FAQ: Travelling to Estonia

Travelling to Estonia is quick and convenient thanks to frequent connections with Scandinavia, Russia, Eastern and Central Europe. You can fly to Tallinn with a number of direct routes from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Paris, Vienna and many other cities. Ferry routes connect Tallinn with Helsinki and Stockholm. You can also take a ferry roundtrip to St. Petersburg via roundtrip through Scandinavia. You can arrive to Estonia by train from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Riga. Driving is another hassle-free way to travel to Estonia from Russia and Latvia.

Major international companies offer rental car services in Tallinn and you can hop on a rental upon your arrival in Tallinn Airport. This is a great way to discover gems along the way, including small towns and national parks.

Citizens of Australia and New Zealand do not need a visitor visa to visit Estonia. Please consult the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a full list and details. If you do require a Schengen area visa, you can submit an application at an Estonian representation abroad. If there is not an Estonian embassy or consulate in your country, you can apply at the office of a Member State representing Estonia in issuing visas.

There is a wide variety of local transport options available in Estonia. For cross country coach routes, schedules and tickets visit T-pilet.ee.

For train routes and tickets, please visit Elron.ee. For information about domestic ferries to the most popular islands such as Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Vormsi, Manilaid, Ruhnu, Aegna, Piirissaar and Prangli see praamid.ee, Veeteed.com and Tuuleliinid.ee. There are also domestic flights from Tallinn to the island towns of Kuressaare and Kärdla. Most buses and trains have free Wi-Fi.

There is a direct tram line from Tallinn Airport to the city centre (line number 4). Bus number 2 connects the port with Tallinn airport. Trams only operate in Tallinn.

For Tallinn public transport routes and schedules, please visit transport.tallinn.ee. Tickets can be purchased in cash from the drivers and a prepaid Smartcard  (Ühiskaart) can be bought and reloaded online or at a number of supermarkets, kiosks, and post offices. Taxi rates vary by company but are posted on a yellow sticker in the right rear window of each vehicle. You can easily order taxis and verified private drivers via the Bolt and Uber mobile app.

Estonia has right-hand traffic and an extensive road system. The speed limit in the countryside is 90 km/h and 50 km/h in urban areas unless specified otherwise. Sometimes the speed limit is lowered due to security reasons to 70 km/h. Estonian highways tend to be narrow, therefore it’s important to pay attention to the speed limits and to pay extra attention when overtaking. Speed cameras are common in Estonia and speeding is rarely tolerated. While driving in Estonia, all passengers are expected to wear seat belts and lights must be switched on at all times. A child safety seat must be installed for toddlers. Estonian laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are strict and follow a zero-tolerance policy. Parking tends to be free for the first 15-minutes at certain times of the day in Tallinn and Tartu, but there needs to be a clear indication of the start time visible to the parking officer. Shopping mall parking lots tend to be more flexible (free for up to 4 hours). There are also secured paid bicycle racks available in Tallinn city center.

More information about parking.

Before taking off, make sure your car has a danger triangle, reflective vest, and a fire extinguisher. Unless your car has all-season tires, you are required to install studded tires for winter driving in Estonia. Studded tires are usually required from the 15th of October to the 31st of March.

Foreign vehicles must have third party liability insurance in Estonia. Vehicles registered in an EEA country can only be insured in that specific country of registration. For vehicles registered outside of EEA, a Green Card or border insurance is required. Estonia recognises driving licenses from countries around the world, please check for specific requirements.

Ice road driving is one of the most fun things in Estonia and comes with its own rules. The first thing to do before heading out is to check if the ice road is even open (see more).

Here are other useful facts you should know about driving in Estonia:

• Names of bus stops are good indicators of unmarked villages.
• Estonia is home to nearly 12,000 deer and other wild animals who crossroads regularly, especially during dusk and dawn.
• It’s against the law to actively use a mobile device while driving.
• Estonia has a network of charging stations for electric cars. Stations are roughly 40-60 kilometres apart. More information is available via elmo.ee 

More information about foreign driving licence.

The weather in Estonia is very seasonal. The average summer temperature is fairly mild, varying between 16 and 20 degrees Celcius, but can reach up to 30 degrees Celcius. Summer in Estonia tends to be very light, with 19 hours of daylight known locally as the "white nights". Spring and autumn see frequent light rain so bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket. In winter, the rain turns to snow, and the temperature drops below zero, so wrap up warm. The weather forecast in Estonia is available via weather.ee.

Estonia is a safe country with low crime rates. In busy urban areas, as in any country, you should look after your belongings and be aware of pickpocketing. It is required by law for pedestrians to wear a reflector in Estonia due to poor visibility on high traffic roads across the country. Reflectors come in lots of attractive designs and can be purchased for a few euros in supermarkets and souvenir shops.

Tap water is safe to drink all across the country.

It is advisable to purchase travel insurance before a trip. Residents of Europe should check if their health care provider has a contract with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. If so, you should also obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving. The EHIC isn't a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles EU citizens to state-provided medical treatment on the same terms as Estonian nationals.

Major commercial carriers and hotels in Estonia have all been equipped with accessible entries and facilities. However, it’s always good to double-check ahead of time.

Elron trains in Estonia have priority seating (marked with international symbols) for people with limited mobility and there is a wheelchair spot in the C-area that is equipped with a safety belt and an SOS-button. Passengers in wheelchairs can board the train using the "C-area" doors, including a fully automated adjustable step and a button to open the door that is designed for use by a passenger in a wheelchair.

Tax Free shopping enables international shoppers to claim back the VAT on their eligible purchases when they shop abroad. A typical Tax Free shopping journey begins with an international shopper purchasing goods at a store, with VAT included in the price, and follows these three steps:

• Issuing of a Tax Free form at the point of sale
• Validation for the Tax Free form by Customs when the shopper leaves EU-territory
• Refunding the VAT to the shopper once the Tax Free form is validated

Who is eligible for Tax Free Shopping in Estonia?
Anyone who has a permanent residence in a non-EU country

How to Shop Tax Free?

• Look for the Tax Free sign in a store to make sure the Tax Free Shopping service is offered there
• Spend at least 38,01 euros in one store per day to meet the required minimum purchase amount
• Keep in mind that purchased goods must be exported in an unused condition
• Remember that export validation for the Tax Free form must be obtained upon leaving EU-territory within 3 months from the issuing month

Ask for more details from the store or visit the Customs site.

NEW! As of 1st of January 2021, UK residents in England, Wales and Scotland (excluding Northern Ireland) are eligible to use Tax Free Shopping service in Estonia.

• European Union membership: since 2004
• Official language: Estonian, with English widely spoken
• Currency: Euro € (check conversion rates)
• Time zone: GMT +2 in winter and GMT +3 in summer
• Country dialling code: 00372 or +372
• Emergency number: 112 (all emergencies)
• Plug socket: type F, with voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz
• Travelling with a pet. Full details of travelling to Estonia with a pet are available via Pet Travel website.
• Tipping in Estonia. Tipping is becoming more common in Estonia but is usually limited to restaurants and delivery services only. 10% is a typical gratuity for exceptional service.

Most shops, banks, and restaurants are open on public holidays – the 25th of December and 1st of January are the only days when most businesses are closed.

• 1st of January: New Year’s Day. Usually a very quiet day after celebrations.
• 24th of February: Independence day. Celebrated with the military parade in the morning and festive family dinners in the evening.
• Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Commonly known as lihavõtted or munadepühad in Estonian. Celebrated by springtime (dairy-based) treats, eggs, and folk festivities.
• 1st of May: May Day. The night before (Walpburg night) is celebrated with parties and witchcraft.
• 23rd of June: Victory Day. Celebrating decisive battle (1919) during the War of Independence
• 24th of June: Midsummer Day. Commonly known as Jaanipäev. Celebrated with bonfires, different events and festivities taking place all around Estonia. One of the most important dates in a year for Estonians.
• 20th of August: Day of Restoration of Independence. Celebrated with national festivities, events, and family gatherings.
• 24th December – 26th of December: Christmas.