Do I Need ETIAS for Estonia: What to Know Before Traveling

If you’re planning a trip to Estonia and wondering whether you need ETIAS authorization, you’ve come to the right place.

Estonia, tucked into northern Europe, is a diverse country with over 1500 islands, old-growth forests, and historical landmarks like old castles and fortresses.

European travel requirements continue to grow and change, which can make traveling to Estonia confusing for today’s travelers. That’s why we created this guide!

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about ETIAS and how it applies to your upcoming visit to Tallinn, Tartu, or wherever you’re off to in Estonia!

Do I need ETIAS to Visit Estonia?

Yes, from 2025 on, you will need ETIAS to visit Estonia if you are from a visa-exempt country.

What does this mean? If you aren’t traveling to Estonia with a visa or don’t have a passport from a Schengen country, you’ll need to apply for ETIAS. This includes citizens from the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.

For context, some countries have visa-waiver agreements with the Schengen zone (which Estonia is part of). This means that citizens of these countries do not need to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen area (including Estonia). However, these citizens do need authorization to travel into the Schengen space – and that’s where ETIAS comes into play (in 2025).

With that being said, if you’re planning a trip to Estonia that exceeds 90 days, or is to work or study, you will need to apply for an Estonian visa instead of ETIAS. ETIAS is only for short trips and doesn’t take the place of a visa.

Now, on the other hand, if you are a citizen of a country that is not visa-exempt, such as China or India, you do not need to apply for ETIAS. Instead, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa to travel to Estonia.

Do I need ETIAS if I have an Estonian visa?

No. If you hold a valid Estonian visa (or Schengen visa), you do not need to apply for ETIAS. When it comes to Schengen visas and ETIAS, it’s a “one or the other” situation.

How to apply for ETIAS for Estonia

Applying for an ETIAS for your trip to Estonia is done entirely online and only takes 10-20 minutes of your time.

How to apply for ETIAS for Estonia

• Fill out the form on ETIAS with the required information, such as your name, travel details, nationality, and passport number.
• Answer questions about your personal history. According to the official European Union website, you’ll be asked to share your parents’ first names, current occupation, and level of education. You’ll also be asked about any past criminal convictions.
• Pay a small fee: There is a small application fee that can be paid using a credit or debit card (you can expect to pay 7 euros).
• Wait for approval: ETIAS approval is immediate in the majority of cases. Keep in mind that while uncommon, approval can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.
• Travel to Estonia!: Once your ETIAS is approved, it will be automatically linked to your passport for authorities to see when you travel to Estonia. However, it never hurts to print out your approval, just in case.

If I get an ETIAS for Estonia, can I travel to other Schengen countries with it?

According to the EU website, a valid ETIAS does permit you to travel throughout the Schengen area and Cyprus. With that being said, it does not guarantee entry.

ETIAS for Estonia: Key Takeaways

• ETIAS is required for visitors to Estonia who do not have a Schengen visa/passport from 2025 on.
• The ETIAS application is online and only takes a few minutes.
• Once approved, your ETIAS is valid for 3 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
• Estonian/Schengen country citizens do not need ETIAS.
• Current Estonia visa holders do not need ETIAS.
• The ETIAS application costs 7 euros (but is free for those under the age of 18 or over 70).
• ETIAS is not a visa; it’s a travel authorization that permits you to enter a Schengen country.
• ETIAS is valid for travel by air, land, or sea.
• ETIAS permits you to enter any Schengen country and Cyprus, but entry isn’t guaranteed and will be decided by local border guards.
• You can appeal a denied ETIAS application.
• Approval is usually immediate but can take up to 30 days, so plan accordingly.