Estonia Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, foreign passengers entering Estonia must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in the country. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in Estonia. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for passports endorsed British Citizen. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a half-year period for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom). Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom', do not require a visa to visit Estonia.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a Document of Identity issued by the Australian government to nationals of Australia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. Temporary passport holders will not be allowed entry into, nor transit through Estonia. A Schengen visa is required.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon arrival in Estonia. No visa is required.

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Estonia. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half-year period.

Healthcare

No vaccinations are required for entry to Estonia. Lyme disease is often reported from April through October and travelers should wear protective clothing if embarking on a nature trip and check themselves for ticks. Estonia's medical professionals are highly trained. Good health facilities can be found in Mustama and East Tallinn Central Hospital. Immediate cash payment is expected from visitors requiring care. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for all nationalities.

Safety

Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free, but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and mugging around Tallinn's Old Town, at ferry ports and major hotels. Be vigilant and take precautions like avoiding unlit side streets and parks after dark.