Fast Facts about Estonia

European Union membership: since 2004
Official language: Estonian, with English widely spoken
Currency: Euro €
Time zone: GMT +2 in winter and GMT +3 in summer
Country dialing code: 00372 or +372
Emergency number: 112
Plug socket: type F, with voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz
https://www.visitestonia.com

Getting to Estonia
Estonia is located in northern Europe, bordered on the south by Latvia, on the east by Russia, and Finland to the north over the Baltic Sea. Regular ferries run between Tallinn, Helsinki, and Stockholm, and landing at Tallinn Airport places you right in the middle of the city. Estonia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.

By plane
Tallinn Airport is conveniently located only four kilometers from the city center.
You can easily travel to and from the airport by bus or taxi. Buses 2 and 15 depart from the airport and travel to the city center. They leave from the lowest level (stop Lennujaam), down the escalator from the arrivals hall. The flights from Oslo and Stockholm to Tallinn are all under two hours. You can fly from Helsinki to Tallinn in 20 minutes, and from Helsinki to Tartu in a little less than an hour.

By ferry
Tallinn Port is located a 15-minute walk from the city center.
The ferry ride from Helsinki will take around 2-2.5 hours (except for one ferry, which takes four hours). The trip from Stockholm to Tallinn is a 12-hour overnight ferry ride.

By train
Thanks to an agreement between Estonia and its Baltic neighbors, Latvia and Lithuania, it is now possible to travel comfortably by train between Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius. The connection operates once a day in both directions and includes a transfer in Valga.

Visas
Estonia is an EU member country and part of the Schengen area. Please consult the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a list of countries requiring visas and application details. If you need a Schengen area visa, you can apply at an Estonian embassy in your country of origin. If there isn’t an Estonian embassy or consulate in your country, you can apply at the office of an EU member state representing Estonia for issuing visas.

Local transport
Tallinn is very compact and easy to get around. Reaching farther out destinations is simple thanks to the city’s network of buses and trams. The public transport network operates from 6:00 to 23:00 daily (see timetables for further information). https://www.visittallinn.ee/eng/visitor/plan/transport/public-transport

Accessibility
Many of Tallinn public transport’s trams, trolleys and buses are wheelchair accessible, indicated by symbols on each departure on their website. Service institutions are required by Estonian law to be accessible, and those not able to meet this requirement due to historical architecture (for example in Tallinn’s UNESCO protected Old Town) are usually staffed with helpful people who can accommodate special needs.

Traffic and driving
Estonia has right-hand traffic and an extensive road system, the quality of which varies. The speed limit in the countryside is 90 km/h and 50 km/h in urban areas unless specified otherwise. While driving in Estonia, passengers are expected to wear seat belts and lights must be switched on at all time. Estonian laws against driving under the influence of alcohol are strict and follow a zero tolerance policy. When parking, you can use the Barking mobile app to find spots and conveniently pay.

Safety
Estonia is a safe country with low crime rates. In busy urban areas, as in any country, you should look after your belongings and be aware of pick-pocket thieves. Reflectors are required by law to be worn to make pedestrians visible in low-light conditions, so be sure to attach one to your clothes, purse, rucksack and bicycle pedals. They come in lots of attractive designs and can be purchased for a few euros in supermarkets and souvenir shops.

Medical information
It is advisable to purchase travel insurance before a trip. Residents of Europe should check if their healthcare provider has a contract with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. If so, you should obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles EU citizens to state-provided medical treatment on the same terms as Estonian nationals.

Estonian public holidays
Most shops, banks, and restaurants are open on public holidays — the 25th of December and 1st of January are the only days when most businesses are closed.
1st of January: New Year’s Day. Usually a very quiet day after celebrations.
24th of February: Independence Day. Celebrated with the military parade in the morning and festive family dinners in the evening.
Good Friday and Easter Sunday: Commonly known as lihavõtted or munadepühad in Estonian. Celebrated by springtime (dairy-based) treats, eggs, and folk festivities.
1st of May: May Day. The night before (Walpurgis Night) is celebrated with parties and folk traditions.
23rd of June: Victory Day celebrates a decisive battle in 1919 during the War of Independence.
24th of June: Midsummer Day. Commonly known as Jaanipäev. Celebrated with bonfires, concerts, and festivities taking place all around Estonia. One of the most important dates in the year for Estonians.
20th of August: Day of Restoration of Independence. Celebrated with national festivities, events, and family gatherings.
24th December – 26th of December: Christmas.