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Estonia Country Information
Estonia, the northern Baltic land of
primeval forests, rivers, bogs, lakes and sea islands, has one
of the smallest populations
of any country in the world, and most of the people 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.
Basic Information
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last
Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts, 50
Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
Language: Locals speak Estonian, which is part of the Finno-Ugric
family of languages. English is widely used and understood among
the younger generation and those involved in the tourist industry.
Travel
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.
Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice, but there is a growing
trend to leave tips in restaurants; generally 5-10% of the bill
according to level of service; some places do however include a
service charge on the bill. Taxi drivers appreciate the spare change.
Safety
Information: Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free,
but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase
in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and
mugging around Tallinn's Old Town, at ferry ports and major hotels.
Be vigilant and take precautions like avoiding unlit side streets
and parks after dark.
Local
Customs: Estonians are at first glance generally quiet and
reserved, and do not like to draw attention to themselves. A handshake
is the practised form of greeting.
Business: Business is conducted formally in Estonia. A formal
dress code is expected. Shaking hands is the common form of greeting
for men and women. The person should be referred to as 'Harra'
(Mr.), 'Prova' (Mrs.) or 'Preili' (Miss) followed by the surname.
Relationships based on trust need to be developed and several meetings
may need to take place. Business cards are often exchanged and
it is polite to have the alternate side translated. Decisions are
not necessarily made during the meetings. Business hours are generally
8am to 6pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international dialling code for Estonia is
+372 and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The country has area codes,
except for the capital, Tallinn. Pay phones using cards are widely
available. Cards can be purchased from hotel reception desks, tourist
information offices, post offices, newsstands and some shops. There
is a GSM mobile network available. There are several Internet cafes
in Tallinn.
Duty
Free: Travellers
over 18 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay
duty on goods to the value of €175. The
following items are duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos
or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits higher than 22% alcohol
volume or 2 litres spirits or aperitifs with alcohol content lower
than 22% (includes sparkling wines, liqueur wines, still wine),
and beer to the value of €175. Goods for personal consumption
include 50g perfume, 250ml eau de toilette and medical products
for personal use. Travellers arriving with goods purchased in EU
countries have more leeway.
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Weather and Climate in Estonia
Like the rest of coastal
Estonia, Tallinn has a temperate climate, with warm summers and
severe winters.
Temperatures range from a
summer average of 21°C (70°F) to an average in winter of
-8°C (18°F). Being on the Baltic Sea the city 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 lasts sometimes 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, however,
and there tends to be a layer of snow on the ground constantly
between December and March. Summertime brings unexpected rain showers,
so an umbrella and light raincoat are recommended.
Estonia Visa and Entry Information
- Visa Agencies: Avoid the stress and queues, get a visa agency
to arrange your visa.
Travel Visa Pro, San Francisco, USA. 1-888-470-8472 or www.TravelVisaPro.com
Global Visas, Estonia: B2B visa assistance from Global Visas
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a valid passport.
A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in
a six-month period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK citizens
must have a valid passport. If holding a passport endorsed
British Citizen a visa
is not required. British National (Overseas), British Overseas
Territories Citizen or British Subject with the right of abode
in the UK do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days in
a six-month period. In all other cases, a visa is required.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport.
A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in
a six-month period.
- Entry requirements for Australians: Australians
must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay
of up to 90 days in
a six-month period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans: South
Africans must have a valid passport for intended stay and a
visa.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals
must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay
of up
to 90 days in a six-month period.
- Entry requirements for Irish
nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport. A visa
is not required.
Passport/Visa
Note: All visitors are requested to have proof of
health insurance. Visitors who require a visa should have a passport
that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay,
while passports of those not requiring a visa need only be valid
for the period of intended stay, other than EEA members. 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 and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen
visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to
travel freely within the borders of all.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short
notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements
with their embassy or consulate.
Attractions in Estonia
- The
Old Town -
The winding, cobbled streets of Tallinn's historic centre are
the focus for most visitors to the city and the hub of the major
tourist attractions, which can all be enjoyed on a walking
tour.
The walled old town is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill
was the residential area of the aristocracy and gentry in days
of
yore, while the Lower Town operated independently.
- Tallinn
Zoo - The Estonian capital's most popular family attraction is
the zoo,
crammed with close on 6,000 animals from Polar bears to Siberian
Tigers, as well as species from warmer climates, like crocodiles
and chimpanzees frolicking in the Tropical House. There is
also a delightful petting zoo.
- Botanical
Garden -
Tallinn's magnificent Botanical Garden covers 110 hectares and
contains more than 8,000 plant species. The flora comes from
all around the world, displayed in arboretums, glasshouses,
open fields and thematic gardens.
- Estonian
Open Air Museum -
On a picturesque expanse of forest parkland on Kopli Bay is preserved
a collection of historic Estonian buildings, transplanted from
around the country to represent rural life through the centuries.
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Special
Events in Estonia
Jazzkaar - The annual festival celebrates jazz
music from both local and international
entries throughout the bars and clubs in Tallinn.
Airports in Estonia
Tallinn Lennujaam International Airport, (TLL)
- Location: The airport is two miles (4km) south
east of Tallinn city centre.
- Time: GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the
last Sunday in October.
- Contacts: Tel: +372 605 8888.
- Getting to the city: Bus 2 connects the airport to the city
centre. The bus stop is in front of the departure hall
at the airport.
Taxis are available at a rank outside the arrivals hall
and take about 10 minutes to the city centre.
- Car rental: Car rental agencies operating at the airport
include Avis, Budget, Hertz, National and Europcar.
- Facilities: The airport is small, but ultra-modern.
Three banks operate at the airport providing ATMs,
exchange
services and
cashing of travellers cheques. There is a post office
in the departure
hall, a large duty free shop, a bar and snack bar,
left luggage, travel agencies, a beauty salon and
two comfortable,
well-equipped
business lounges.
- Parking: Short and long-term parking is available.
- Departure Tax: None.
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Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
Strictly forbidden. Nil percentage of alcohol allowed in
driver’s blood. Fine and/or imprisonment for non-compliance.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK licence holder may drive a
temporarily imported car and/or motorcycle 18.
Fines:
The police can impose fines on the spot. The police control speeds
closely
and will give fines for even the smallest speeding offences. Illegally
parked cars will
be clamped.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane), diesel and LPG available.
No leaded
petrol. Petrol in a can permitted, subject to payment of excise
duty at the frontier.
Credit cards accepted at most filling stations; check with your
card issuer for use in
Estonia before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Parnu to Talinn - 130 kms (2 hours)
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
more driving distances
Lights:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. Wearing of
crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory. Green Card recognised.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Children too small to wear seat belts must travel in
a child seat adapted to their size.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles without trailers: In built-up areas 31 mph (50 km/h), outside
built-up areas
55 mph (90 km/h) but up to 68 mph (110 km/h) on some roads during
the summer
months. Motorists who have held a driving licence for less than two
years must not
exceed 55 mph (90 km/h) outside built-up areas.
Compulsory equipment:
-
First-aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Two wheel chocks
- Warning triangle (excludes motorcycles)
-
Winter tyres - (with a minimum tread depth of 3mm) between the
1
st
December and the 1st March, however these dates may vary
from October to
April according to the weather conditions.
Other
rules / requirements:
It is recommended that visitors carry an assortment of spares for
their vehicle, such
as a fan belt, replacement bulbs and spark plugs.
In addition to the original vehicle registration document it is
recommended that an
International Certificate for Motor Vehicles (ICMV) is also carried
if visiting any
Russian speaking areas outside Estonia.
The border police may ask visitors for proof of sufficient personal
insurance cover
on entry.
It is prohibited to overtake a tram which has stopped to let passengers
on or off.
Motorists must pay a toll to enter the city of Tallin.
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