Estonia

Country
Schengen
Estonia
Estonia is a state in northern Europe with an area of 45,339 km2, the northernmost of the Baltic countries. It is a coastal state whose border is largely formed by the Baltic Sea; The 80 km wide Gulf of Finland in the north separates them from Finland, approximately 300 km in the west separates them from Sweden. Estonia has a land border in the east with Russia, but most of this border passes through the vast Lake Peipsi. The longest land border is in the south with Latvia. The capital is Tallinn, located on the north coast. Estonians make up about 70% of the population. Minorities come from various parts of the former Soviet Union, mainly from Russia. The Finnish minority also lives here. The official language is Estonian, most people speak Russian. Most of the population is without religion. Estonia joined the EU and NATO in the spring of 2004, and the OECD at the end of 2010. From 1.1. 2011 is paid in euros in Estonia

ESTONIAN CUISINE

Estonian cuisine is historically based on simple and rich peasant food. It is therefore based on pork, sausages, potatoes, sauerkraut and rye bread, and in coastal areas also on fish. From fish, trout, perch, zander, plaice or pike are available, but the most typical are herring and sprats. Just as Scandinavians, Estonians like wild berries, they also pick mushrooms. For the winter, cucumbers and other vegetables are picked and jams are cooked. Common ingredients in dishes are sour cream, dill and horseradish. The most popular drinks are beer and vodka. Over time, the local gastronomy has also absorbed the influences of Russian, Scandinavian or German cuisine and the menu has expanded significantly, with various ethnic restaurants gradually opening in large cities.

Travel Documents and Entry Requirements for non-EU Nationals​
All EEA citizens and Swiss citizens can travel to Estonia under the visa-free regime. Third-country nationals are required to apply for a visa to travel or live in Estonia. The visa depends on nationality and purpose.

Passport validity - You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe. The document has to be issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU. Beware that EU members such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are not part of the Schengen Area.

Schengen Visa - If you do not know if you need a visa to enter Schengen, click here. Download the Schengen Visa Application Form or visit the Estonian Ministry of European and International Affairs to check the current status regarding the visa and the conditions for issuing it here.

Schengen Insurance - Confirmation that you have travel and health insurance for Estonia and the whole territory of Schengen, which meets Visa Code (Regulation EC No. 810/2009) conditions for a Schengen visa. Travel health insurance policies for foreigners travelling to Estonia that fulfil Estonian Visa requirements can be purchased online from schengen.insure and it‘s accepted by Estonian Embassies and Consulates worldwide.

Entry conditions and residence permits for Estonia
Different rules about residence and work in Estonia apply to citizens of the EU and to citizens of third countries. The length of their stay also influences which rules they must follow. A CITIZEN OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU), of a member state of the European Union Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss Confederation – herein EU citizen. A CITIZEN OF A THIRD COUNTRY – herein non-EU citizen or citizen of a third country.

EU CITIZENS have the right to enter Estonia without a visa, but if they stay for more than 3 months, they must register their place of residence and apply for an ID card. By registering their place of residence, they obtain the right for temporary residence. Citizens of third countries need legal grounds to stay in Estonia. For short-stay visits (up to 12 months) they may need a visa. For longer stays (more than 12 months) they need a temporary residence permit (for study, employment or employment for research purposes) (valid up to 5 years) or a long-term residence permit (termless).

FOR CITIZENS OF THIRD COUNTRIES

- Short stay <12 months – you will need a visa: a Schengen visa (type C) (valid for 90 days during 180 days period) or a long-stay visa (type D) (valid up to 12 months!)
- Longer stay >12 months – you will need a temporary residence permit for study (PhD students), employment or employment for research purposes (valid up to 5 years)

APPLICATIONS FOR:
- Short-stay visas (Schengen visa (type C) must be submitted personally to a diplomatic representation of the Republic of Estonia or to a diplomatic representation of another country (see link for list) that represts Estonia.

APPLICATION FOR:​
- Temporary residence permits (for study, employment, employment for research purposes) and 
- Long-stay visas (type D) must be submitted to a diplomatic representation of the Republic of Estonia. Or, if the third country citizen is already in Estonia on legal grounds (e.g. short-stay visa (type C)), he/she can apply for a long-stay visa (type D) at a Service Office of the Estonian Police and Boarder Guard Board (PBGB)