How to apply for an Estonia Schengen visa

How to apply for an Estonia Schengen visa

Last updated: April 2024

Discover the blend of medieval mystique and modern tech innovation in Estonia, a Baltic treasure awaiting your exploration. You'll need an Estonia Schengen Visa to visit if you're chasing business prospects, historical narratives, or family reunions.

At iVisa, we aim to make getting your visa easy. This guide will walk you through how to secure your Estonia Schengen Visa hassle-free.

What is the Estonia Schengen Visa?

The Estonian Schengen Visa permits travelers access to Estonia and the broader Schengen Zone, encompassing 27 countries.

Implemented to regulate and facilitate the movement of visitors, this visa ensures a smooth journey across borders. Whether you're eyeing business opportunities in Estonia's tech-driven market, delving into the rich tapestry of its medieval past, or connecting with family, this visa is your ticket to a memorable Baltic adventure.

With the Estonia Schengen Visa, you can unravel the mysteries of Tallinn's old town, engage in fruitful business collaborations, or celebrate life's milestones with loved ones. It's not merely a visa; it's your pass to a realm where the old embraces the new, where every alley and modern facade has a tale to tell.

What can you do with this Estonian Visa?

• Explore the rich cultural heritage of Estonia and its modern tech innovations.

• Conduct business meetings and engage with local and international counterparts.

• Attend conferences, seminars, or trade fairs related to your field.

• Visit family and friends residing in Estonia or other Schengen countries.

• Tour around the Schengen Area, experiencing diverse cultures and landscapes.

• Seek medical treatment or consultations from renowned health facilities.

What can you not do with this Estonia Visa?

• Engage in employment or job-seeking activities.

• Pursue long-term studies or enroll in a full-time educational program.

• Reside in Estonia or any Schengen country indefinitely.

• Participate in political activities or events without appropriate permissions.

• Conduct business transactions that require a different type of visa or permit.

• Overstay beyond the visa validity period or violate the terms of the Schengen agreement.

Who can apply for an Estonia Schengen Visa?

You can apply for an Estonia Schengen Visa if:

• Your country isn't part of the Schengen visa waiver program.

• You are planning a short trip (90 days or less) to Estonia or other Schengen countries.

• Your visit is for tourism, business, family visits, or other approved short-term purposes.

• You need a new visa for yourself or a group traveling together.

Who is eligible for the Estonia Schengen Visa?

Eligibility for the Estonia Schengen Visa is primarily based on nationality, specifically for those from countries that are not visa-exempt for the Schengen zone.

If you are from a country requiring a Schengen area entry visa, you can apply for an Estonia Schengen Visa.

You can use the Visa Checker Tool to determine if you need this visa.

Visa-exempt: Who doesn't need to apply for the Estonia Schengen Visa?

Certain countries have agreements allowing citizens to enter the Schengen zone, including Estonia, without a visa. Here are some of the visa-exempt countries:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

Do minors have to apply for the Estonia Schengen Visa?

Yes, minors also need to apply for the Estonia Schengen Visa if they are from a country that requires a visa for entry into the Schengen Zone.

A parent or guardian should apply on behalf of minors. Additional documents like a birth certificate or a letter of consent from the parents may be required.

However, it's advisable to check the official guidelines or contact the nearest Estonian consulate or embassy for the most accurate information regarding the application process for minors.

Estonia Schengen Visa validity: How long is the Estonia Schengen Visa valid?

The Estonia Schengen Visa permits multiple entries into Estonia and other Schengen countries as long as the total stay doesn't exceed the 90 days per entry allowance within 180 days.

Can I extend my Estonia Schengen Visa?

In general, the period of stay will not be extended. Based on legislation, the period of stay may be extended up to 90 days in specific circumstances.

Extending the visa is a bit tricky. You can only do it for serious reasons like a family emergency, a natural disaster back home, or significant political problems in your country.

Estonia Schengen Visa required documents

To apply for an Estonia Schengen Visa, you need to provide the following documents:

1. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. It should also have at least two blank pages and be in good condition. Any previous visas should be copied and included.

2. Application form: A fully completed and signed application form.

3. Proof of paid visa fee: The receipt for your paid visa fee.

4. Two passport photos: These should be recent, taken within the last six months, and comply with Schengen visa photo standards.

5. Medical travel insurance: Insurance should be valid within the Schengen area with a coverage of €30,000 for the entire stay.

6. Cover letter: This letter should detail your visit's purpose, travel itinerary, and employment status.

7. Flight itinerary: A document showing your flight schedule, including dates and flight numbers.

8. Accommodation proof: Documents like hotel reservations, rental agreements, or invitation letters from a host in Estonia.

9. Civil status documents: Documents like marriage certificates or children's birth certificates.

10. Bank statements: Bank statements for the last six months to prove financial stability unless you have an invitation from a host in Estonia who will cover your expenses.

11. Invitation letter: If applicable, an invitation letter from a friend or family member in Estonia.

12. Employment documents: Documents relevant to your employment status.

Estonia's financial requirements

When applying for the Estonia Schengen Visa, you must prove you have enough money for your trip.

You can show your financial stability through personal bank statements, having a credit card, carrying cash, traveler's cheques, payslips, a letter from your employer stating your salary, a document from a sponsor supporting your visit, or proof of prepaid accommodation and transport.

The amount you need varies from €14 to €130 per day. It's a good idea to contact the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate to get the exact financial requirements for your visa application​.

How to apply for the Estonia Schengen Visa

The general steps to apply are:

1. Choose the Schengen visa type based on your travel purpose.
2. Fill out the Schengen Visa application form accurately.
3. Collect all necessary documents, including passport, photos, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means.
4. Book a visa interview appointment at the Estonian embassy/consulate or visa application center.
5. Present your application and documents at the appointment.
6. Pay the visa application fee as per the current rates.
7. Monitor the status of your visa application online or through the embassy/consulate.

You can find more detailed information about the application process on the Estonian Government Website.

We currently don't offer this visa, but you can join our waitlist to be notified when we do:

Estonian Schengen Visa fee and processing times

The government fee of about USD 84.85 must be paid in cash at the VAC or consulate (half-price for minors between the ages of 6 and 12 and free for minors under six).

Fee exemptions: children under 6, students, scholars, teachers, researchers, non-profit event participants under 25, those attending international meetings in Estonia, family members of Estonian citizens, government-invited individuals, diplomatic and service passport holders, and family members of EU, EEA, Swiss Confederation, or EFTA citizens.

Do I need the Estonia Schengen Visa to transit through the country?

Citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka will need a Transit Visa.

Please contact your local embassy or airline for current Estonia Airport Transit Visa requirements. This type of information constantly changes.

Estonia entry requirements or restrictions

Once you have your valid visa to Estonia, it's time to consider any other travel requirements. The good news is that Estonia has no mandatory vaccines for entering the country, but you should consider Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccines for your safety​​.

Although COVID-19 vaccination isn't required for entry, practicing social distancing and wearing masks in public is recommended to prevent the spread of the virus.

Differences between Estonia Schengen Visa and ETIAS

Wondering how Estonia's primary travel authorizations differ? Here are the differences between the Schengen Visa and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System):

Where can I learn more about the Estonia Schengen Visa?

Our dedicated online team of customer service agents.