Estonia: Authorities tighten some COVID-19-related domestic measures as of March 2 /update 18

Estonia tightens some COVID-19-related restrictions as of March 2; significant business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Authorities in Estonia have tightened certain COVID-19-related measures. Effective March 2, catering establishments must close at 1800 daily, though they may remain open for carryout beyond that time. Many leisure businesses, including spas, saunas, swimming pools, are closed; indoor events at cinemas, theatres, and concert halls are suspended. Additionally, the following existing restrictions will remain in place through March 28:

Facemasks are mandatory in indoor and outdoor public spaces for everyone over 12 years of age.
Organized outdoor gatherings in groups of up to 10 people are permitted; no events are permitted 2100-0600.
Informal public gatherings are limited to two people in most settings.
Most 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, 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. As of March 2, health officials designate all countries as "high-risk," apart from Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Travelers from high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. This period 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; individuals may end their self-isolation by taking a second test no fewer than six days after the first and obtaining a negative result.

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 a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test 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 self-isolate until 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.