Lithuania is a practical country for family travel, especially in cities, museums, parks, beaches, lakeside towns and cultural destinations. Families should still watch traffic, weather and belongings in busy places.
What number should I call in an emergency?
Call 112. This number connects you with emergency help in Lithuania.
Plan next
Explore related guides for your trip.
Sources & further reading
- Eurostat - Neighbourhood crime, violence or vandalism in 2023
- Eurostat - Crime and criminal justice statistics
- IRD CSV: registered criminal offences, January–July 2025 and 2026
- Information Technology and Communications Department - Data on criminal offences in Lithuania
- Information Technology and Communications Department: official crime statistics
- Emergency Response Centre - 112 FAQ
- Emergency Response Centre - About number 112
- Police of Lithuania