Estonia

Estonia is a beguiling mix of the ultra-modern and firmly traditional, a northern Baltic land of primeval forests, rivers, and sea islands, with one of the smallest populations of any country in the world.

Most Estonians have opted for city life, leaving the countryside rather wild and filled with rare birds, plants and roaming deer, elk, wild boar, bears and wolves. The low, largely flat landscape is also dotted with relics of Estonia's medieval glory, when the Teutonic knights reigned supreme and built castles which are now left as decaying hulks, testifying to the wealth of the traders who made use of the country's ports. The main port, Tallinn, today still the capital city, was part of the mighty Hanseatic League in the 13th century. Its medieval prosperity has given the romantic city a wealth of attractions for modern-day tourists to explore.

Historical and natural attractions are only one reason why Estonia is experiencing an upsurge in tourism. The country is sandwiched between east and west Europe, also easily accessible from the south, offering fresh and unspoilt opportunities for those who enjoy the Nordic experience. The country lies along the Baltic Sea, just below Finland, with Russia to the east and Latvia to the south. Estonia has only recently (in 1991) thrown off the shackles of Soviet domination, and a vibrant spirit of freedom and rebirth pervades the air not only in the capital but also the lively university town of Tartu, the busy industrial centre of Narva and the idyllic summer vacation capital of Pärnu on the south-western coast.

Climate

Estonia has a temperate climate, with warm summers and severe winters. Temperatures range from a summer average of 70°F (30°C) to a winter average of 18°F (-8°C). Being on the Baltic Sea, the country is subjected to sea breezes and humidity and its northern latitude means long summer daylight hours (the longest summer day stretches to 19 hours), and dark winters when daylight sometimes lasts only six hours. The cold winter does not necessarily mean constant snow; in fact snowfalls are few and far between. When it falls it stays though, and there tends to be a layer of snow constantly on the ground between December and March. Summertime brings unexpected rain showers, so an umbrella and light raincoat are recommended.

Money

The Estonian currency is now the Euro, as the Kroon (EEK) was discontinued from 2011. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at hotels, banks and exchange bureaux in the larger towns, at the airport and main railway station. Major credit cards are generally accepted in the larger hotels, main restaurants and shops, but it is wise to check first. Preferred travellers cheques in Estonia are Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque. Banking hours are weekdays 9am to 4pm. Exchange bureaux are open till 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Some open on Sundays. ATMs are available in most towns.

Passport Visa

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.

Entry Requirements

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

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry to Estonia. Lyme disease is often reported from April through October and travellers 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.

Embassy Consulates

• Estonian Embassy, New York City, United States :+1 212 883 0636.
• Estonian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 3428.
• Estonian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada :+1 613 789 4222.
• Estonian Honorary Consulate, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 913 3850.
• Estonian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland :+353 (0)1 478 8888.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Tallinn: +372 668 8100.
• British Embassy, Tallinn: +372 667 4700.
• Canadian Embassy, Tallinn: +372 627 3311.
• Australian Consulate, Tallinn: +372 650 9308.
• South African Embassy, Helsinki, Finland (also responsible for Estonia): +358 (0)9 6860 3100.
• Irish Embassy, Tallinn: +372 681 1888.
• New Zealand Embassy, Berlin, Germany (also responsible for Estonia): +49 30 2062 10.