Business Customs:
Estonia is a modern country that enjoys close relations with Nordic and other Baltic countries. Social and business protocols are similar to those in northern Europe.
Travel Advisory: Review the State Department
Consular Information Sheet for Estonia for the latest information.
Visa Requirements:
Estonia is covered by the Schengen Treaty. To live and work in Estonia, foreigners from non-EU countries need both a residence permit and a work permit, both of which may be obtained from local Migration Department offices. English-language instructions on how to apply are available from the Police and the Boarder Guard.
US citizens can currently travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone without a visa or any prior authorization. However, it is expected that starting from 2024, all US citizens will have to obtain a quick online document known as ETIAS before entering any of the EU/Schengen member countries.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will keep a record of who enters and leaves the Schengen zone. It functions in the same way as the American ESTA (Electronic System For Travel Authorization). More information can be found on the State Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Estonia. The U.S. Embassy Tallinn Consular Section can provide more information on American Citizen Services and visas.
U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following link: State Department Visa Website.
Currency:
As part of the eurozone, Estonia uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (mainly Visa and MasterCard) are widely accepted, and there is a wide network of ATMs. Traveler’s checks are not accepted.
Telecommunications/Electronics: Internet access is available throughout Estonia and Wi-Fi is widely available. EU mobile users travelling to other countries in the EU can call, text, or use data without paying any extra charges. All major U.S. cell phone services work in Estonia, though usage may incur additional roaming fees. Prepaid sim cards are available for purchase at the Tallinn Airport or from local cellular providers, supermarkets, and kiosks.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in Estonia usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts, so an adapter is needed to use U.S. electrical appliances in Estonia.
Transportation:
The Estonian transport system includes all modes of transportation. The infrastructure of national transport is generally well established. Due to high competition, local logistics and transport companies offer service and quality on par with Western standards.
The major national transport enterprises include AS Tallinna Lennujaam (Tallinn Airport Ltd), AS Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn Ltd), AS Elektriraudtee (Electrical Railways), which services the vicinity of Tallinn, and AS Eesti Raudtee (Estonian Railways), which provides most of the public railway infrastructure of Estonia. The export and import of goods to the west, north, and south are mainly through maritime and road transport, and to a lesser extent by air transport. While there are five passenger-serving airports in Estonia, most international flights go through Tallinn Airport.
Public transportation in major cities is efficient and reliable, and Tallinn is currently the largest city in the world offering free public transportation to residents. Non-residents can use public transport by paying with cash on the bus or tram or by purchasing a Tallinn Transport card at a gas station or convenience store.
Language:
The official language in Estonia is Estonian. English is widely spoken, especially in the capital city. Russian is still the most-widely spoken second language, although less so among younger Estonians.
Health:
Estonia has a modern health care system. Estonian hospitals are generally well-equipped, but English language skills are often limited in Estonian hospitals, which can complicate getting care.
Cases of resistant strains of tuberculosis have been reported in Estonia. Visitors to forested areas in warm weather should also guard against tick-borne encephalitis. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s website.
Local time, business hours, and holidays:
Estonia is part of the Eastern European Time Zone, GMT + 2 hours. Business hours are between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Supermarkets and shopping centers are generally open between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. every day.
The national holidays in Estonia for 2023/24.
Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings:
Detailed information is available on entry with household goods and personal effects and on customs duty exempt limits when traveling from non-EU countries. A temporary exemption from duty is granted for samples.