Travel Advisory

This page provides the full travel advisory for attendees of the NATO Summit 2023 in Vilnius, Lithuania. It includes important information about certain locations in the city and guidance for respectful engagement.

Essential Guidance for Respectful Cultural Engagement in Vilnius during the NATO Summit 2023

NATO Summit 2023, Vilnius, Lithuania

As you prepare for the upcoming NATO Summit 2023 in Vilnius, Lithuania, we would like to bring to your attention certain sensitive matters related to the host city.

There are several monuments and plaques within Vilnius that have been identified as perpetuating Holocaust denial and distortion. These sites may present a distorted view of historical events and could potentially cause distress or discomfort to visitors who are aware of the true historical context.

In light of this, we strongly advise all attendees to avoid visiting the following locations during your stay in Vilnius:

  1. The Genocide Museum: This institution is known for its revisionist stance on the Holocaust.

     

  2. Antakalnis Cemetery: This national cemetery is believed to contain the graves of individuals involved in the Holocaust, whom Lithuania deems to be national heroes.

     

  3. Wroblewski Library of the Academy of Sciences of Lithuania: The exterior of this building displays a plaque honoring Jonas Noreika, a known Holocaust perpetrator. It has been removed in anticipation of the Summit but we recommend avoiding this site in case it is restored early.

     

  4. The Tuskulėnai Manor: This site is the burial place of approximately 767 Lithuanians who were executed by the Soviets, including many Nazi criminals and members of Lithuanian death squads.

We believe that this measure will help to ensure that your focus remains on the important discussions and collaborations that the NATO Summit aims to foster.

We understand that this is a complex and sensitive issue. We respect the sovereignty of Lithuania and its right to remember its history. However, we also believe in the importance of historical accuracy and the need to acknowledge and remember the atrocities of the Holocaust.

We encourage all attendees to use this opportunity to engage in respectful dialogue about these issues, promoting understanding and reconciliation.

Please note that this advisory is not intended to discourage your participation in the NATO Summit. Rather, it is a precautionary measure to ensure that all attendees can focus on the Summit’s objectives without unnecessary distractions.

We look forward to your participation in the NATO Summit 2023 and appreciate your understanding and cooperation on this matter.