Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Estonia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for EstoniaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 112
Currency
- Name
- Euro
- Code
- EUR
- Symbol
- €
Estonia uses the Euro (joined Eurozone 2011). ATMs widely available. Cards accepted everywhere — Estonia is one of the most cashless societies in the world. Cards work at market stalls, buses, and even car parks.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type F
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) — EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Best Time to Visit
May–September is the window — Tallinn's Old Town (UNESCO, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe), the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa (windmills, manor houses), and the coastal forests are best in summer. The white nights of June (barely dark at all) are a unique experience. December's Christmas markets in Tallinn's Town Hall Square are among Europe's best.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Taxis | Round up | — |
Dress Code
- Casual throughout
- Smart casual for Tallinn's upmarket restaurants
Social Etiquette
- Estonia is the most digitally advanced country in the world — 99% of government services are online; Estonians vote online; the country invented Skype and Transferwise (now Wise)
- Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe — the Town Hall Square, Toompea Hill, and the city walls are extraordinary
- Estonia's national identity was largely built through song — the Estonian Song Festival (Laulupidu, held every 5 years) involves 30,000 singers
- Estonians are quiet and private by nature — they warm up slowly but form lasting friendships; don't mistake reserve for unfriendliness
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ rights: Estonia became the first post-Soviet country to legalise same-sex marriage (January 2024) — a landmark moment for the Baltic region
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Estonian) | Tere / Tere paevast | TEH-reh / TEH-reh PAY-vahst — 'hello / good day' |
| Thank you (Estonian) | Tänan / Aitäh | TAH-nan / EYE-tah — 'Aitäh' is the more common casual form |
| Cheers! (Estonian) | Terviseks! | TER-vee-seks — 'to health!' |
| Digital Estonia (concept) | e-Estonia | The world's most advanced digital society — the concept is called 'e-Estonia' |
| Song (Estonian — cultural concept) | Laul | LOWL — song is the Estonian national identity; the Singing Revolution of 1987–1991 was literally about song |
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