Updated information about countries and self-isolation requirements for passengers arriving in Estonia as of 21 August

21.08.2020 | 17:45

News

Based on the coronavirus infection rate, starting from Monday 24 August, a two-week restriction on freedom of movement will apply to passengers arriving in Estonia from the following European countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The restriction does not apply to people arriving in Estonia from Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Vatican.

Information about countries and requirements is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers

On 7 August, the Council of the European Union reviewed the list of third countries included in Annex 1 of its recommendation on the gradual lifting of the temporary restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU*. According to the list, it is possible to travel to Estonia from Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

Among those countries, the 14-day restriction on the freedom of movement applies to people arriving in Estonia from Australia from next week. The restriction does not apply to passengers arriving in Estonia from Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

Starting from 1 September, people with a negative COVID-19 test arriving from countries with an increased risk of infection (with an infection rate exceeding 16 and marked as red or countries not included in the following list https://vm.ee/en/information-countries-and-self-isolation-requirements-passengers) are permitted to go to work if it is absolutely crucial, and on the condition that they immediately test negative for the virus on their arrival. All contact with other people must be avoided while waiting for the test results. In case of a negative test result, the restriction on the freedom of movement applies for the first seven days, i.e. it is allowed to go to work or shop for essentials in case of emergencies but non-essential contacts should be avoided. They must take a second test no earlier than 7 days after the first test and if the test is also negative, they are free to continue their everyday life. This means that the 14-day restriction on the freedom of movement does not apply to them after two negative tests. Anyone arriving from a high-risk country who does not take the test must self-isolate for 14 days.


*The reviewed list of countries included in Annex 1 of the recommendation of the Council of the European Union is available HERE.

However, due to the spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly advises against travelling, except for those European countries where the rate of infection is below 16 per 100 000 inhabitants in the past 14 days, and where mandatory restriction on the freedom of movement does not apply on your return. The situation can change quickly on the ground and we would like to ask you to keep this in mind before departing for your destination.


When travelling, we advise keeping the following in mind:

  • before planning your trip, please consult the Foreign Ministry website for the infection rate in your planned country of destination;
  • stay up to date with possible travel restrictions in your destination – please consult the Reisi Targalt website, the ReOpen portal of the European Union, and, if necessary, contact the foreign mission of the country of destination for details;
  • register your trip at the Foreign Ministry's Reisi Targalt website to allow us to notify you of possible travel restrictions;
  • follow the recommendations of the Estonian Health Board for a safe flight to protect your health and that of others – if you show symptoms, please postpone your trip and contact your GP;
  • obtain travel insurance and carefully read the conditions of your insurance (including for travel interruptions caused by COVID-19);
  • at your destination, follow the instructions of local authorities and keep up to date with possible new restrictions;
  • on your return, follow the rules introduced in Estonia, monitor your health, and if you suspect you have been infected with the virus, contact your GP.
  • We would like to highlight that countries can change their conditions for entry and stay at short notice. We recommend contacting the representation or the relevant authorities of your destination country for more detailed information about the conditions that apply there.

A restriction on the freedom of movement means that within 14 calendar days of their arrival in Estonia, people can leave their place of residence or accommodation only on the orders of a healthcare professional or police official, or in an emergency that poses a threat to health or life, or to buy food, essentials and medicine.


Information about the coronavirus and restrictions on the freedom of movement is available on the Kriis.ee website: https://kkk.kriis.ee/en or by calling the national helpline 1247 (+372 600 1247 when calling from abroad).

Additional information:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
[email protected]