Estonia

Civil unrest is generally not a problem in Estonia.

However, you should monitor local media for updates during public protests and events that draw large groups of people. If you're in an area affected by protests, follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Street crime includes:

• bag snatching
• pickpocketing
• mugging
• petty theft

Airports, train stations, parks, routes to major hotels and the Old Town in Tallinn are popular locations for pickpockets.

Pickpockets often work together in small groups. Keep a close eye on your belongings.

Drink spiking happens in bars and casinos. Don't leave drinks unattended.

Car theft is common, especially in Tallinn. Use secure and well-lit carparks. Don't leave valuables in vehicles.

Credit card fraud happens in tourist areas. Locations include shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Keep an eye on your credit card at all times.

Internet crimes have been reported. These include online dating and scams involving money.

Be wary of online contact from people you don't know.

Don't send money until you've checked who you're sending it to.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Estonia, they can still happen.

There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Estonia can experience natural disasters or severe weather across the country, including:

• extremely cold winters
• heavy snowfalls

These affect major metropolitan areas.

Winter weather can severely delay transport and temporarily shut down services and roads.

Flooding may happen in spring, from March to May.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• monitor the media and local sources for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars upfront for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Estonia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medication

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is present. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Insect-borne diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis and other tick-borne diseases are a risk in forested areas.

Ticks are common in spring, from March to November.

To protect yourself from disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

During and after visiting forested areas:

• check yourself for ticks
• remove any ticks as soon as possible
• ensure you remove the whole tick
• check the tick site for infection

Other health risks   

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases can occur. These include COVID-19, hepatitis and rabies.

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Water contamination may be a problem in rural areas.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• don't eat uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If an animal bites or scratches you, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Coronavirus disease COVID-19 (Estonian Health Board)
• COVID-19 (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)

Medical facilities

Medical facilities at the main hospitals in Tallinn and Tartu are good. Facilities may be limited in rural areas due to a lack of equipment and supplies.

Many doctors and hospitals need up-front payment before they treat you.

You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences include heavy fines and jail, even for possessing small amounts.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Same-sex relationships are legal in Estonia, but same-sex marriages aren't recognised in Estonian law. Attitudes can be conservative. You may choose to avoid public displays of affection.

You could be fined if you don't comply with some COVID-19 emergency measures.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Estonia recognises dual nationality in some situations.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Dual-national males may have to do military service if they have a permanent address in Estonia. If you're unsure of your obligation, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Estonia.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Estonia is part of the Schengen Area, meaning you can enter Estonia without a visa in some cases.

In other situations, you'll need to get a visa.

When you first enter the Schengen Area, get an entry stamp on your passport from border control staff.

Always carry your passport, even within the Schengen area.

Check local media and ask your transport company about border conditions.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Check local media and ask your transport company about border conditions.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information: 

• Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
• Government of Estonia
• Police and Border Guard

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government doesn't set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

Estonia's currency is the euro.

You must declare currency of 10,000 euros or more, or the equivalent, if you're travelling between Estonia and any non-European Union country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

If you don't declare your currency, authorities will fine you.

You don't need to declare cash if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Local Restrictions

Some COVID-19 safety measures remain in place in Estonia. Check the Estonian Government's COVID-19 website for the latest information. Pedestrians

By law, pedestrians must wear reflectors at night. If you don't, you can be fined.

You can buy cheap reflectors at most supermarkets and small shops.

Driving permit

You must have a valid Australian driver's licence to drive in Estonia.

You may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a vehicle. Ask the car rental company when you book.

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

The land border is open between Estonia and Russia. Commercial bus and rail routes are also available. You must comply with Estonian border rules and requirements. 

Expect increased wait time and delays at the border with Russia. Visit the Border Guard website for the latest information on border crossings.

Driving can be dangerous because of snow, road ice, and hazardous weather.

There are some road rules that you might not know:

• Headlights must always be on.
• Winter tyres must be fitted from 1 December to 1 March – dates may vary depending on weather conditions.

There's zero tolerance for drink driving. If you have a blood alcohol reading over 0%, penalties include heavy fines and jail.

More information:

• Estonian Border Guard website
• Travel advice for Russia
• Driving or riding

Taxis

Official taxis are marked and have a clear meter. Don't use illegal taxis.

Don't share a taxi with passengers you don't know.

Rideshare services are also available.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Estonia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

There's an Australian Consulate in Tallinn. The office provides limited consular assistance. It doesn't offer visa and immigration services or notarial services, or issue passports.

Australian Consul in Tallinn

c/- Standard Ltd

Marja 9

Tallinn EE-10617

Telephone: +372 6 509 308

Email: mati@standard.ee, Tallinn.Embassy@dfat.gov.au

For full consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Sweden.

Australian Embassy, Stockholm

Box 824

SE-101 36

Stockholm

Telephone: +46 8 613 2900

Email: stockholm.reception@dfat.gov.au

Website: sweden.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australian Embassy, Sweden

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia