Frequently Asked Questions about the EU Emergency Travel Document (ETD)

• The ETD is a standard EU travel document intended for a one-time journey back to the home country — either the country of citizenship or residence, or in exceptional cases, another destination such as a neighbouring country with an Estonian embassy to apply for an identification document.
• It is issued when the applicant cannot use their regular travel documents due to loss, theft, destruction, or other reasons that make them inaccessible within a reasonable time. It may also be issued in cases where documents cannot be quickly obtained, such as for a newborn during travel or when documents have expired and the country of citizenship cannot replace them easily.
• The ETD replaces Estonia’s previously issued return certificates and permits (TPT and TPL).

• Estonian citizens
• EU member state citizens if their country has no consular representation in the host country
• Foreign nationals residing in Estonia with a residence permit and holding an Estonian-issued alien’s passport, temporary travel document, or refugee travel document
• Foreign nationals whom Estonia agrees to repatriate under an international agreement
• Children under one year of age born abroad, if at least one parent belongs to one of the above categories

When the applicant cannot use their regular travel documents to return to their country of citizenship or residence, or in exceptional cases to another destination, due to:

• lost or stolen documents
• destroyed documents
• birth of a newborn during travel without a travel document
• expired documents that cannot be replaced within a reasonable time

• No. The ETD is intended for a one-time journey to the country of citizenship or residence, or in exceptional cases to another destination such as a neighbouring country with an Estonian embassy where a new identity document can be applied for.

• The ETD is valid for the duration necessary to complete the specific journey, including overnight stays and transfers.
• The validity period must not exceed 15 calendar days, except in exceptional circumstances.

• At an Estonian embassy
• At another EU member state’s embassy or consulate, if Estonia has no representation in the host country or it is unreasonably far and remote identification is not possible

1. Contact the nearest Estonian embassy
2. Complete the ETD application form
3. Submit a digital passport photo
4. Pay the state fee
5. If the travel document is lost or stolen, report the incident to the local police, obtain proof of the report, and submit it with the application
6. If the embassy is far away, submit the application electronically or by post, complete remote identification via video call, and receive the ETD by courier at your expense
7. If applying through another EU member state’s mission, follow their instructions

• €20 if the travel document is lost, stolen, or unusable
• €100 if the travel document is invalid
• €45 for a child under one year of age born abroad who has not previously received an identity document

Note: Fees may differ if the ETD is issued by another EU member state’s mission.

• If you are near an Estonian embassy or the document is urgently needed, it is recommended to attend in person after booking an appointment.
• If the embassy is far away, the application can be submitted electronically or by post, and remote identification will be conducted via video call. The ETD will be sent by courier at your expense.

Video call requirements:

• A working internet connection and camera
• Real-time identity verification
• If the video quality is poor or the consul has doubts, physical attendance may be required

Remote identification is available only for Estonian citizens, foreign nationals residing in Estonia with a residence permit, or individuals whom Estonia agrees to repatriate under an international agreement.

Note: If applying through another EU member state’s mission, follow their instructions.

• Personal details (surname, given name, date of birth, gender, place and country of birth, citizenship / residence permit)
• Contact details (home address, email, phone number)
• Destination country
• Type of destination — country of citizenship or residence
• Transit countries (if applicable)
• Estimated travel duration (in days)
• Details of the replaced travel document — type, number, validity, issuing authority
• Parent/guardian information if the applicant is under 18
• Proof of state fee payment if not paid at the embassy
• Police report if the document was lost or stolen
• Photo ID for identity verification

1. If you are an Estonian citizen, a foreign national residing in Estonia, or someone Estonia agrees to repatriate, and you apply in person at an Estonian embassy, the document may be issued on the spot.
2. For remote identification, allow 3–7 working days depending on the courier service in the host country.
3. For a child under one year of age born abroad, the document may be issued within 1–2 working days if the birth certificate and other documents are properly legalised or apostilled.
4. If applying through another EU member state’s mission, the document should be issued as soon as possible and no later than 5 working days after application.

• Check that personal details are correct.
• Confirm that the destination and transit countries are listed correctly.
• Ensure the validity period covers the entire journey.

Border control officers and airlines may verify the travel route listed on the ETD to confirm the purpose of travel and route compliance. Some countries require an exit permit. Make sure you have all necessary documents for departure and that they are linked to the issued ETD if required.

• Upon arrival in Estonia, return the ETD to a border officer or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• If your final destination is not Estonia (e.g. you arrive in your country of residence), send the ETD to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs without delay.

Yes. ETD issuance may be refused if:

• the submitted document is forged or contains incorrect information
• a similar application is already being processed
• the applicant’s country of citizenship objects to the issuance of an ETD during the consultation process

The decision and reasons for refusal will be communicated to the applicant no later than the next working day via the contact details provided in the application.