Crime
Pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly in Tallinn’s Old Town during the summer tourist season, are common petty crimes. Thieves frequently operate in groups of two or three. They target tourists at airports, train stations, and other public places. On rare occasions, violent crime may occur. Foreigners are not commonly targeted for theft of their automobiles or their contents. Theft of vehicles is a frequent occurrence. Individuals have been harassed on the basis of race or foreign appearance for no apparent reason on rare occasions.
It is best to steer clear of parks and streets that are not well-lit at night, especially in Tallinn. Kopli and Lasnamäe should be avoided after dark.
Show no indications of affluence. It’s unwise to walk around with a lot of cash on you.Remember to lock your car before leaving it unattended. park your vehicle in an overnight parking lot with a security guard. At all times, make sure your
personal belongings, such as your passport and other travel papers, are safe.
Terrorism
In Europe, there is a risk of terrorism. Several European cities have been subject to terrorist attacks. There’s the potential for additional violent events. Targets might include:
government buildings, such as schools
religious buildings
Airports and other modes of transportation.
In some cases, you’ll need to write an essay on your own subject that is usually reserved for college students who study the English language.
Be vigilant of your environment in any public space.
Fraud
While credit card and ATM fraud occurs, young women sometimes target travelers at reputable bars. The women invite the traveler to socialize at a nearby bar, where they then fall victim to criminal activity or are presented with very large bills for drinks and entertainment.
When utilizing debit or credit cards, be cautious:
When you’re not the one handling your cards, pay close attention. Only use ATMs that are located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business. Card readers with an odd or unusual function should be avoided. Shield the keypad with your hand when you input your PIN to keep prying eyes from seeing it. It’s best practice to double-check pricing before placing an order. Verify your account statements for any unauthorized transactions.
Demonstrations
There is a possibility of demonstrations. Even if they seem safe, they can turn dangerous without any notice. They might also cause problems with transportation and other public areas. Avoid areas where protests and large gatherings are anticipated.
Follow the guidelines of your local authorities.
Road safety
The conditions on Estonian roads may vary considerably from one area to the next. Traffic regulations are generally respected. Estonia has reasonably good connections with Latvia and Russia. The country’s roads aren’t well-lit. Animals have been known to straddle the road.
Schengen area
Estonia is a member of the Schengen Area. Canadian nationals do not require a visa to visit countries within the Schengen area. However, for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, visitors are allowed visa-free entry. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any other country in the Schengen Area. If you wish to stay in the Schengen area for an extended amount of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the nation or nations you are visiting and obtain your visas before traveling.
Passport
Depending on the type of passport you use, the entry requirements will differ.
Before going on your trip, research and talk to your transportation company about what kind of passports are required for boarding. The company’s rules concerning passport validity might be stricter than the country you’re visiting’s entrance policies.
A standard Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to depart the Schengen area.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
The Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, but it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries.You might not be allowed entry into countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier.Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination to find out what documents you will need to enter the country.
Other travel documents
Make sure you know the entry requirements of your destination country before leaving, as they may be different for those travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. The best way to do this is by checking with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Visas
If you’re staying for less than 90 days, a tourist visa isn’t required. The same goes for transit and business visas. Just note that the 90-day period starts when you first enter any Schengen country.*
*The Schengen area is comprised of many countries in Europe. If you plan on visiting more than one of these countries during your trip, be sure to double check the 180-day rule; this includes all visits to any Schengen country within a 6-month span.
Health insurance
If your planned stay is longer than 90 days, you may be asked by customs officials to show evidence of satisfactory health insurance coverage upon arrival.
Medical services and facilities
Health care in Estonia is excellent and comparable to the standards in Canada. However, the quality of care varies significantly depending on which region of the country you are in. Doctors and hospitals usually require either travel insurance or payment upfront for any health services rendered. Credit cards and money transfers are widely accepted, but cash payments are also sometimes accepted (although not as common). Medical evacuation can be very expensive, so it is something you should consider if you plan on travelling to Estonia – especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are at risk for injury.
Driving
Driving Laws in Estonia:
-You must have an international driving permit as well as a valid Canadian driver’s license to operate a vehicle.
-The punishments for drinking and driving are very harsh. The legal blood alcohol limit is zero percent. If law enforcement suspects you of drinking and driving, they could take away your driver’s license then and there. If convicted, be prepared to face hefty fines or even jail time.
-In the event of an accident, always contact the police so they can file an official report.”
Checkpoints are sometimes set up on important thoroughfares by the police. Foreign automobiles must adhere to strict standards. Always keep your original registration papers in your vehicle when driving.
