Estonia – Serene, Innovative, Enchanting...
With a rich history that spans centuries and a unique position bridging Northern and Eastern Europe, encapsulating the essence of Estonia in a few lines is no easy task. You can explore vibrant, historic, and modern cities such as Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva. Not to mention the captivating landscapes of the Lahemaa National Park and the serene beauty of the Baltic Sea coast. For many visitors, a trip to Estonia isn't complete without discovering the medieval old town of Tallinn, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country's diverse landscapes are home to unique flora and fauna, from dense forests and scenic lakes to diverse marine life along the coast. Estonian culture and language reflect a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary influences. Estonia is a captivating blend of history and modernity, of expansive natural landscapes and bustling urban centers, of diverse cultures and its own rich heritage. It's an experience not to be missed!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
**Requirements related to COVID-19 are subject to frequent changes. Please check the international travel advice from your country and the airline requirements before traveling.**
For UK guests: Please refer to the latest entry and exit advice on the UK Government Foreign Office Travel website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/estonia/entry-requirements
For US guests: Please visit the Travel State website for relevant information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Estonia.html
Visas:
British, U.S., and Canadian citizens can visit Estonia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Passports:
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Estonia. Please complete the "Emergency Next of Kin" section in your passport.
Note: Visa and entry requirements, regulations, and restrictions may change regularly. Please verify the current requirements applicable to your situation well in advance of your travel date.
HEALTH, INSURANCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Insurance:
All passengers are required to have valid travel insurance prior to departure, including health and cancellation coverage. It's crucial that all members of the travel party are fully insured for the duration of the trip. Declare any pre-existing medical conditions to the insurer and ensure appropriate coverage based on your specific holiday type.
Share your insurance details with The Big Journey Company at least six weeks before departure. Take note of important information from your insurance policy, such as the company's 24-hour emergency contact number (including international dialing code) and your policy number, and carry these with you during the tour.
General Health:
Consult a doctor or travel health clinic in person at least eight weeks before your trip to receive personalized health advice. Following basic health practices such as using sunscreen, drinking plenty of water, washing hands thoroughly before eating, and avoiding insect bites will contribute to your well-being during the tour.
Consider carrying a simple travelers’ first-aid kit with basic supplies, including remedies for minor stomach issues. If you require medical assistance during the tour, contact your Big Journey Company tour escort. Estonia's temperatures can vary; it's advisable to stay hydrated at all times, wear sun hats, and use sunscreen.
Passengers with Disabilities or Reduced Mobility:
The Estonia Tour is categorized as Activity Level 2, involving moderate physical activity and various modes of transport. Review our Activity Levels description page to determine suitability or contact us for more information on tour activities.
Inform us promptly of any medical conditions or disabilities within your party that could impact your holiday. Provide full details before confirming your booking or as soon as such conditions arise. We may request a doctor's certificate confirming fitness for tour participation.
Medical Conditions and Personal Medication:
Notify us in advance of any medical conditions requiring special attention during your trip. Carry prescriptions from your doctor for specific medical conditions. Pack an adequate supply of medications, copies of prescriptions, and your doctor's contact information.
Note: Some countries mandate that prescription medications be in their original containers with clear labels. If you lose your medication, a qualified pharmacist can help source a replacement.
Vaccinations:
Consult your doctor for the latest immunization advice tailored to your medical needs before traveling.
Traveling with CPAP or other Medical Devices:
Inform The Big Journey Company early if you are traveling with medical devices, especially where power supply might be an issue. Ensure you have the correct electrical adapters, check airline policies, carry a letter from your doctor, and have details for repairs or replacements.
*Inform The Big Journey Company at least two weeks before travel if you require distilled or ionized water, allowing us to make necessary arrangements with our ground agents. Additional charges may apply.
Special Dietary Requirements:
Inform us well in advance of any special dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free) so we can accommodate your requests with available resources.
LUGGAGE
What to Pack and Wear:
We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for the tour. Optionally include smart-casual attire for dinner, though no strict dress code applies.
Expect warm, sunny weather for most of the journey. Nonetheless, prepare for any eventuality by packing a light jacket for rain or cooler evenings. Essential items include insect repellent, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Don't forget your camera with charger, spare batteries, memory cards, and consider bringing a swimsuit.
Laundry:
Some hotels on the tour offer laundry services.
LANGUAGE
Estonian is the primary language in Estonia.
TIME ZONE
Estonia is 2 hours ahead of London (GMT+2).
WEATHER
Estonia experiences a temperate-continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, particularly inland, while summers are warm to hot, often exceeding 25°C (77°F). Spring and autumn generally feature mild, pleasant weather.
ELECTRICITY
Estonia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. You'll need a power plug travel adapter for sockets type C and F.
MONEY
Currency:
Estonia uses the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash is advisable. ATMs are prevalent in cities but less common in smaller towns.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while some places may not accept cards like Diners Club or American Express. Before departure, notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card usage issues.
Note: Estonia uses chip-and-pin credit cards, potentially incompatible with magnetic strip cards common in North America. Carry extra cash for situations where chip-and-pin isn't accepted. You may need to show ID if unable to pay by chip and PIN.
Tipping:
A group tipping package is available for this tour, detailed in pre-tour emails.
FOOD
Estonian cuisine showcases Baltic flavors, featuring dishes like sült (jellied meat), kiluvõileib (herring sandwich), and karask (rye bread cake), often incorporating pork, fish, potatoes, and local herbs.
WATER
Tap water in urban areas and popular tourist spots is generally treated and safe to drink. For rural or remote areas, opt for bottled or filtered water to avoid health risks.
OPENING HOURS
Retail shops typically operate from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Some larger stores and shopping centers may extend hours, but many shops close on Sundays.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Estonia is considered safe for travelers and residents, with low crime rates. Government measures ensure security for locals and tourists alike. As with any destination, stay informed about local conditions, heed local advice, and practice standard safety precautions.
SMOKING
Most indoor public places prohibit smoking, with designated outdoor areas available.
RELIGION
Estonia's predominant religion is Lutheran Protestantism. Other faiths, including Orthodox Christianity and other minority religions, are practiced by small communities with respect for religious diversity.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Estonia offers abundant photography opportunities, capturing moments that are uniquely memorable. Pack your camera, charger, spare batteries, and an extra memory card!
ARRIVAL IN ESTONIA
Standard hotel check-in is typically around 3:00 PM. Arriving earlier may mean your room isn't immediately available. We strive to accommodate early check-ins for morning arrivals, subject to hotel availability.
TOUR HOTEL INFORMATION
Refer to your tour paperwork for detailed hotel information related to your departure.
FLYING & TRAVEL TIPS
- Photocopy your passport's personal information pages. Leave a copy with family or friends at home and carry another copy separately from your passport during travel.
- Carry all travel documents, valuables, and essential items in your hand luggage (e.g., camera, toiletries, reading material).
- Check current Duty-Free limits at your destination country before shopping.
- Comfortable attire and shoes are ideal for long flights. Regular walks, sensible eating, and adequate hydration (not alcohol) can ease long flight discomforts.
- Try sleeping on the flight and adjust to local time upon arrival to minimize jet lag effects.
If you have any other questions that we have not covered here; then please send us an e-mail to: info@thebigjourneycompany.com
Please note, the above information is provided as a guideline only. Although every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, The Big Journey Company makes no warranties, express or implied, or representations as to the accuracy of content on this website. The Big Journey Company assumes no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions in the information contained on the website.
Updated June 2024