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Travelers Digest Estonia Page
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Estonia Fact Sheet
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COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Estonia is a rapidly developing nation that has
experienced significant success in reforming its political and economic
institutions since regaining independence in 1991. Tourist facilities are
generally good though some amenities may be lacking in rural areas. Some goods
and services may not be available outside of major cities. The capital is
Tallinn.
Estonia's Overall Rating. 3 Out of 5.
Estonia's Expense Level. 3 Out of 5.
Estonia's Crime Level. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
 
Estonian's Overall Friendliness. 2 1/2 Out of 5.
 
Estonia's Nightlife Rating. 5 Out of 5.
Visas: Estonia requires visas from all nationalities
except citizens of most northern, central and eastern European countries,
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA
Health risks: None
Time: GMT/UTC plus 2 hours
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric
Tourism: 2.5 million visitors a year
Currency: kroon (EEK). Currency
Converter
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required. Tourists and
business travelers may stay in Estonia for up to 90 days within a six month
period without a visa. U.S. citizens who wish to work in Estonia or remain
longer than 90 days must obtain a visa or residence permit. For further
information concerning entry requirements and residency permits, please contact
the Estonian Embassy.
CRIME: Travelers in Estonia should exercise the same precautions with
regard to their personal safety and belongings that they would take in major
U.S. cities. The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse
snatching, pick-pocketing and mugging. Violent crime, though rarely directed
against foreigners, does occur. Intoxicated people leaving bars alone or in
small groups late at night are a favorite target for muggings, which can turn
violent. Car thefts are common, and they can occur in daylight. Police
capabilities in Estonia are improving, but they still suffer from lack of
equipment, training, personnel and resources. Few police officers speak English.
Credit card fraud is on the rise. Travelers should take prudent precautions to
safeguard their credit cards and report any suspected unauthorized transactions
to the credit card company immediately. Racially motivated verbal and, on
occasion, physical harassment of non-Caucasian can occur. If an incident occurs,
it should be reported to your embassy.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: The quality of medical care in Estonia is
improving, but it still falls short of Western standards. Estonia has many
highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics still lack
equipment and resources. Elderly travelers and those with health problems may be
at increased risk.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Driving in Estonia can be more dangerous than in much of the United States.
Many roads, especially in rural areas, are poorly lit and not up to Western
standards. Some drivers can be aggressive and drive above the speed limit.
Pedestrians should be careful when crossing the streets, as drivers do not
always stop at marked crosswalks. Icy road conditions and wild animals, such as
moose, can create unexpected hazards. Driving at night, especially in the
countryside, can be particularly risky. Dark-clothed pedestrians walking along
unlit roads or darting across dimly lit streets or highways pose a risk to
unsuspecting drivers.
Local law requires that headlights be turned on while driving during the day
as well as at night. Use of seatbelts by all passengers is required, and
children too small to be secure in seatbelts must use child car seats. The speed
limit is 50 km/h in town and 90 km/h out of town unless otherwise indicated. A
right turn on a red light is prohibited unless otherwise indicated by a green
arrow. Laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are strict, and they
follow a policy of zero tolerance. It is not uncommon for the police to set up
checkpoints on major streets, and drivers should pull over when asked. Americans
planning to drive in Estonia must obtain an international driver's license prior
to arrival.
For information about international driving permits, please contact AAA or
the American Automobile Touring Alliance. The Eesti Autoklubi (Estonian Auto
Club) which is affiliated with AAA provides emergency roadside assistance.
Drivers do not need to be a member to receive assistance, however, the fees
charged are higher for non-members. The number to call for roadside vehicle
assistance and towing service is 118. For ambulance, fire or police assistance,
the number is 112. Please note that for both numbers, the operator may speak
little English.
Full country name: Republic of Estonia
Area: 45,200 sq km (16,272 sq mi)
Population: 1.4 million
Capital city: Tallinn (pop 420,500)
People: Estonian (65%), Russian (28%), Ukrainian (2.5%)
Language: Estonian
Religion: 23% Christian (Lutheranism and Orthodoxy)
Government: parliamentary democracy
Average Income: US$6450
Member of EU: In 2004
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Visas:
Estonia requires visas from all nationalities except citizens of most northern,
central and eastern European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the
USA.
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