Arrested abroad — Užsienio reikalų ministerija · Lithuania

Direct answer

Every detained EU citizen has the right to have their consulate informed and to a lawyer and an interpreter — ask for both, immediately and in writing. Užsienio reikalų ministerija — konsulinė pagalba (8 5 236 2444) — the consular service of Lithuania — visits, checks conditions, passes messages to the family, and provides a list of local lawyers; it cannot get anyone released or interfere with the case. Valstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnyba (8 700 00 201) advises on legal aid, which most countries grant to detained foreigners. Pagalbos nukentėjusiems nuo nusikalstamų veikų tarnyba / 116 006 (116 006) supports the family at home.

Call firstUžsienio reikalų ministerija — konsulinė pagalba

Report toValstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnyba

If that failsPagalbos nukentėjusiems nuo nusikalstamų veikų tarnyba / 116 006

🗣️ What to say

"[Name], a citizen of Lithuania, was arrested in [city, country] on [date] and is held at [place if known]. I am [relation]. Has the consulate been informed? Can you visit, confirm their situation, and help with a lawyer and passing messages?"

🪜 Step by step

Consular line: Užsienio reikalų ministerija — konsulinė pagalbaGive name, date of birth, place of detention, what you know. Ask them to make contact.
LawyerA local lawyer, from the consulate's list or via legal aid. A lawyer from home can advise but usually cannot act there.
Do not pay "release fees"Calls asking the family for money to free someone are almost always scams. Verify through the consulate.
Money and messagesThe consulate can transfer funds from the family for essentials and pass letters.
Long detentionTransfer to serve a sentence at home is possible under EU and Council of Europe rules; the consulate and the lawyer explain.

📇 All contacts

Užsienio reikalų ministerija — konsulinė pagalbaConsular assistance abroad, 24/7In an emergency abroad📞 8 5 236 2444 🔗 keliauk.urm.lt

Valstybės garantuojamos teisinės pagalbos tarnybaFree legal aid for low incomesWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 8 700 00 201 🔗 vgtpt.lrv.lt

Pagalbos nukentėjusiems nuo nusikalstamų veikų tarnyba / 116 006Free victim support, state compensationAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 tm.lrv.lt/lt/veiklos-sritys/pagalba-nukentejusiems-nuo-nusikalstamu-veiku

❓ Frequently asked

Can the consulate get them out?

No — they cannot interfere with the justice system of another country. They ensure fair treatment and contact.

What if the person is a dual national of that country?

The other country may not recognise the right to consular access. The consulate still tries.

Will it be on their record at home?

Foreign convictions can be exchanged between EU countries (ECRIS). A lawyer at home can advise on the consequences.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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