Use this information on transportation, weather, safety, holidays, and more to take the stress out of preparing for your golf trip to Estonia.
Good to know
- Official language: Estonian, with English widely spoken
- Currency: Euro €
- Emergency number: 112 (all emergencies)
- Time zone: GMT +2 in winter and GMT +3 in summer
- European Union membership since 2004
- Country dialing code: 00372 or +372
- Plug socket: Type F, with voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz
- Traveling with a pet: Your pet must have a passport and a chip. Must be healthy and vaccinated. Contact the Estonian Agriculture and Food Board for details.
- Tipping in Estonia: 10% is the typical gratuity for exceptional service
Travel here & around
Estonia is located in northern Europe, bordered on the south by Latvia, on the east by Russia, and Finland to the north over the Baltic Sea. It is possible to get to Estonia by land, water, and air. Regular ferries run between Tallinn, Helsinki, and Stockholm, and landing at Tallinn Airport place you right in the middle of the city.
Guide for traveling to Estonia by plane, cruise ship, bus, ferry, car or with your own boat:
Estonia is compact, which makes it easy for tourists and locals alike to get around. The transportation infrastructure is well-developed, so you can travel by car, bus, bike, plane, or train or just simply walk!
Safety
Estonia is a safe country with low crime rates. As in any country, you should look after your belongings and be aware of pickpocketing in busy urban areas. Due to poor visibility on high-traffic roads across the country, pedestrians are required by law to wear reflectors. Reflectors come in many attractive designs and can be purchased for a few euros in supermarkets and souvenir shops.
Tap water is safe to drink all across the country.
Medical information
It is advisable to purchase travel insurance before a trip. Residents of Europe should check if their healthcare provider has a contract with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund. If so, you should obtain a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving. The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles EU citizens to state-provided medical treatment on the same terms as Estonian nationals.
Visas
Estonia is an EU member country and part of the Schengen area. Please consult the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a list of countries requiring visas and application details. If you need a Schengen area visa, you can apply at an Estonian embassy in your country of origin. If there isn’t an Estonian embassy or consulate in your country, you can apply at the office of an EU member state representing Estonia for issuing visas.
Public holidays
Most shops, banks, and restaurants are open on public holidays — the 25th of December and 1st of January are the only days when most businesses are closed.
- 1st of January: New Year’s Day. Usually a very quiet day after celebrations.
- 24th of February: Independence Day. Celebrated with the military parade in the morning and festive family dinners in the evening.
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday: Commonly known as lihavõtted or munadepühad in Estonian. Celebrated by springtime (dairy-based) treats, eggs, and folk festivities.
1st of May: May Day. The night before (Walpurgis Night) is celebrated with parties and folk traditions. - 23rd of June: Victory Day celebrates a decisive battle in 1919 during the War of Independence.
- 24th of June: Midsummer Day. Commonly known as Jaanipäev. Celebrated with bonfires, concerts, and festivities taking place all around Estonia. One of the most important dates in the year for Estonians.
- 20th of August: Day of Restoration of Independence. Celebrated with national festivities, events, and family gatherings.
- 24th December – 26th of December: Christmas.
