Lithuania plans to extend restrictions for Russian and Belarusian citizens for another year

The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to extend the restrictive measures, which have been in place for two years, for another year — until May 2, 2026. Currently, the law stipulates that the aforementioned sanctions are applied until May 2, 2025. The ministry noted that the war initiated by Russia against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, is still ongoing, meaning the reasons for imposing the restrictions remain unchanged.

"The extension of the law will provide Lithuania with the ability to apply restrictive measures at the national level against aggressor states as a foreign policy tool, in addition to the international sanctions imposed by the European Union, in connection with the war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine," states the explanatory note to the draft law.

Lithuania bans Russians from buying real estate

In April last year, the Lithuanian parliament passed a law prohibiting Russians from purchasing real estate. The ban was in effect until 2024 and did not apply to Russians who have been granted residency in the country.

Additionally, the parliament prohibited issuing new visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus.

Moreover, Russians and Belarusians holding visas are subject to "individual enhanced checks" at the border to determine whether they pose a threat to Lithuania’s national security.