Last Updated:
November 5, 2007 17:16
EST
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 23:38
EST
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1. RECENT UPDATES
Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no Official Warning for this country.
Estonia
Most Canadian visitors to Estonia do not experience problems. Exercise normal security precautions.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and mugging, occurs. Thieves often target tourists in airports, train stations, and other public areas, especially during the summer tourist season. Violent crime occurs, but foreigners are not usually targeted. Avoid parks, poorly lit streets, and certain areas of Tallinn, including Kopli, Lasnamäe, and Kadriorg, after dark. Theft of vehicles or their contents is common. Keep vehicles locked and in guarded parking lots overnight. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Do not show signs of affluence. Canadians should carry identification at all times.
For emergency assistance, call 112.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Estonian authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 27, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Estonia. The passport should be valid for the duration of the stay.
Upon arrival, Canadians may be required to present evidence that they have adequate health insurance (contact the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia for further information), and sufficient funds for their visit (not less than 432 EEK per day, approximately US$ 30.06 per day).
Tourist Visa : Not required
Transit Visa : Not required
Business Visa: Not required (for stays of less than 90 days)
Schengen Area
The member states of the European Union (EU) (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland) along with Norway and Iceland make up the Schengen Area, which aims for common rules regarding visas, asylum rights and controls at the external borders.
In the Schengen Area, Canadian travellers do not need visas for short-term visits (up to 90 days), but some countries require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen Area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities. It is important to confirm the up-to-date entry requirements with each embassy and/or high commission of your destination(s) before departure.
Countries that have implemented the Schengen Agreement – border controls abolished and one single external frontier
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Spain, along with Norway and Iceland
Countries that are not yet fully part of the Schengen Agreement – visa requirements were adjusted to comply with the EU’s common visa policy, but controls are still in place at the borders as the EU's external frontiers do not include them yet
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Note: Although Switzerland signed an association agreement to become part of the Schengen Area in 2004, the principles don’t apply yet. Implementation is expected in 2008.
Countries that are not part of the Schengen Area, but might have special arrangements with neighbouring countries
Andorra, Holy See, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
A new EU legislation on the amount of cash that can be carried has been implemented on June 15, 2007. Canadians crossing one of the external border control points of the EU will have to make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if they have at least 10,000 euros, or the equivalent in other currencies, in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques, or any other convertible assets in their possession. Failure to report such a sum will be considered an offence. This does not apply to Canadians travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. The purpose of this legislation is to prevent illegal activities, such as money laundering. For more information on the new EU legislation and links to EU countries' sites, consult http://ec.europa.eu/eucashcontrols.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:
Estonia - TALLINN, Office of the Embassy of Canada
Address: Toom Kooli 13, 2nd Floor, 10130 Tallinn
Postal Address: Tallinn,
Tel.: 372 627-3310/11
Fax: 372 627-3312
E-Mail: tallinn@canada.ee
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/baltics
Sweden - STOCKHOLM, Embassy of Canada
Address: Tegelbacken 4, 7th Floor, Stockholm, Sweden
Postal Address: P.O. Box 16129 , Stockholm, 10323
Tel.: 46 (8) 453-3000
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00-800-2326-6831
Fax: 46 (8) 453-3016
E-Mail: stkhm-cs@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.stockholm.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the duty officer in Tallinn at 372-566-60021 and leave a message with your name and contact number. Alternatively, you may contact the Embassy of Canada in Stockholm, Sweden, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol. Possession of even small quantities of drugs can lead to imprisonment.
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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
Foreign motor vehicles are subject to strict regulations, and drivers should always carry original registration documents. Police checkpoints are routinely set up on major roads, and drivers should pull over when asked. Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate fares, and do not allow extra passengers. City buses are reliable but often crowded. Bus, plane, and ferry services to neighbouring countries operate frequently. Trains are generally old and uncomfortable, and service is slow. However, rail service is undergoing improvements. Relatively good highways connect Estonia with Latvia and Russia.
Disregarded traffic laws, aggressive drivers, poorly lit country roads, and wandering animals create hazards. Headlights must be on at all times. In winter, roads are icy and snow-covered. By law, drivers must ensure that vehicles are equipped with winter tires from December 1 to March 1. Alternatively, studded tires can be used from October 15 to May 1. These dates are subject to change. In the event of an accident, motorists must contact police to make an official report.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
The currency is the kroon (EEK), which is pegged to the euro (EUR). Foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks accept Canadian dollar traveller's cheques. There is a fee of 1% to 1.5% of the sum (except for American Express cheques exchanged at the Hansapank). Credit cards are accepted in larger urban areas as well as larger establishments in remote locations. ATMs are available.Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine (ABM) services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Winter weather is snowy and cold. Heavy flooding may occur in spring.
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9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical care is not up to Western standards. Travellers should consider drinking bottled water. Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are widespread. Those intending to visit parks or forested areas in Estonia are urged to speak with their healthcare practitioner about immunization.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes. See Canada's Health Portal.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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12. ANNEX
N/A
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