Estonia Schengen Visa Application Requirements

The least populous country in the European Union, Estonia, is home to 1.3 million people and has an area of 45,227km2. Located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, it shares land borders with Russia and Latvia. It consists of a mainland and 2,222 islands, most of which are not inhabited.

Estonia’s capital Tallinn, is the best preserved medieval city in Northern Europe, and thus a magnet for tourism. Moreover, Estonians can speak at least one other language as English, Russian, Finnish or German.

You can apply for the Estonian Schengen Visa since 2007 when Estonia as a European Union Member State also became a member state of the Schengen Area.

Fun fact about Estonia: The number of tourists that Estonia receives per year is bigger that the number of its total population.

Estonia Entry Requirements

If you are an EU national you are permitted to enter the territory of Estonia with only an identification document, since 2017 when Estonia became a member of the Schengen Area.

On the other hand, if you are a non-EU national traveling to Estonia you will need to present some documents when you show up at the Estonian port of entry. These documents are:

A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond your planned date of exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.

A visa – if you are a subject to Estonian visa regime.

A round-trip ticket to Estonia and back. Required to prove you do not intend to remain in Estonia illegally.

Proof of accommodation in Estonia. A document through which you prove where you will stay during your time in Estonia.

Sufficient financial means for your whole trip in Estonia. The Republic of Estonia wants you to prove you have at least 100€ per each day you plan on spending in Estonia.

Travel insurance valid for the entire Schengen Area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

The Estonian border police who checks these documents gives the final decision if you shall be permitted to enter Estonia or not. In addition, he or she may ask you a few questions about your trip to Estonia like:

What is your purpose of visiting Estonia?

How long do you intend to stay in Estonia?

Where are you going to stay in Estonia? Etc.

If the Estonian border officer concludes that you are no risk for Estonia, upon checking your documents, you will be permitted to enter Estonia, and thus the Schengen territory.   Please, make sure that the Estonian border officer stamps your passport when you enter Estonia. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Estonia.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Estonia?

Since Estonia is a member of the Schengen Zone, you may need a Schengen visa to enter the country for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your nationality is decisive whether you need a Schengen visa to Estonia or not.

You will need a short-stay visa to enter Estonia and any other member country of the Schengen zone, if you are a:

Passport holder of a third-world country that has not reached a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states.

Passport holder of a third-world country that has signed a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen states, but you were previously rejected from entering Estonia or any other Schengen country.

What Type of Visa Do I Need to Enter Estonia?

The application process for a Schnegen visa to Estonia depends a lot on the reason why you wish to travel to Estonia. According to  your purpose of entry and stay in Estonia, you can apply for one of the following Schengen visa types for Estonia:

Estonia Airport Transit Visa. If you need to change flights at a Schengen airport located in Estonia to your non-EU destination country.

Estonia Transit Visa. If you need to disembark at one of the Estonian seaports, to take a vessel to your non-EU destination country.

Estonia Tourist/Visitor Visa. Apply for this visa if you want to travel to Estonia for the purpose of tourism, sightseeing, vacation, or you plan to visit your family members or friends residing in Estonia.

Estonia Business Visa. If you need to attend activities related to business in Estonia.

Visa for Official Visit in Estonia. If you are traveling to Estonia as the official representative of an institution/organization.

Estonia Medical Visa. If you are seeking medical treatment in Estonia.

Estonia Study Visa. If you want to attend a study course / training in Estonia, up to three months.

Estonia Visa for Cultural, Sports and Film Crews. If you want to attend a cultural or sports event in Estonia, or you are part of a film crew.

Please note that these visas permit you to stay in Estonia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. If you need a visa to stay in Estonia for a longer period, apply for an Estonian National Visa instead.

What Documents Are Required for an Estonian Schengen Visa Application?

After you select the visa type that corresponds best to your purpose of entry, you will then need to collect the statutory Estonia visa requirement, which are as follows:

Application form for an Estonian short-stay visa. The form should be completed, printed and then signed at the end. If you feel insecure about fulfilling it on your own, here you can learn easily how to fulfill the form without any mistakes!

Two identical passport photos. Make sure they comply with the requirements for Schengen visa application photos.

Your valid passport. Check your passport if it complies with the requirements as set by the Schengen states which are:

Your passport must have at least two blank pages in order to affix visa.

It must be issued within the last 10 years.

It must have a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Estonia and the whole territory of Schengen.

Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).

Letter of consent. The letter is required for all applicants, to prove they are consenting for processing the personal data.

Estonia Travel Health Insurance. For Estonia and the whole Schengen region, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation in case of death.

Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked seat on a flight that will take you from your current country of residence to Estonia and back. This document should specify flight numbers, entry and exit dates, and your details.

Proof of accommodation. You will need to show evidence to the embassy/consulate where you will stay during your whole time in Estonia, i.e. a hotel reservation. Find and Book Hotels in Estonia!

Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Estonia. The amount of financial means that every foreigner applying for an Estonian Visa has to demonstrate owning to the Estonian Embassy or Consulate, is 86€ per each day of stay in Estonia.

A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Estonia, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave and other details.

Additional Estonian Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

The additional Estonia visa requirements depending on your employment status are as follows:

If you are employed:

Employment contract

Current bank statement of the latest 6 months

Leave permission from the employer

Income Tax Return (ITR) form

If you are self-employed:

A copy of your business license

Company bank statement of the latest 6 months

Income Tax Return (ITR)

If you are still a student:

Proof of enrollment

No-objection certificate from school or university

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If you are retired retired:

Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If it applies to you:

Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months

Read more: No-objection certificate from school or employer.

Additional Estonian Visa Requirements for Minors

Children applying to get a short-stay visa to Estonia, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Estonian Visa Requirements:

Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Estonia.

Estonia application form signed by both parents.

Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.

Certified copies of ID / passport of both parents

If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:

An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, and expiry date, a recent photograph and valid visa copy.

A notarized parental authorization to travel to Estonia, signed by both parents / guardians

*Note: Children applying at the Estonian embassy/consulate in their home country, should be accompanied by their guardian or parent.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Estonia

According to your purpose of entry to Estonia, you will need to provide some additional documents. Following find the additional Estonia visa requirements based on your purpose of traveling to Estonia.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Estonia

When applying to obtain a Estonia Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa (if needed) for the final country one is travelling to.

The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Required Documents for a Transit Schengen Visa to Estonia

When applying to obtain a Estonia Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

A valid visa (if required) for the final country you are travelling to.

The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Original and photocopy of Seaman’s book (required only for seafarers).

Letter from the inviting Shipping Company. Issued by the inviting Shipping Company in the Schengen country in which the seafarer will disembark (required only for seafarers).

Employment contract. Contract with the navigation company / ship in order to board the ship (required only for seafarers).

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Estonia

When applying to obtain a Estonian Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

Invitation letter from the Estonian company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.

A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Estonia.

Business bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.

Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Estonia, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Estonia

When applying to get a Student visa to Estonia, you must provide the following additional documents:

No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).

Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Estonia, the establishment of origin and the trainee.

Written confirmation / certificate of enrollment. Issued by the educational institution in Estonia (university, academy, institute, school).

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Estonia

When applying to get a visa to seek medical treatment in Estonia, you must submit the following additional documents:

A local medical report. Issued from a doctor / clinic / hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Estonia.

A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Estonia, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.

Proof of financial arrangement made.

Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Estonia for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Estonian visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Estonia you must provide the following additional documents:

Event Information. I.e. invitations, entry tickets, detailed program of the event, other documents.

Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Required Documents for an Estonian Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of an Estonian Citizen

When applying to get an Estonian visa as the spouse of an Estonian national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

Proof of Estonian citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Estonian nationality or naturalization order).

Estonian marriage certificate.

Estonian family record book.

Estonian Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

When applying to get an Estonian visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).

The official invitation copy.

How to Apply for an Estonian Short-Stay Visa?

In order to complete the application process to obtain a short-stay visa to Estonia, you must follow these steps:

Find out which Estonia visa types you need.

Figure out where to submit your application for an Estonian visa.

Complete the application form for an Estonian short-stay visa.

Collect the Estonia visa requirements.

Schedule a visa interview.

Attend the interview.

Wait for a response on your application.

Where to Apply for an Estonian Short-Stay Visa?

Depending on how Estonia has regulated visa submission in your country of residence, you may have to apply at one of the following:

The Estonian Embassy in your country of residence

An Estonian consulate

A Visa Application Center to which Estonia has outsourced visa submission

The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Estonia has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Estonian Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

Please note that due to the common Schengen travel area rules, in  order to be eligible to submit your short-stay visa application at an Estonian Embassy / Consulate / VAC, one of the following statements must correspond to your situation:

Estonia is the only Schengen country you plan to visit.

You plan to visit more Schengen states, but:

You will be spending more days in Estonia, than in the other countries.

You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Estonia.

In addition, you have to be either a citizen or a foreigner on a permanent / temporary residence permit in the country from where you are applying from. Otherwise, the Estonian embassy / consulate will not process your application.

You cannot apply for a short-stay Estonian visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Estonian Visa?

The processing time for a Estonia short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. Still, if you are a third country national subject to prior consultation, this period may be extended up to 30 days. Extraordinary cases may take up to 60 days.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Estonian short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though not earlier than three months before you travel to Estonia.

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

Am Estonian Schengen Visa fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children under the age of 12. However, there are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee, and others that need to pay a lower amount as well,

You should check the list of the Estonian Schengen Visa fees to see if you belong to any of them!

How Long Can We Stay in Estonia Without a Visa?

It all depends on your nationality how long you can remain in Estonia without a Schengen visa. If you are an EU national you can enter and remain in Estonia for as long as you want. However, if you wish to stay longer, you have to register at the relevant Estonian authorities.

Nationals of countries that have signed a visa-free agreement with Estonia and the other Schengen members can enter Estonia and stay there for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

On the other hand, nationals of countries that still have not signed a visa-free agreement with Estonia and the other Schengen members, need to apply for a visa to Estonia, or any other Schengen member country.  They cannot enter without a visa, by any means.

aIMPORTANT: 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, you can extend your Estonian Schengen visa at the Police or Border Guard Board, but only in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Estonia, as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure.

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, your Estonia visa can be revoked, in case the competent Estonian authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met, i.e. you no longer posses a valid travel document.

If you are in Estonia when the decision on the revocation of your visa happens, you will be given a deadline to leave. If you do not leave the Estonia or the territory of Schengen within this period, you will then be considered an illegal resident in Estonia.

Please note that failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer, with the entry requirements, may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.