ETIAS Estonia

Estonia is one of the ten countries that join the EU in May 2004. Three years later in 2007, Estonia joined also the Schengen Area.
Estonia took an active role in the European Union effort to create a more streamlined and efficient immigration policy. As a proof of such effort, European Union chose Estonia as headquarter for the EU Agency that will manage the new systems (Entry-exit system and ETIAS authorisation).

Entry-Exit system and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) are the two legislative tools that will change the way to travel in Europe in the next years. Although their aim is similar, ETIAS will be focused mostly on short-term journeys.

Starting from 2021 all travelers above 18 years old will be able to apply online for the permission to travel to Estonia. The online application cost is €7 and once the authorisation is approved it will last for five years. The authorisation will also allow travelers from visa-exempted countries to travel in other Countries part of the Schengen Area without requiring any other travel documents. Although the online authorisation is valid for five years, the maximum duration of stay in the EU is 90 days in a consecutive period of 180 days. If the traveler plans to have a longer stay in the Schengen area, a visa is required.

The capital Tallinn, located in the northern part, is famous for its free- of -charge public transport network for its residents. Tallinn is always renowned for its Kadriorg Palace, well-preserved Old Town, tall TV Tower together, castles, churches and hilltop fortresses. Less than 50km to the east, nature-lovers can enjoy spend their time in the large Lahemma National Park. Moving further southeast towards Lake Peipus, on the border to Russia, there’s well-known Alatskivi Castle. Another worth-noted place of interest in Kuressaare Castle located on the country’s largest island Saaremma lying in the Baltic Sea on the west side.
Here are some interesting trivia about Estonia: the female population overcrowds the male counterpart (100 vs 84); Estonian men are enthusiastic contesters of wife carrying; Estonian love swinging (it’s called Kiiking in Estonian).
Estonian cuisine is influenced mainly by German, Swedish, Danish and Russians. You’ll find a handful of dishes based on pork and potatoes. Traditional dishes include herrings, rye breads, marineeritud Angerjas (marinated eel), Süit (jellied meat boiled with pork bones), verivorst (blood sausages a traditional Christmas dish), mulgikapsad (pork and sauerkraut stew soup).
Estonian climate is typical European continental: cold winters with temperature constantly subzero and dry summers. The best weather months of the year are from May to September. Rainy season is in spring. The coldest month with heavy snow and even snowstorms is January. It’s year-round humid due to the proximity the Baltic Sea.
Dress to the weather: Waterproof attires are recommended all year round. In the summer months, the temperature is high during daytime but nights can be chilly. Thus, always pack a sweater with you. Heavyweight winter clothes are absolutely necessary.

Area: 45,226 KM2
Capital: Tallinn
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Timezone: UTC/GMT +2 hours
Languages:

• Estonian 68.5%;
• Russian 29.6%;
• Ukrainian 0.6%;
• Other 1.2%;
• Unspecified 0.1%;

Population: 1,291,170
Calling Code: +372
Power Sockets:

• F Schuko plug