Estonia

Summary

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

You should be aware that petty theft, especially in Tallinn Old Town, is becoming increasingly common. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.

You must have the original V5 C (Vehicle Registration Document) if driving into Estonia. See the Road Travel section of this advice for more details.

Terrorism 
 
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Local Travel 
 
Tickets and travel cards from 2-72 hours or 10-30 days for trams, trolley buses and buses are sold at kiosks. You can also buy books of 10 tickets from there also. Tickets can be bought from drivers it is advisable to have the correct change as the drivers may not be able to accept higher denomination notes. For the ticket to be valid, you must stamp it yourself in a machine in the vehicle. If a ticket inspector finds you do not have a valid ticket, you will be fined.
 
Taxis are widely available and are reasonably priced. However, do make sure there is a visible meter and that it is being used. It is better to phone a major taxi company such as Tulika Takso (tel 120000), Linnatakso (tel 6442442), Klubi Takso (tel 6380638) and Krooni Takso (tel 6381111) rather than hail one from the street. These companies are usually able to tell you the type, number and colour of the car in advance. Do not use taxis that are unmarked; they are illegal and usually cost a lot more than registered taxis, and they might also be unsafe.

Local laws and customs

You should not use, buy or possess drugs: sale and distribution is illegal and the possession of even the smallest quantities can lead to 1-10 years imprisonment.

From 14 July 2008 until further notice there will be an alcohol sales ban in Tallinn (capital) and Harju county from 22.00 until 10.00 in shops and street cafés. This does not include bars and restaurants.
 
Leave passports and valuables in hotel safes, and carry a photocopy of your passport as identification.

Visas 
 
Visas are not required to enter Estonia.

Passport validity 
  
Passports should have at least three months validity remaining on entry.
 
Insurance 
 
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You must have valid health insurance to the value of 400,000 Estonian Kroons (approximately £17,500 at the current exchange rate) for the duration of their stay. You are advised to re-check the exchange rate before travelling to ensure you have adequate cover. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. 

Money 
 
New legislation on the controls of cash entering or leaving the EU will apply in all Member States from 15 June 2007. Any person entering or leaving the EU will have to declare the cash that they are carrying if this amounts to 10,000 euros or more; this includes cheques, travellers' cheques, money orders, etc. This will not apply to anyone travelling via the EU to a non-EU country, as long as the original journey started outside of the EU nor to those travelling within the EU.