Estonia: Authorities plan to ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions starting May 17 /update 23

Estonia to ease COVID-19-related domestic restrictions from May 17; international entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Estonia plan to ease certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions following a decrease in infection rates. Starting May 17, most students will be allowed to return to in-person classes. A maximum of 250 people will be permitted to attend outdoor sports matches, education and internal training sessions, and public events; however, the size of individual groups of attendees will be limited to 25 persons. Starting May 24, catering establishments will be allowed to open their indoor areas for groups of up to 6 people; groups of up to 10 people will be permitted in outdoor dining areas. Facemasks remain mandatory in indoor public spaces and on public transport.

International Travel 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. All permitted arrivals must fill out an online health declaration prior to arrival. Health officials currently designate all countries as "high-risk," apart from Australia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, and the UK. Travelers from high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. This period can be shortened if the traveler presents a negative result from a 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.

Cross-border commuters from Latvia may enter the country without needing to self-isolate provided they have a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous seven days.

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.