News

On 18 October, a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on the optimization of procedures for issuing visas for tourists was held at the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The meeting focused on issues related to external service providers.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy, Lithuanian State Department of Tourism, Migration Department, Neringa City Council, Lithuanian Association of Hotels and Restaurants, Lithuanian Tourism Association, public institution “Tourism and Information Center”, and tourism agencies.

Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė chaired the meeting and emphasized the necessity of cooperation with external service providers to members of the working group. According to A.Skaisgirytė Liauškienė, an external service provider could offer an additional opportunity for foreign citizens to obtain visas to travel to Lithuania faster and more conveniently. This is especially important for citizens of third countries who live in geographically remote points, far from Lithuania’s visa-issuing offices. This service is also useful for Lithuania, because it will allow saving human and financial resources.

During the meeting, participants emphasized that the appearance of an external service provider would in no way affect the rights or activities of commercial mediators. After assessing their needs, tourism agencies will be able to make use of external service providers.

The working group also discussed issues relating to the activities of foreign visa-issuance centers in Lithuania.

The interdepartmental working group was formed in compliance with the order of the Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis. Established on 21 October 2010, the working group together with its partners from the Government and business aims to optimize procedures of issuing visas for tourists.