Lithuania–Russia border
The Lithuania–Russia border is an international border between the Republic of Lithuania (EU member) and Kaliningrad Oblast, an exclave of the Russian Federation (CIS member). It is an external border of the European Union. The 274.9 km (170.8 mi) long border passes (from west to south-east clockwise) through the Curonian Spit and Curonian Lagoon, and then follows along the Neman River, Šešupė, Širvinta, Liepona, and Lake Vištytis. The sea border is another 22.2 km (13.8 mi). There is a tripoint between Lithuania, Russia, and Poland with a stone monument at 54°21′48″N 22°47′31″E.
| Lithuania–Russia border | |
|---|---|
| Characteristics | |
| Entities | Lithuania Russia |
| Length | 297.1 km (184.6 mi), including the 22.2 km (13.8 mi) sea border |
| History | |
| Established | 1945 |
| Current shape | 24 October 1997 |
| Treaties | Treaty between the Republic of Lithuania and the Russian Federation concerning the State Border between Lithuania and Russia (1997) |
Most of the border follows rivers or lakes. On land, border stations are equipped with engineering and technical facilities (wired fences and the exclusion zone). Most other land areas have no fence, but some places near roads or villages have fences (e.g. at 54°27′11″N 22°42′08″E with Street View coverage). Crossing the border into Lithuania requires a Schengen visa, and into Russia requires a Russian visa.
In early 2017, with increasing military activity and political tensions in the region, the Lithuanian government announced plans to reinforce the Kaliningrad/Ramoniškiai area border crossing with a fence 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height, funded by NATO.
On 13 September 2023, Lithuania banned vehicles with Russian license plates from entering their territory, in accordance with a decision by the European Union.