Estonia Visa Policy

Estonia maintains the same visa policy as other countries in the Schengen zone because it is also a Schengen country. Under the Schengen visa policy, several factors, regulations, and rules determine the requirements and privileges enjoyed by foreigners coming to the country.

The visa policy also determines the duration and purpose of visits.

After signing the Schengen Agreement, Estonia became a borderless state allowing the freedom of entry and exit of Schengen citizens, including foreigners with Schengen visas issued by other member nations. Under the policy, citizens of member states can enter Estonia and stay unlimited without holding visas. They can also travel with only a valid ID card if they don’t have valid passports.

On the other hand, citizens of other countries fall into two categories; one group is those from visa-free countries, and the other group is those who require visas. The visa-free group must present valid passports and a special entry document called the European Travel Information and Authorization System permit. This document allows them to stay in Estonia without visas for 90 days.

Those not from visa-exempt countries must visit the Estonian foreign mission office abroad or a licensed agent of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Estonia to apply for a Schengen visa. The Schengen visa is valid for 180 days, and the holder can stay in the country for 90 days.

This visa can also be accepted as a legal entry document in other Schengen countries. Schengen visas are issued for tourism, business, or transit visitors.

Estonia ETIAS

The Estonian government will mandate all visitors from visa-exempt countries to show Etias approval at the entry point from 2024 and thereon. Fully called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), this document is a brainchild of the European Commission and all member states in the Schengen zone. It is a visa waiver document with multiple entry features valid for three years. ETIAS is a pre-screening program designed to screen the data of visitors for threats.

Before, visa-exempt visitors only required valid passports to enter Estonia or any Schengen country. However, all that is set to change with the introduction of ETIAS. Although the visa-free regime is still in place for such visitors, they must pass the ETIAS screening test before they are allowed into the Schengen zone.

Applicants must complete an online application form, attach the necessary documents and pay an application fee if they are between the ages of 7-79. The application takes a couple of minutes to process, and once approved, it is forwarded to the applicant’s email address. Applications that trigger security alerts will be outrightly rejected. At the same time, those with suspicious data will be forwarded to the Local ETIAS unit in Estonia for further review before a final decision is taken on whether to approve or reject the application.

Etias aims to improve the border security of European countries in general to counter the growing threats of terrorism and illegal migration. Furthermore, visitors with ETIAS can stay in Estonia for 90 days but may choose to visit other countries in the zone with the same document.

Note: Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus also accept ETIAS holders into their domains without demanding visas despite not being Schengen countries.

Key Information About Estonia ETIAS

Applicants should remember the following when applying for this online authorization for short visits.

Non-Convertible:  This document is not a visa and can’t be converted at any point after it is issued. Holders will not be entitled to additional permits during their stay in the host nation or any other nation that observes Schengen protocols. It is for short visits of noncommercial nature only.

Eligibility: This authorization is not for all foreigners but only those from visa-exempt countries.

If you qualify for visa-free entry under the universal visa waiver program, you are eligible for ETIAS; if not, apply for a Schengen visa.

Limitations:  There are a few limitations you should bear in mind as you apply for ETIAS for your next trip. This permit is not a work-for-study visa, so you are not allowed to work in Estonia or study in any of its academic institutions. Secondly, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. If you wish to visit several countries, you should endeavor to plan your itinerary accordingly so you don’t spend more than the allotted time in these countries.

Financial Sufficiency: All visitors coming to Estonia are expected to have sufficient funds at hand to cover their travel expenses. If they have accommodation in place, the minimum daily amount requirement will reduce. Do check for the current daily amount requirement before leaving your country.

Approved Routes: Visitors to Estonia are advised only to enter using approved routes. Air Passengers must use designated airports for international travelers. Please use approved routes to avoid entry denial or delays.

Passports: The passport used for the trip must be the same one in the application form and approved ETIAS. They are to say that the passport presented to border control agents should be the same one used for the application because your ETIAS is linked to it. You must use a different passport to be allowed into the country. Applicants should also ensure that their passport’s validity covers their stay in the country.

Estonia Visa Online – Get your Estonia e-Visa with VisaHQ

Are you traveling to Estonia soon? You may want to apply for an online entry permit called ETIAS if you are from an eligible country. Estonia offers an online travel authorization document to persons from selected countries for short visits, and the application form is available on VisaHQ.

How To Apply For ETIAS With VisaHQ

You only need a few steps to complete your application with VisaHQ. Here they are.

Fill out the application form: The first thing you have to do is fill out the application form with your details. Ensure there are no mistakes and that your details conform with what is on your travel documents.

Upload documents: The next step is to upload your travel documents as required for the ETIAS you are applying for.

Pay the application fee: Pay the nonrefundable application fee with your credit or debit card. Then submit the form.

Get your ETIAS: The system will process your application in a few minutes, and if approved, the authorization will be forwarded to your email.

Why Use VisaHQ?

You are guaranteed the following if you use VisaHQ for your application

• Speedy completion of your application
• Fast-tracked processing
• Protection of your sensitive data
• Technical Support
• Online application tracking

And so much more. Visit our application page now to get started.