The All-Inclusive Guide to Estonia Visas

From the idyllic beaches of Pärnu to the rich history of Tallinn’s cobblestone streets, a trip to Estonia will be memorable, no matter the reason for your visit.

Whether it’s tourism, studying abroad, or something else, understanding the visa process is important to ensure smooth and stress-free planning. This all-inclusive guide to Estonia visas will give you all of the information you need to ensure you can move ahead with confidence.

Do I need a visa to visit Estonia?

Whether you need a visa to visit Estonia depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip, as well as the length of it. Estonia is part of the Schengen zone, so visa requirements must fulfill Schengen visa requirements as well.

If you’re from India, China, or another country that doesn’t have a visa waiver agreement with the Schengen area, you will need a visa to visit Estonia, regardless of the purpose or duration of your trip.

Do US citizens need a visa for Estonia?

It depends on the duration of your stay. US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Estonia (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), as long as it’s just for tourism or visiting.

If your trip exceeds 90 days and/or is to work or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate Estonia visa from the US.

Who else doesn’t need a visa to visit Estonia?

Citizens of EU, EEA, and Schengen zone countries can enter Estonia without a visa. There are also visa-exempt countries. Some of those are Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US. Citizens from these countries do not need a visa if their stay is shorter than 90 days and primarily for tourism or visiting.

How do I apply for an Estonia visa?

Once you determine the correct visa type, you’ll be able to begin preparing your application by gathering the necessary documents and booking your in-person visa appointment. Once you’ve obtained all of the required paperwork, you can head to your visa appointment and your application will be submitted for processing.

Can I apply for an Estonia visa online?

No. You cannot apply for an Estonia visa online. All Estonia visa applications must be submitted in person at an Estonian consulate or visa processing center.

In the coming years, there will be an online platform where you can apply for Estonia visas, called EU VAP. But, for now, this option isn’t quite available. Even so, a portion of the process will still be in-person (in order to submit your biometrics).

How hard is it to get an Estonia visa?

Getting an Estonia visa is a fairly straightforward process involving understanding which documentation is required, getting your paperwork in order, and then attending an appointment.

What is the rejection rate for Estonia visas?

In 2023, 32.96% of Estonia visa applications were denied, globally.

Rejection rates can change without notice – and they do. Many factors go into rejection rates, including seasonality.

How long does it take to process an Estonia visa?

Processing times depend, primarily, on the type of visa you’re applying for. The average processing time for a Schengen visa is 15 days, but it can take more time than that. That is why it’s always important to apply early.

Estonia visa application requirements

The visa application requirements for Estonia depend on which visa you’re applying for. With that being said, there are a few basic, essential documents that you’ll need for the vast majority of Estonia visas.

What documents are needed for an Estonia visa?

Here are the typical documents you'll need for most Estonia visa types:

• A completed visa application form
• A passport-sized photo (recent)
• A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)
• Proof of travel insurance (covering at least €30,000, must be Schengen compliant)
• Proof of accommodation (this can be hotel bookings or an invitation from a host)
• Proof of financial means
• Return or onward travel tickets

Estonia Tourist Visa (Type C) requirements

For short stays of up to 90 days, the essential documents above are usually what is required. Make sure you always check with your visa center or consulate to ensure you understand all of the required documents.

Estonia Study Visa (Type D) requirements

If you’re going to Estonia for a study abroad program, or to study in general, you’ll need all of the required documents, as well as an acceptance letter from an Estonian educational institution, or other proof of enrollment

Do I need to apply for ETIAS to visit Estonia?

Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries (including the US, UK, and Canada) will need to apply for ETIAS (short for European Travel Information and Authorization System) before visiting Estonia for short stays.

ETIAS is a quick online authorization that will be mandatory for entry into Estonia and other Schengen countries. It’s a simple process but is mandatory.

If I have an Estonian visa, do I need ETIAS?

No. If you hold a valid Estonia visa, you do not need to apply for ETIAS.

Is Estonia part of the Schengen area?

Yes, Estonia is a member of the Schengen zone. Typically, a visa for Estonia allows you to travel to any other Schengen countries, such as Finland, Latvia, and Germany, without needing additional visas for short stays!

Can I travel within the EU with an Estonia visa?

If you hold an Estonia visa, typically you can travel without going through border control to most of the countries in the EU. Cyprus and Ireland are excluded. An Estonian visa allows you to travel to any other country in the Schengen area, not the EU.

What to remember about Estonia visas

• There are many types of Estonia visas.
• Each visa from Estonia has specific document requirements.
• Estonia is part of the Schengen area.
• Some Estonia visas allow you to work legally, others don’t.
• In most cases, to apply for an Estonia visa, you must have Schengen-compliant visa insurance.
• In most cases, you must provide proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and flights in your Estonia visa application.
• Processing times vary from 15 days to more.
• For visits longer than 90 days, you must apply for an Estonia visa in-person at an Estonian consulate or embassy.
• US citizens, 2025 onward, will need to apply for ETIAS for stays shorter than 90 days.
• US citizens only require a Estonia visa for stays longer than 90 days.
• In the coming years, you will be able to apply for long-stay Estonia visas online with EU VAP.
• Estonia offers a digital nomad visa.