Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
Estonia officially reopened the border for tourism June 1, 2020, starting with select countries within the EU. As of July, Estonia has now reopened for additional third-party countries and will soon be launching their digital nomad visa program.
Below we have compiled two lists of countries that are currently allowed to visit Estonia. One for EU nations, and the other for third-party countries. Both lists also have which countries will need to quarantine on arrival and which ones do not.
Countries Allowed To Travel To Estonia
Here are both the EU nations and third-party nations that can travel to Estonia right now.
Please note: These lists will change every two weeks. The countries permitted (as well as the quarantine requirements) are based on the relative case rate in each country. If the active case rate goes above 16 per 100,000 population, then quarantine is needed.
EU Countries Allowed To Visit Estonia
The below EU countries are able to travel to Estonia for tourism, without restrictions.
(accurate as of Oct 26)
Without Quarantine/Testing
- Norway
- Finland* with PCR test
- Latvia* with PCR test
- Lithuania* with PCR test
With Quarantine
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Countries that have a mandatory quarantine may take a COVID-19 test at the airport to shorten their self quarantine time to one or two days depending on results.
Third-Party Countries Allowed To Visit Estonia
Based on the recommendation of the European Union, Estonia will open its border to 14 countries outside the European Union that have a low infection rate. Accurate as of August 28th, residents of the below countries can travel to Estonia:
As of August 28th a mandatory 14 day quarantine MAY be applied to third party countries arriving in Estonia.
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Rwanda
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Uruguay
Testing to Circumvent Quarantine
From 1 September, those returning to Estonia from COVID-19 risk countries will have the opportunity to be tested for coronavirus at the airport and port in order to shorten the 14-day quarantine.
Testing is free of charge for Estonian residents; foreigners can take the test at a cost of 67 euros.
More information on circumventing quarantines with testing is available HERE
Is entry into Estonia based on location, nationality, or residency?
Estonia states it is allowing tourists into the country based on their residency.
Is there testing on arrival or requirement to be tested prior to arrival in Estonia?
No. Residents from the above approved countries are not required to submit a negative-PCR test, nor be tested upon arrival in Estonia.
Will I have to Quarantine upon arrival into Estonia?
The above lists will clearly tell you if you are required to quarantine or not upon arrival into Estonia.
Other Entry Requirements in Estonia
All other normal border/immigration rules will apply for countries permitted to visit.
In-bound tourists should also expect a health screening and/or temperature check upon entering.
Can I transit through Estonia?
Foreigners are allowed to transit Estonia on their way home only if they do not show symptoms. If you have a layover in Estonia on your way to another country for tourism, contact the airline and the airport to see if you are permitted to transit through in your specific case.
Are masks mandatory in Estonia?
No. Masks for both indoor or outdoor use are not mandatory, but still recommended. However, many airlines have made the wearing of masks mandatory, so you will still need one for your trip to Estonia.
Is There a Digital Nomad Visa for Estonia?
Yes! Estonia is finally launching their Digital Nomad Visa, a type of Visa that will allow freelancers, entrepreneurs, and location-independent professionals to live and work in Estonia for a year at a time.
Final details about the DNV program are being announced and applications will be open soon.
The long awaited #digitalnomadvisa is here! From 15 July, you can apply for a new #remotework visa to stay in #Estonia for up to 12 months. 🙌 Learn about how to apply, the eligibility criteria, the idea behind it, and more from our MD @ottvatter 👉https://t.co/x9AWB1mjhh
— e-Residency: Estonia (@e_Residents) July 8, 2020
What’s Open in Estonia?
Most things reopened in Estonia on June 1. Here is a list of everything you will find open again in the country, most with 50% capacity limits:
- Saunas, spas and swimming pools
- Bowling, billiards and play rooms
- Casinos and arcades
- Movie theatres, plays and performances (max 500 px)
- Outdoor events (max 1000 px)
- Sporting competitions with spectators
- Museums, galleries and exhibitions
- Restaurants, cafes and bars
- Hotels and other accommodations
Have Flights Resumed To Tallinn?
Yes. Daily direct flights have resumed all over Europe. Tallinn flies direct to dozens of cities. You will find the most availability of flights with these airlines: Wizz Air, Air Baltic, RyanAir, Belavia, and EasyJet.
Can the USA visit Estonia?
No, the USA cannot visit Estonia at this time.
Read More: See our complete guide of countries now reopen for international tourism, which countries are open for British, Canadian and American tourists, and which cruise ships have reopened for sailings.
Disclaimer: Estonia’s reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
Sources: Visit Estonia / Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Article originally published July 11, 2020