Estonia: Authorities will tighten COVID-19-related domestic measures March 11-April 11 /update 19

Estonia will tighten domestic measures imposed to combat COVID-19 March 11-April 11; significant business and travel disruptions likely.

Event

Estonia will tighten domestic measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 March 11-April 11. All retail stores, health and beauty clinics, spas, and public swimming facilities must close until April 11; exceptions are limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, stores selling medical devices and aids, telecommunication company outlets, opticians, pet stores, and fuel stations. Informal outdoor and indoor gatherings, including nonprofessional sports, are banned; only two people from different households may gather. Outdoor religious services, open-air exhibitions, and organized public meetings must be limited to 10 persons; no events are permitted 2100-0600 and venue capacity may not exceed 25 percent. Catering establishments may offer takeaway and delivery services only. Finally, facemasks remain mandatory in indoor and outdoor public spaces for everyone over 12 years of age.

Authorities in Estonia previously tightened COVID-19 measures March 2. Many leisure businesses, including spas, saunas, swimming pools, are closed; indoor events at cinemas, theatres, and concert halls are suspended.

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. Health officials currently 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 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.