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Photo: Kadi-Liis Koppel
Photo: Kadi-Liis Koppel

    Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice for Tallinn, Estonia

    Practical tipsConvention
    07.09.2020 visittallinn.ee
    What are the different restrictions in place in Estonia to restrtict the spread of coronavirus? Read our overview and do not forget to remain vigilant about social distancing, wash your hands, stay home when sick, and follow the safety rules of the different establishments. Let's all help keep each other safe!

    Estonia's borders are open to passengers with no symptoms arriving from the European Union, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and selected non-European countries. However, if you are coming from a destination where the relative coronavirus infection rate (cases per 100 000 habitants) is above 16, you will have to self-isolate for two weeks - see the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the exact conditions and requirements (updated every Friday afternoon). 

    For the latest instructions and additional information related to the coronavirus epidemic in Estonia, consult the official crisis portal www.kriis.ee (in Estonian, English, and Russian) or call the crisis hotline at 1247 (+372 600 1247). For medical advice, please call the family doctors' helpline at 1220 (+372 634 6630, open 24h/7).

    What to know about the safety measures in place in Tallinn, Estonia?

    Social distancing

    In public areas, both outside and inside, please keep a safe distance of at least two metres (6,6 ft).

    Face masks

    Protective masks are not compulsory in Estonia. However, their use is recommended in more crowded places where keeping a social distance is difficult, such as shopping malls, public transport, and medical facilities. You can find more information about when and where to use a mask in Estonia on the kriis.ee website.   

    Public spaces: museums, attractions, restaurants, theatres, spas etc

    The following attractions, shops, and entertainment establishments are open provided they comply with the rules on social distancing and hygiene:
    • Museums
    • Malls, shopping centres, and individual shops
    • Public playgrounds and outdoor sports grounds 
    • Gyms and sports clubs
    • Bars and restaurants
    • Spas, saunas, and swimming pools, although they can only operate at 50% of their maximum capacity
    • Bowling alleys and billiard halls 
    • Theatres, cinemas, and casinos provided they follow the rules for indoor events (see below)
    • Nightclubs, shisha-bars and other similar recreational establishments provided they follow the rules for indoor events (see below).
    • Tallinn's public beaches.
    NB! As a temporary measure, the sale of alcohol is prohibited at entertainment and catering establishments from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. 

    Public events

    Event organisers must disperse people to ensure social distancing and follow the restrictions on the number of participants and room occupancy.  
    • Indoor events: a maximum of 1500 filling no more than 50% of the venue or having clearly marked seats for everyone.  
    • Outdoor events: a maximum of 2000 participants

    Travel restrictions, compulsory self-isolation period, and testing

    As a temporary measure, Estonia has reintroduced border control. You can find more information about crossing the Estonian border during the global coronavirus epidemic on the kriis.ee website. 

    Who can enter the country? 

    • Estonian citizens and holders of an Estonian residency permit or right of residence
    • Foreign nationals who have close relatives in Estonia 
    • Diplomats and their family members posted to Estonia
    • People providing vital services, foreign nationals needing to enter in the framework of international military cooperation, and international cargo.
    • People with no symptoms arriving from the European Union, the members of the Schengen area, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and selected non-European countries. The full list is avalaible on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 
    Please bear in mind that if you enter the country, you may need to self-isolate. The compulsory quarantine for people arriving in Estonia depends on whether the relative coronavirus infection rate in their country of origin is above 16. This means that no more than 16 people per 100 000 inhabitants are infected in the passenger’s country of origin in the past 14 days. Anyone arriving in Estonia from a country with a higher infection rate must self-isolate for two weeks. 

    See if you are required to self-isolate on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the infection rates are updated every Friday afternoon and come into force on Monday of the new week).

    I am arriving from a high-risk area. Can I take a test to reduce the compulsory self-isolation period?

    You can reduce the compulsory self-isolation period by getting tested at the public testing centres at Tallinn Airport and the Port of Tallinn (terminals A and D) upon arrival. If you arrive by car or by bus, you can prebook your testing time by phone: +372 678 0000 (Mo-Su from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

    Keep in mind that testing negative does not automatically excempt you from the compulsory self-isolation but can shorten it.

    You are required to take two tests: the first, upon arrival, and the second no earlier than seven days after the result of the first test.
    • Test yourself at the Tallinn airport or port. When awaiting test results, isolate yourself fully 
    • If your result is negative, you are required to self-isolate in limited form for seven days: you can go to work or get groceries, but you have to avoid all unnecessary contacts and maintain social distance in public areas
    • In no later than seven days after receiving the first result, take a second test. If this one is also negative, you can resume normal activities. 
    Read more about the procedure, specific requirements, and potential fees on the website of the Estonian Health Board. 

    What else should I know about travelling to Estonia?

    • You can transit through Estonia to your home country if you have no symptoms of COVID-19. 
    • There are no restrictions on exiting the country.
    • Many flight, bus, and ferry connections have temporarily stopped or reduced their services - for details about your travel connection, please contact your travel company or service provider. 
    • International cruises: the start of the cruise ship season at the ports of Estonia has been delayed.
    Read more about travelling to Estonia and crossing the border on the crisis information portal kriis.ee (in English, Russian, and Estonian) or call the crisis hotline 1247 (+372 600 1247). 

    Consular information 

    If you need consular information or have questions about travel restrictions in other countries, you can find the contacts of diplomatic representations in Tallinn on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24h-helpline: +372 53 01 9999) 

    Tallinn Tourist Information Centre: opening times

    The staff at Tallinn's conveniently located Tourist Information Centre are always happy to assist you! The centre is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.  

    You can contact us by phone, e-mail or via social media. When in Tallinn, you can also simply drop by to ask questions, take free maps and brochures, or use the centre's free Wi-Fi to do your own research.

    We are committed to acting responsibly to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. The health of our customers as well as our team members is of utmost importance to us. 

    Medical help in Estonia

    • Family doctor advice line: +372 634 6630 (or 1220 if you have an Estonian number)
    • Emergency: 112
    If you need medical advice while in Tallinn, please contact the family doctor helpline at +372 634 6630 (or 1220 if you have an Estonian number). 

    A doctor answers your health questions in English every day from 15:00 to 17:00 (24h/7 in Estonian and Russian) and can also redirect you to the emergency line 112 if necessary.  

    Should your situation get worse, call 112 for an ambulance. 

    Travelling to Estonia

    Information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic 

    Keep a safe distance, wash your hands, and stay home when sick. Photo by: Kriis.ee
    Keep a safe distance, wash your hands, and stay home when sick. Photo by: Kriis.ee