Estonia travel advice
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Last updated: ET
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- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
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Risk level
Estonia - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Estonia.
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs, particularly in Tallinn Old Town and Tartu during the summer season. Thieves target tourists.
Theft occurs particularly in crowded public areas such as:
- popular tourist areas
- buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports
- hotel lobbies
- restaurants, including outdoor seating areas
Thieves often work in small groups.
During your trip:
- keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
- do not carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
- avoid deserted streets at night
- avoid isolated areas
- avoid walking alone after dark
- be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas
Violent crime
Although rare, violent crime and harassment has occurred, sometimes targeting foreigners of non-European descent.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in several European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including police stations
- schools, including universities
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
- cultural venues
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Harassment
Individuals, including women, 2SLGBTQI+ persons and racialized groups, have been subject to harassment or verbal abuse. Online abuse and harassment, including calls for violence against individuals, occurs.
Avoid travelling alone, especially at night. If you are the victim of harassment, you should report it immediately to the police and the nearest Government of Canada office.
Useful links
- Advice for women travellers
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Fraud
Credit card, debit card and ATM fraud
Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs sometimes.
When using your debit or credit card:
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
- pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
- use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
Cybercrime
Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion occur.
Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal your personal data or credit information.
Criminals can monitor social media and listen to your phone conversations.
Romance scams through dating sites and/or social media have occurred.
- Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
- Use your own USB adaptor or carry an extra battery pack
- Use secure public Wi-Fi networks
- Beware of people who show a keen interest in you online
- Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
- Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers
Useful links
Demonstrations
Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Spiked food, drinks and other items
Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Avoid accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as these items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Roads
Road safety
Road safety may vary considerably throughout the country.
Road conditions
Country roads are poorly lit. Some roads in rural areas are unpaved and may not be cleared of snow in the winter.
Public transportation
Taxis
Taxi availability may be limited outside city centres or in rural areas.
- Only use officially marked taxis
- Only use reputable taxi companies through establishments such as hotels or taxi apps
- Never share a taxi with strangers
- Confirm the fare in advance
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
Entry and exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Estonian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Schengen area
Estonia is in the Schengen area. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.
If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.
Useful links
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days*
Transit visa: not required
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days*
* The 90-day period begins upon initial entry into any country of the Schengen area. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country within any 180-day period.
Health insurance
For stays longer than 90 days, customs officials may ask you to show proof of adequate health insurance upon arrival.
Vehicles registered in Belarus or Russia
Estonia enforces an EU entry ban on vehicles with Belarusian or Russian license plates.
Certain exceptions apply. You should verify with the Estonian authorities before you attempt to cross the border in a private vehicle from Belarus or Russia.
Useful links
- Estonia prohibits the entry of Russian motor vehicles – Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia
- Vehicles with Belarusian license plates are banned entry into the European Union – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia
Other entry requirements
Customs officials may ask you to show them proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Children and travel
Learn more about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.
Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.
Routine vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.
Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.
Practise safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.
Tick-borne encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.
Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.
Protect yourself from tick bites. The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Influenza
The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
The flu occurs worldwide.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
- In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.
The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.
The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Rabies
In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.
Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.
Safe food and water precautions
Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.
- Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
- Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
- Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.
Insect bite prevention
Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:
- Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
- Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
- Minimize exposure to insects
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed
To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.
Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.
Animal precautions
Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.
Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.
Person-to-person infections
Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:
- washing your hands often
- avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
- avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.
Medical services and facilities
Health care is excellent in Tallinn and Tartu. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.
Doctors and hospitals expect travel insurance or payment up front for health services. Credit cards and money transfers are widely accepted. Cash payments are also accepted, but rarely expected.
Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Health and safety outside Canada
Medication
Some prescription medications may not be available in Estonia.
If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Estonia.
Customs officials may ask you to show them your prescription to confirm that you’re entering the country with the correct amount for your stay.
- Bring enough medication for your stay
- Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
- Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Transfer to a Canadian prison
Canada and Estonia are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Estonia to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Estonian authorities.
This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect prison sentences or heavy fines.
Identification
You must always carry photo identification, such as a passport, as local authorities can ask you to prove your identity.
Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Estonia.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of Estonia, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Estonia.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Estonia, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Estonian court.
If you are in this situation:
- act as quickly as you can
- contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Estonia to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.
Useful links
- List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
- International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
- Children and travel
- The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Request emergency assistance
Reflective items
Pedestrians must wear small reflectors from dusk until dawn. You can buy reflectors at most stores. They are usually pinned to coats or bags. Reflective vests, clothing, and accessories are also permitted. Reflectors or reflective items must be visible to drivers.
You could be fined for failure to wear a reflector, particularly if an accident occurs.
Drones
Estonian and European laws regulate recreational and commercial drone operation.
You must register as a drone operator and apply for authorisation with the Estonian authorities. Depending on the size of your drone and the intended use, you may also need to take a proof of competency exam.
Certain areas are restricted or off limits for personal drones. These include:
- military sites
- certain nature conservation areas
- areas within 5 km of airports
If you don’t comply with these laws, your drone could be confiscated and you could face heavy fines, arrest and detention. You could also be deported and banned from the entire Schengen area.
Useful links
- Operating a drone – European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- Flying drones in Estonia – Transport Administration of the Republic of Estonia
Driving
You can drive in Estonia with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to 12 months.
Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Estonia has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s license on the spot. If you’re convicted, you can expect heavy fines and possible jail time.
If you are involved in an accident, you must contact the police to file an official report.
Police sometimes set up checkpoints on major roads. Foreign-registered vehicles are subject to strict regulations. When driving, you should always carry your original registration documents.
Road rules and safety – Estonia – Your Europe
Money
The currency of Estonia is the euro (EUR).
If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:
- banknotes and coins
- bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
- bonds, shares
- gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
- gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
- any other convertible asset
This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.
EU cash controls - European Commission
Natural disasters and climate
Climate change
Climate change is affecting Estonia. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.
Flooding and landslides
Heavy rains and melting snow can cause flooding and landslides. Flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.
- Exercise caution, particularly in areas around rivers
- Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 112 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
Tallinn - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Estonia, in Tallinn, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
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