Practical information

Language

The language that is spoken in Estonia is called, “Estonian.” However, other languages are spoken by most of the people who live here. English is understood and spoken by many of the resident.

Time

Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone: GMT +2 hours.

Electricity

The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.

Currency

The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange offices. Most banks are open from 9.00 - 18.00 on weekdays, and some offices are also open on Saturday mornings. There are exchange offices in several hotels, in the port of Tallinn, at the airport, the railway station and many other places.

Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard, Diner's Club, American Express etc. are accepted in most of the major hotels, restaurants and shops, but ask first. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards supported by a valid passport. Check with the credit card company for further details before travelling. The most widely accepted traveller’s cheques in Estonia are Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque.

Calls

Calls to Estonia: the country code for Estonia is +372. Dial +372, then the area code and the subscriber's number.

Calls from Estonia: Calls from Estonia: Dial 00 + the country code + area code + the subscriber's number.

VISA

Estonia is a part of the Schengen visa area. Nationals of EU and EEA member states are free to enter Estonia. The required travel document for entry is a national ID card or passport.

Nationals of the following countries do not need visa to enter Estonia, and can stay for up to 90 days in any 6-month period: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela. The required travel document for entry is a valid passport.

Citizens of countries NOT mentioned above require a visa to enter Estonia. Visitors arriving in Estonia with visa must have national passports valid at least 3 months after their planned departure from Estonia.

Children aged 7 to 15 years must have their own passport when travelling to Estonia or, if they are registered in their parent's passport, must have their photo next to the name. Children under 7 years need not have a photo if they are registered in their parents' passports. Persons above 15 years must have a separate travel document with photo.

For detailed information, please contact the nearest Estonian consulate or embassy, or check the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs´ website http://www.vm.ee/eng/kat_150/

Tax Free

Travellers arriving from outside the European Union can buy goods from tax-free shops and have them exempt from VAT. Exemption from Value Added Tax shall be applied when the total sales price of the goods purchased from a tax-free shop (including the VAT) exceeds 2500 EEK. A tax-free shop provides the buyer with a respective document to prove the purchase. This document must be presented to Customs for confirmation when leaving the European Union. The buyer must take the goods out of the European Union before the end of the third month following the month of purchase.

Travellers are not allowed to unwrap the packaged goods before leaving the European Union. Travellers are obliged to present the unwrapped goods for customs inspection if requested. For further information please contact the local customs office or a customs officer on duty. Customs helpdesk: +372 696 7435, +372 696 7436.

Medical care

No vaccinations or health certificates are required upon entering Estonia, though health insurance is advisable. Ordinary over the counter medicaments are available in pharmacies (“Apteek”) in every town, there one also at the Solaris centre. However, for the convenience of the traveller we suggest you bring along your own supply.