Estonia Travel Safety

Road safety

Road travel can be hazardous. Country roads are poorly lit and animals sometimes wander onto the road. Driving can be especially dangerous in winter, when roads are icy and snow-covered.

Identification

Carry adequate identification at all times. Keep a photocopy of your passport, in case it is lost or seized.

Taxis

Use only officially marked taxis and make sure that the taxi meter is in use and that prices are posted. Whenever possible, call for a taxi instead of hailing one on the street. The taxi companies Tulika Takso and Tallink Takso can confirm the type, number and colour of the car when you call.

Public transportation

City buses are reliable but often crowded. Rail service is usually good but is limited to local connections around the main cities in Estonia. Bus, plane and ferry services to neighbouring countries operate frequently. Relatively good highways connect Estonia with Latvia and Russia.

Women's safety

Estonia is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

Scams

Travellers have been approached by young women at reputable bars with invitations to socialize at a nearby bar. Once at the new bar, some travellers have fallen victim to criminal activity or been presented with very large bills for drinks and entertainment. You should always check prices before ordering any food or drinks.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs, particularly in Tallinn's Old Town and during the summer tourist season. Thieves often work in small groups and target tourists in airports, train stations and other public areas. Avoid parks, poorly lit streets and certain areas of Tallinn after dark, including Kopli and Lasnamäe. Theft of vehicles or their contents is common. Keep vehicles locked and in guarded parking lots overnight. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others during payment processing. Individuals have sometimes been harassed for reasons of race or foreign-looking appearance.

LGBT

Same-sex relationships are legal in Estonia, but same-sex marriages are not recognised in Estonian law. Public displays of affection may be frowned upon or attract unwanted attention.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences or heavy fines. Don't use, buy or possess drugs: sale and distribution is illegal and the possession of even the smallest quantities can lead to up to 10 years imprisonment.

Driving

An International Driving Permit and a foreign driver's licence are required. Foreign motor vehicles are subject to strict regulations. Drivers should always carry original registration documents. Police checkpoints are routinely set up on major roads, drivers should pull over when asked. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol: the legal blood alcohol limit is 0%. The use of cellular telephones while driving is prohibited, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device. Seat belts, and car seats for infants, are mandatory for all occupants of a car, including the driver. Headlights must be on at all times. Vehicles must be equipped with winter tires from December 1 to March 1, alternatively, studded tires can be used from October 1 to May 1. These dates are subject to change. In the event of an accident, motorists must contact police to file an official report.