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Tallinn: COVID-19 updates for travel professionals

05.04.2021
What should I know about travelling to Estonia during the global coronavirus epidemic? Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Tallinn.

NB! With a few exceptions, all restaurants, shops, museums, and attractions are closed from 11 March until 25 April 2021. 

Below is a summary of the latest restrictions and guidelines in place in Tallinn, Estonia. The most precise and up-to-date information is available on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (travelling) and on the official coronavirus crisis portal Kriis.ee.

What to know before your arrival to Tallinn, Estonia?

Do I have to self-isolate upon arrival?

Estonia's borders are open to passengers with no symptoms arriving from the European Union and the Schengen Area and selected non-European countries. 

You do not have to self-isolate upon arrival if: 
  • The relative coronavirus infection rate (cases per 100 000 habitants) in your country of origin is less than 150. 
  • You have recovered from COVID-19, and no more than six months have passed since you have been declared cured.
  • You have received the COVID-19 vaccination, and no more than six months have passed since its completion. 
Detailed information on entry and self-isolation requirements is available on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (the infection rates are updated every Friday afternoon and come into force on Monday of the following week).

Can I take a test to reduce the compulsory self-isolation period?

You can reduce the compulsory self-isolation period (ten days) by taking two tests: 
  1. A PCR-test no earlier than 72 hours before your arrival to Estonia or immediately after your arrival at the public testing centres at Tallinn Airport and the Port of Tallinn (terminals A and D). If you arrive by car or by bus, you can pre-book your testing time by phone: +372 678 0000 (Mo-Su from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
  2. A second test in Estonia, no earlier than on the sixth day after the first test
If both tests are negative, your self-isolation period is considered completed. 

Remember that testing negative does not automatically exempt you from the compulsory self-isolation but can shorten it. Between the two tests, you have to avoid all unnecessary contacts and maintain physical distance in public areas.

Read more about the procedure, specific requirements, and potential fees on Coronavirus Testing website.

What else should I know about travelling to Estonia?

  • You can transit through Estonia to your home country if you have no symptoms of COVID-19. 
  • There are no restrictions on exiting the country.
  • Many flight, bus, and ferry connections have temporarily stopped or reduced their services - for details about your travel connection, please contact your travel company or service provider. 
  • International cruises: the start of the cruise ship season at the ports of Estonia has been delayed.
Read more about travelling to Estonia and crossing the border on the crisis information portal kriis.ee (in English, Russian, and Estonian) or call the crisis hotline 1247 (+372 600 1247). 

Consular information

If you need consular information or have questions about travel restrictions in other countries, you can find the contacts of diplomatic representations in Tallinn on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (24h-helpline: +372 53 01 9999) 

What to know about the safety measures in place in Tallinn, Estonia?

Physical distancing: 2+2 rule

Physical distancing is essential to stop the spread of the virus. Please follow the basic rule, both outside and inside:
  • 2+2*: in indoor and outdoor public areas (including shops, various service points, beauty salons, parks, playgrounds etc.), please keep a safe distance of at least two metres (6,6 ft) and move in groups of no more than two people*
*The limitations on the number of people in groups do not apply to families. 

Wear a face mask or cover your mouth and nose

Wearing a mask or covering your mouth and nose is mandatory in public indoor spaces, including public transport, different service points, restaurants, and during various recreational activities. 

Children under 12 and people whose medical condition prevents them from wearing a mask do not have to wear a face covering. They should, however, keep a safe distance (2+2) from others. 

You can find more information about when and where to use a mask in Estonia on the kriis.ee website.      

Public spaces: museums, attractions, restaurants, theatres, spas etc. in Tallinn and Harjumaa


The following indoor public spaces and services are closed at least until 25 April 2021:
  • Stores, shopping centres and other similar establishments (except for grocery shops, pharmacies and other businesses that provide essential services)
  • Restaurants, cafés, bars, and other similar catering establishments. Selling and buying takeaway food is permitted at all times
  • Museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, theatres, and other similar entertainment establishments
  • Gyms, sports clubs, swimming pools, and other similar facilities 
The following shops, services, and entertainment establishments are open, provided they comply with the rules on physical distancing (2+2), maximum capacity, and hygiene:
  • Grocery shops, pharmacies, optical stores, pet stores, and other businesses that provide essential services (e.g. telecommunication companies, petrol stations etc.).
  • Service points (e.g. post offices, banks, libraries, car repair shops, beauty salons, hairdressers etc.). Operating is limited to 25 per cent of maximum capacity.  
  • Outdoor spaces of selected attractions, for example, the Tallinn Zoo, the Botanic Garden, Maarjamäe Palace - Estonian History Museum, and the Estonian Open Air Museum. Operating is limited to 25 per cent of maximum capacity.  
  • Churches and other places for worship (only for individual prayer).
  • Public playgrounds and outdoor sports grounds. 
Please keep in mind that wearing a mask or covering your mouth and nose is mandatory in public indoor spaces, including public transport. 

NB! As a temporary measure, the sale of alcohol at entertainment and catering establishments is prohibited from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Public events and group activities

Indoor events
  • All indoor events (including theatre performances, concerts, movie screenings, conferences, religious services etc.) are prohibited until 25 April 2021. 
Outdoor events
  • Public outdoor activities are allowed (a maximum of 10 participants, obligation to follow the 2+2 rule). 
  • Night events are not allowed: all activities are prohibited from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. 
Exclusions to sports: indoor events (a maximum of 50 participants) and outdoor events (a maximum of 100 participants) are allowed when involving professional athletes, national teams, and contestants in the highest divisions.  

Coronavirus contact tracing app HOIA

If you have a smartphone, download the HOIA contact tracing application. The app notifies you when you have been in close contact with a COVID-19 infected person. 

Tallinn Tourist Information Centre: opening times

The Tourist Information Centre premises are currently closed, but the staff are always happy to assist you! 

You can contact us daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by phone, e-mail or via social media. 

We are committed to acting responsibly to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. The health of our customers as well as our team members is of utmost importance to us. 

Medical help in Estonia

  • Family doctor advice line: +372 634 6630 (or 1220 if you have an Estonian number). A doctor answers your health questions in English every day from 15:00 to 17:00 (24h/7 in Estonian and Russian) and can also redirect you to the emergency line 112 if necessary.  
  • Emergency: 112

Travelling to Estonia

Information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic 

Keep a safe distance, wash your hands, and stay home when sick. Photo by: Kriis.ee
Keep a safe distance, wash your hands, and stay home when sick. Photo by: Kriis.ee