Estonia | Europe

Estonia is located in Northern Europe, bordering the Gulf of Finland to the north, the Baltic Sea to the west, Latvia to the south, and Russia to the east. Its geography is characterized by a low-lying landscape with over 2,200 islands, extensive marshlands, and forest cover exceeding 50% of the territory; the capital city is Tallinn.

Visa & Entry Policy

Estonia is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Starting in 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETIAS authorization before arrival. Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date.

Language & Communication

The official language is Estonian, a Finnic language closely related to Finnish. English proficiency is high in Tallinn and Tartu, particularly among those under 40. Russian is widely spoken as a second language, especially in the capital and the eastern Ida-Viru county. Communication is typically reserved and efficient.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Estonia is one of the most advanced digital societies globally; card payments and mobile solutions (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Smart-ID) are universal. Many establishments in Tallinn are "cash-free." While physical currency is accepted in rural areas and markets, the dependence on cash is minimal.

National Transport Grid

Intercity travel is primarily served by Elron (passenger trains) and an extensive network of long-distance buses (Lux Express, Tpilet). The Tallinn–Tartu railway electrification is scheduled for completion in 2026. Domestic flights link Tallinn to the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, though ferry services (TS Laevad) are the standard transit method for vehicles.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Telia, Elisa, and Tele2. 5G coverage is nearly universal in urban areas and along main transit corridors as of 2026. Estonia is the global pioneer of e-Residency and i-Voting; internet access is legally recognized as a fundamental human right.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is temperate Atlantic-continental. Summers (June–August) are mild with "White Nights" where daylight lasts up to 19 hours. Winters (December–March) are cold and snowy, with the Baltic Sea frequently freezing near the coastline. November is typically the wettest and darkest month.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Tap water is safe for consumption nationwide. Environmental risks include tick-borne encephalitis in forests and coastal areas; vaccination is recommended for frequent hikers. The universal emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 112.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Harju County: Primary hub is Tallinn (Medieval Old Town, UNESCO site).

Tartu County: Primary hub is Tartu (Intellectual center/University city).

The Islands: Primary hub is Kuressaare (Saaremaa).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: €1.00 ($1.10 USD) - Note: tap water is standard.

1 Domestic Beer: €5.00 ($5.50 USD)

1 Sim Card (Prepaid Data): €10.00 ($11.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Estonia has the highest number of startups per capita in Europe and is the birthplace of Skype. According to the national epic Kalevipoeg, the landscape’s hills and lakes were formed by the physical labor and footprints of a giant hero. A popular local legend in Tallinn concerns the "Old Man of Lake Ülemiste," who reportedly asks every year if the city is finished; the answer must always be "no," or he will flood it.