Practical information

Climate

The climate in Estonia is temperate, characterized by warm summers and fairly severe winters. The weather is often breezy and humid due to the proximity of the Baltic Sea. Average temperatures range from + 20C in summer (July is the hottest month) to -8C in winter. Although occasionally the temperatures may rise to more than +30C in summer or sink below -30C in winter, it is very unusual at our latitude.

Language

Official language is Estonian which belongs to the Finno-Ugric language group. English, Finnish and Russian are widely spoken.

Time

Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone: GMT +2 hours.

Currency

The local currency is EURO. Major credits cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops and all banks.

Calls

Calls to Estonia: the country code for Estonia is +372.
Calls from Estonia: Calls from Estonia: Dial 00 + the country code + area code + the subscriber’s number.

Visa

Estonia is a part of the Schengen visa zone. Nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and any third-country national holding a residence permit of a Schengen State do not need a visa to enter Estonia. The required travel document for entry is a national ID card or passport.

There are also several other countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Estonia for stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. You can see a list of these countries on the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Citizens of countries not mentioned above require a visa to enter Estonia. Visitors arriving in Estonia with a visa must have national passports valid for at least 3 months after their planned departure from Estonia.

Up-to-date information on required documents and tourist information is offered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or please see the requirements at Schengen Visa Info.

See & Do

Electricity

The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.

Taxi

All licensed taxis display their rates and charge according to the meter. Passengers are advised to agree the approximate fee to destination prior to departure.

Shopping Hours

Department stores and shopping centres are open between 9.00 and 21.00 from Monday to Sunday. Smaller shops are usually open from 10.00 until 19.00 on weekdays and on weekends.

Getting Here

Estonia is conveniently accessible by airplane, ferry, car or bus. The main international airport – Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport – has direct air links to numerous cities and is located only 4 km from the Tallinn city centre. There is a tram and bus service to the city center. Flight schedules, airport information can be found at www.tallinn-airport.ee/en or ph.+372 605 8888

Flight times to Tallinn from European destinations:

• Helsinki 0,5 h
• Riga 1 h
• Stockholm 1 h
• Copenhagen 1,5 h
• Moscow 1,5 h
• Oslo 1,5 hours
• Brussels 2,5 h
• Amsterdam 2,5 h
• Frankfurt 2,5 h
• London 3 h
• Paris 3 h

There is also frequent ferry connection between Tallinn and Helsinki and the ferry takes 2 hours. Ferries also link Tallinn to Stockholm (overnight ferry). Main ferry companies are Tallink to Helsinki (2h) and Stockholm and Viking Line to Helsinki. Passenger information at the harbour: www.portoftallinn.com or ph. +372 631 8550.