Repatriation certificate

Repatriation certificate

What is a Repatriation Certificate (RC) and Who Can Receive It

A Repatriation Certificate (RC) is a travel document that allows a Lithuanian citizen abroad to return to the Republic of Lithuania.  AGPs are issued by a consular officer at a Lithuanian embassy. Honorary consuls do not issue Repatriation Certificates.

RCs may be issued to

• Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania;
• Minor children born abroad, whose parent(s) is/are Lithuanian citizens;
• Stateless persons with a residence permit in Lithuania;
• Foreign nationals (in cases provided by international agreements).

When Can the Embassy of Lithuania in Greece Issue a Repatriation Certificate

An AGP may be issued in the following cases:

• The travel document has been lost;
• The travel document is no longer valid for use;
• The travel document has expired;
• A minor child of a Lithuanian citizen, born abroad, does not have a valid travel document;
• A Lithuanian citizen is subject to a preventive measure under the Criminal Procedure Code of Lithuania, such as document seizure, and thus cannot be issued an ID card or passport until the measure is lifted;
• The person is wanted by Lithuanian law enforcement authorities (except in cases where they are listed as missing) and cannot be issued an ID card or passport.

How to Apply for a Repatriation Certificate at the Lithuanian Embassy in Greece

• In person at the embassy

An appointment must be made in advance through the online system KONSREG (appointment not required in emergencies).

• Remotely via an Honorary Consulate in Cyprus, Albania or Crete

You must visit the honorary consulate in person and bring all required documents. The honorary consul will confirm your identity, signature, and verify document copies. Copies will be sent electronically to the embassy, and you must mail the original documents to the Lithuanian Embassy in Athens. Once issued, the RC can be picked up in person or sent to you via courier (shipping fees to be paid upon receipt).

• Remotely by registered mail, courier, or email (without the involvement of an honorary consul)

If you submit your application and documents without visiting the embassy or honorary consulate, you will need to pick up the RC in person at the embassy in Athens.

If you are unable to visit the embassy due to valid reasons (illness, disability, travel restrictions, etc.), you must have a video call with a consular officer. The RC will then be sent to you by courier. This method must be pre-arranged with the consular officer.

• Important Notes

Applications for minors under 16 must be submitted by one of the parents, a legal guardian, or an accompanying adult with a notarized consent from a parent or other legal representative.

Children under 2 years of age are not required to be present.

Documents Required to Apply for a Repatriation Certificate

• A clearly and correctly filled-out RC application form. [Download]
• A valid identity document (with name, surname, date of birth, personal code, and photo), if available;
• Two recent color photos appropriate for the applicant’s age (3x4 cm);
• If the AGP is requested for more than 15 calendar days, a written explanation and supporting documents (if available) must be provided.

If the RC is requested for a child whose birth has not yet been registered in Lithuania, the following must also be submitted:

• A foreign-issued birth certificate or record extract;
• A translation of the birth certificate into Lithuanian or a multilingual standard form as per EU Regulation No. 2016/1191.

Note: Documents issued in Albania must have an Apostille. Documents from Greece and Cyprus do not require Apostille certification.

Please ensure that the Greek birth certificate includes the child’s name—unnamed children cannot be registered in Lithuania.

• Also required: A parent’s identity document and proof of Lithuanian citizenship.

Note: Documents for an RC may be submitted no earlier than 2 months before the planned date of travel.

Cost of a Repatriation Certificate

The consular fee for this service is 25 EUR.

Payment can be made by bank card during your visit or via bank transfer:

Bank: Swedbank, AB
Recipient: Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Greece
IBAN: LT50 7300 0101 1187 4009

The consular fee may be waived if the person cannot pay due to serious circumstances (accident, illness, victim of a crime). In such cases, supporting documentation or a request from a Lithuanian institution is required.

How Long Is the Repatriation Certificate Valid

The RC  is usually issued for no longer than 15 calendar days, unless otherwise provided in international agreements. If the return trip exceeds 15 days or if there are valid reasons preventing return within 15 days, the consular officer may issue an RC valid for up to 45 calendar days.

Request Processing Time

• If you come to the embassy in person, the RC can be issued during your visit.
• If applying by post (with or without honorary consul mediation), delivery time will depend on courier or postal services.

Important Information for Lost Documents in Cyprus or Albania

If you lose your identity document while in Cyprus or Albania, where there is no Lithuanian embassy, and you need to return to Lithuania before the RC can be issued, you may contact the diplomatic missions of other EU countries in those states to request an Emergency Travel Document (ETD).