Estonia: Authorities amend COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Feb. 1 /update 16

Estonia amends COVID-19-related domestic restrictions as of Feb. 1; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Estonia have amended domestic restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in order to align the measures throughout the country. The following measures are in place in Harju and Ida-Viru counties from Feb. 1 and in force in the rest of the country from Feb. 3:

Facemasks are mandatory in indoor and outdoor public spaces for everyone over 12 years of age.
Organized indoor gatherings of up to 400 people are permitted for venues with seating; organized outdoor gatherings of up to 500 people are permitted.
Informal public gatherings are limited to two people in most settings, except in certain types of establishments where gatherings of six are permitted.
Catering establishments and entertainment venues must close 2200-0600, though carryout services are permitted during this period.
Most event venues are limited to operating at 50 percent capacity.

International Entry Restrictions
Estonia permits travel from European Union and Schengen Area countries, the UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Travel is prohibited from all other countries except for work, study, and limited other essential purposes. Since Jan. 28, health officials have designated all countries as "high-risk" apart from Bulgaria, Iceland, Greece, Norway, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand. Travelers from high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. This can be shortened if the traveler presents proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours or submits to a test on arrival; a second test taken no less than six days after the first will allow the individuals to end their self-isolation.

Tighter restrictions are in place for travelers from the UK due to a new variant of COVID-19 active in that country. Travelers from the UK are required to present proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 taken within the 72 hours prior to travel and must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; the self-isolation period can be shortened by taking a second test confirming a negative result no less than seven days after arrival.

Travelers from Latvia and Lithuania do not need to self-isolate if they are traveling for work or study reasons, or if they can produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival. Alternatively, such travelers can take a test on arrival and must self-isolate a negative result is confirmed.

Since Feb. 1, testing and quarantine requirements do not apply to travelers who can present a certificate to prove they have contracted and recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months. The same applies to individuals who can present a certificate confirming they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the previous six months.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.