Tourism and Visas

Estonia is an amazing place of natural beauty, which is steeped in colourful history.

Interesting Facts:

  • The 45,227 km2 territory of Estonia is similar to that of the Netherlands, but the population (1.3 million) is ten times smaller.
  • The length of the longest day in summer is over 19 hours, while the shortest winter day lasts only six hours. It is not completely dark at night from the beginning of May until the end of July.
  • 5th season - in Soomaa National Park, in spring, if the snow thaws fast enough, a natural phenomenon occurs: the whole area floods and people have to travel around by boat.
  • Millions of birds stop in Estonia on their migratory paths.
  • Estonia has more than 1,500 islands, 1,000 lakes (5% of the Estonian territory), 7,000 rivers and streams. Bogs and wooded swamplands of different types cover over one fifth of the country.
  • Estonia is a sea country – the length of coastline (3,800 km) is about 6 times longer than the mainland borders.
  • Lake Peipsi is the fifth largest lake in Europe with a total area of 2,611 square km.
  • Estonia is very rich in forests – various kinds of forests cover almost half of the territory of Estonia. Elk, wild boar, bear and lynx are amongst the common large mammals living in Estonia. About 10 % of Estonia is a nature reserve.
  • Estonian Song Celebration (in Estonian: Laulupidu) - first held in 1869, takes place every five years, simultaneously with the Estonian Dance Festival. Over 32,000 singers, 11,000 dancers and 142,000 spectators participated in the event in 2019. UNESCO has recognised it as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
  • Swedish, German and Russian past - Estonia has been occupied by Russians, Swedes and Germans. Each has left their marks in our landscapes and culture. Right or wrong, they have contributed to making Estonians who they are.
  • Medieval Old Town Tallinn - it is impossible to deny that this is the main reason most people first come to Estonia – to see the best protected and intact medieval city in Europe.
  • In 2011, Tallinn was the European Capital of Culture.  www.tallinn2011.ee

 

More information about tourism and travel in Estonia:

Visit Estonia
Tourism Estonia
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In Your Pocket Guide
Tallinn official homepage
Song and Dance Celebration
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport
Port of Tallinn

Visas

Nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and any third-country national holding a residence permit of a Schengen State do not need a visa to enter Estonia.

EU and EEA member states are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Schengen States are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Although documents are not checked when one crosses an internal Schengen border, it is still necessary to carry a passport or ID card. Authorities (police, immigration officials) in Schengen states do have the right to check identifying documents, if necessary. 

Useful Links:

Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Estonian Representations around the world
Customs Guide for Travellers
Police and Border Guard Board

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