Estonia Visa

If you’re planning a trip to Estonia, you’ll need to go through the Estonia visa application process. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide to obtaining an Estonia visa, including the types of visas available, the required documents, and the application process. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, education, or other purposes, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the Estonia visa process with ease.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Estonia?

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries generally require a Schengen visa to enter Estonia, unless they are visa-exempt or have a residence permit in another Schengen country. Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Estonia for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period:

  • European Union (EU) countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
  • European Economic Area (EEA) countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway
  • Switzerland

What Documents Are Required for an Estonian Schengen Visa Application?

The following documents are typically required for a Business Schengen Visa application:

  1. Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Estonia and have at least two blank pages.
  2. Completed application form: The application form must be completed and signed by the applicant. The form can be downloaded from the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or obtained from an Estonian embassy or consulate.
  3. Passport-size photo: One recent passport-size photo must be submitted with the application. The photo must meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.
  4. Travel health insurance: Proof of travel health insurance must be provided with the application. The insurance must cover medical expenses and repatriation for the entire period of the stay in Estonia and the Schengen area. A minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.
  5. Proof of sufficient financial means: The applicant must provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover the trip, such as bank statements, credit card statements or a letter from an employer confirming sufficient funds. The Republic of Estonia wants you to prove you have at least 100€ per each day you plan on spending in Estonia.
  6. Proof of accommodation: The applicant must provide proof of accommodation for the entire period of the stay in Estonia, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Estonia.
  7. Travel itinerary: The applicant must provide a travel itinerary that includes details of the intended travel dates and destinations within the Schengen area.
  8. Visa Fees: The Schengen visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality.

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the trip, such as:

  • A letter of invitation from an Estonian company for business-related trips
  • Proof of enrolment in a course for study-related trips
  • Proof of employment or financial stability for family visits

It is important to note that the documents required for an Estonian Schengen visa application may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the specific circumstances of the trip. It is recommended to check with the Estonian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and specific requirements

Additional requirements for an Estonian Schengen visa application based on the purpose of entry

here are the additional requirements for an Estonian Schengen visa application based on the purpose of entry, presented in bullet points:

  • Business trips:
    • Letter of invitation from an Estonian company or organization
    • Proof of employment and/or financial stability
    • Certificate of incorporation or business registration
  • Study-related trips:
    • Letter of acceptance from an Estonian educational institution
    • Proof of enrollment
    • Financial statements or bank guarantee to cover tuition fees and living expenses
  • Family visits:
    • Letter of invitation from host in Estonia
    • Proof of relationship
    • Proof of financial support
  • Medical treatment:
    • Letter of referral from doctor
    • Proof of appointment with an Estonian medical institution
    • Proof of financial means to cover the costs of medical treatment

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the trip and the discretion of the Estonian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to check with the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and specific requirements.

Additional Estonian Visa Requirements for Minors

here are the additional requirements for minors (under the age of 18) who are traveling to Estonia:

  • A consent form signed by both parents or legal guardians, authorizing the child to travel to Estonia
  • A copy of the child’s birth certificate
  • A copy of the passport of both parents or legal guardians
  • If one parent is deceased, a death certificate must be provided
  • If one parent has sole custody, a custody order must be provided
  • If one parent is not available to sign the consent form, a notarized affidavit from the absent parent is required

It is important to note that if the child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or with someone other than their parents or legal guardians, additional documentation may be required. It is recommended to check with the Estonian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and specific requirements for minors traveling to Estonia.

How to Apply for an Estonian Short-Stay Visa?

If you are planning to visit Estonia for a short-term stay (up to 90 days), you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. The visa application process can be completed in several steps:

  1. Determine your visa type: You need to figure out the type of visa you require based on your purpose of visit, such as tourism, business, or visiting friends or family.
  2. Gather required documents: After determining the visa type, you need to collect all the necessary documents, such as a completed application form, passport, photographs, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means. For minors, additional documents are required, such as a birth certificate and parental consent.
  3. Schedule an appointment: You need to schedule an appointment with the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate to submit your visa application. You should do this well in advance of your planned travel date, as visa processing times can vary.
  4. Attend the interview: When you arrive at the embassy or consulate, you will need to attend an interview. During the interview, you will be asked to provide your documents and answer questions related to your visit.
  5. Pay the visa fee: You need to pay the visa application fee at the time of submitting your application. The fee may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
  6. Wait for processing: After submitting your application, you will need to wait for processing. This can take up to 15 calendar days, but in some cases, it may take longer.
  7. Collect your passport: Once your visa application has been processed, you can collect your passport from the embassy or consulate. If your visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport.

It is essential to plan and prepare well in advance of your trip to Estonia to ensure a smooth visa application process.

Where to Apply for an Estonian Short-Stay Visa?

If you are planning to visit Estonia for a short stay of up to 90 days, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. The application process for an Estonian short-stay visa is straightforward, and there are several places where you can submit your application. Here are the different options:

  1. Estonian Embassy or Consulate: If you reside in a country where Estonia has an embassy or consulate, you can submit your visa application in person at the embassy or consulate. You may need to make an appointment first and provide all the required documents.
  2. External Service Provider: Estonia has outsourced the handling of visa applications to external service providers in some countries. In such cases, you need to submit your application to the designated service provider. You can find the list of external service providers on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  3. Online Application: In some countries, you can apply for an Estonian visa online through the Visa Application Centre. The online application process is simple and convenient, and you can also track the status of your application online.

It is recommended that you check the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the website of the Estonian Embassy in your country to find out where you should submit your visa application. Also, make sure to check the visa application processing time in advance and plan your trip accordingly.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Estonia?

here are the types of visas and their required documents for entry into Estonia:

  • Airport Transit Schengen Visa: Read on to discover everything you need to know about obtaining a airport transit visa for Estonia.
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • Proof of onward travel
    • Visa or other entry permit for the destination country
  • Transit Schengen Visa:  Read on to discover everything you need to know about obtaining a transit visa for Estonia.
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • Proof of onward travel
    • Visa or other entry permit for the destination country
  • Tourist Schengen Visa: Read on to discover everything you need to know about obtaining a tourist visa for Estonia.
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • A completed and signed visa application form
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Travel itinerary or tour booking confirmation
    • Travel medical insurance
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay
    • Proof of accommodation
  • Schengen Visitor Visa:  Read on to discover everything you need to know about obtaining a visitor visa for Estonia.
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • A completed and signed visa application form
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Proof of the purpose of the visit
    • Invitation letter from the host in Estonia
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay
  • Business Schengen Visa:  Read on to discover everything you need to know about obtaining a visitor visa for Estonia.
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • A completed and signed visa application form
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Proof of the purpose of the visit
    • Invitation letter from the host company in Estonia
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay
  • Student Schengen Visa:
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • A completed and signed visa application form
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Letter of acceptance from an Estonian educational institution
    • Proof of payment of tuition fees
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay
  • Medical Schengen Visa:
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • A completed and signed visa application form
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Medical certificate from a doctor in the home country
    • Letter from an Estonian medical institution confirming the appointment
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay
  • Schengen Visa for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes:
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • A completed and signed visa application form
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Proof of the purpose of the visit
    • Invitation letter from the Estonian organizer
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay
  • Estonian Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of an Estonian Citizen:
    • A valid passport or travel document
    • Marriage certificate
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the stay.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Estonian Visa?

he length of time it takes to receive an Estonian visa can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of visa and the processing time of the embassy or consulate. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Tourist visas: It usually takes about 15 calendar days for the embassy or consulate to process the visa application. However, it can take up to 30 calendar days in some cases.
  • Business visas: Processing times for business visas are generally the same as tourist visas, ranging from 15 to 30 calendar days.
  • Student visas: The processing time for student visas may take longer, around 30 to 60 calendar days, as additional documentation may be required.
  • Transit visas: Transit visas are usually processed within 7 calendar days.
  • Medical visas: Processing times for medical visas may vary, depending on the urgency of the medical treatment needed. In some cases, the visa can be issued within 2 to 3 working days.
  • Other types of visas: Processing times for other types of visas may vary, depending on the embassy or consulate and the complexity of the case.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and it’s recommended to apply for the visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow for any unforeseen delays in processing.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for an Estonian Visa?

The cost of an Estonian visa application may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality. Here are some general fee ranges:

  • Airport transit visa: €60
  • Transit visa: €60
  • Short-stay visa (up to 90 days): €80
  • Long-stay visa (over 90 days): €100

Note that the fee may be waived for certain categories of applicants, such as children under six years of age, students, researchers, and family members of EU citizens. In addition to the visa fee, applicants may also be required to pay a service fee to the visa application center or consulate where they submit their application.

It is advisable to check the current visa fees and payment methods on the website of the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country before applying for a visa. The fees may be subject to change without prior notice, so it is important to verify the information before submitting your application.

How Long Can We Stay in Estonia Without a Visa?

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa to enter Estonia and can stay for a certain period of time without a visa. The length of stay allowed without a visa varies based on the traveler’s nationality.

For citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as Switzerland, no visa is required to enter Estonia. They can stay for an unlimited amount of time as long as they have a valid ID card or passport.

For citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, the length of stay allowed without a visa is 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that a visitor can stay in Estonia for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. If a visitor wishes to stay longer than 90 days, they will need to obtain a visa.

It’s important to note that the 90-day period is counted from the first entry into any Schengen Area country, which includes Estonia. This means that if a visitor has spent time in other Schengen countries before arriving in Estonia, the 90-day period will already be partially used up.

It’s also important to ensure that your passport or ID card is valid for at least three months beyond the date of intended departure from Estonia. If your passport or ID card is set to expire before then, you may be denied entry into the country.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand the 90/180 Schengen Visa Rule. Do not break this rule, not even for a day, or you might pay a price. The consequences for overstaying are shown here.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Estonia?

Yes, it is possible to extend a Schengen visa in Estonia. However, the extension must be applied for before the current visa expires. It is important to note that not all Schengen visas can be extended, and the decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

To apply for an extension, the applicant must submit an application to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. The application must include the reason for the extension, such as an unforeseen emergency or a delay in travel plans. Additionally, the applicant must provide proof of sufficient financial means to support their extended stay in Estonia and proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of their extended stay.

If the extension is approved, the applicant will be granted an additional period of stay in Estonia. However, it is important to note that the total duration of stay in the Schengen Area cannot exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

It is recommended that travelers carefully plan their trip and apply for the appropriate visa type to avoid the need for an extension.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Estonia to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Estonian Schengen Visa.

Can My Estonian Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, it is possible for an Estonian Schengen visa to be revoked if certain conditions are met. The decision to revoke a visa is made by the Estonian authorities or the Schengen country that issued the visa. Some of the reasons for revocation include:

  1. The visa holder no longer meets the conditions for entry or residence in the Schengen area.
  2. The visa holder has provided false or misleading information in their visa application.
  3. The visa holder has committed a serious crime or poses a threat to public policy, security, or health.

In some cases, the visa holder may be notified in advance of the revocation and given the opportunity to contest the decision. However, in other cases, the revocation may be immediate, especially if the visa holder is considered a threat to public safety. It is important for visa holders to comply with the conditions of their visa and to notify the authorities if their circumstances change during their stay in Estonia or the Schengen area.

What should I do if my Estonian visa application is denied?

If your Estonian visa application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the notification. The appeal must be made in writing and submitted to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

When appealing, you must provide additional documentation or information that was not included in the original application or provide a convincing explanation to address the concerns of the visa officer who denied the application.

It is important to note that the appeal process can take several months, and there is no guarantee that the decision will be overturned. If the appeal is denied, you may have to consider reapplying for a visa in the future.

In some cases, it may be helpful to seek the assistance of a lawyer or visa consultant who can help you prepare a strong appeal or advise you on other options for obtaining a visa to Estonia.

Can I enter Estonia with a valid Schengen visa issued by another country?

  • Estonia is a member of the Schengen Area, which means that a valid Schengen visa issued by another country can be used to enter Estonia.
  • The Schengen visa must be a short-stay visa, allowing stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • The purpose of the visit to Estonia must be the same as the purpose specified on the Schengen visa.
  • The Schengen visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay in Estonia.
  • The Schengen visa must be issued by a country that is part of the Schengen Area and must be issued for multiple entries, if applicable.
  • The traveler must be able to provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Estonia and must not be considered a threat to public order, national security, or public health.

How soon before my planned trip can I apply for an Estonian Schengen visa?

You can apply for an Estonian Schengen visa up to three months before your planned trip. It is recommended to apply well in advance to allow enough time for processing and to avoid any last-minute issues.

However, you should not apply too far in advance, as visas are generally valid for a limited period of time, typically up to 90 days within a six-month period.

If you apply too early, your visa may expire before your planned trip or you may have to reapply closer to your travel date. Therefore, it is best to apply for your Estonian Schengen visa at a time that allows enough time for processing, but also ensures that your visa remains valid for your entire trip.