Europe

Terrorism

 
There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.  

 

Crime

 
With the growth of tourism, there has been an increase in tourist-targeted crime, particularly petty theft.  You should be aware of the risks of pick pocketing and muggings, especially in bars, pubs, nightclubs and hotels in Tallinn’s Old Town. Remain vigilant, take sensible precautions and avoid unlit side streets and parks at night.  It is safer to phone for a taxi rather than hail one from the street, whether official looking or not.
 
Theft of property should be reported in person to Tallinn Central Police Station, Parnu maantee 11, tel 6124200.  You will need to obtain a police report if you have lost your passport.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime.
 

Political Situation

 
Estonia Country Profile
  

Local Travel

 
Tickets and travel cards for single journeys or for a number of hours or days for trams, trolley buses and buses are sold at “R” kiosks.  You can also buy books of 10 single tickets.  Tickets can be bought from drivers, but they cost more.  It is also advisable to have the correct change in these circumstances.  For the ticket to be valid, you must stamp it yourself in a machine in the vehicle.  If a ticket inspector finds you do not have a valid ticket, you will be fined.
 
Taxis are widely available and are reasonably priced.  However, do make sure there is a visible meter and that it is being used.  It is better to phone a major taxi company such as Tulika Takso (tel 6120000), Linnatakso (tel 6442442), Klubi Takso (tel 6380638) or Krooni Takso (tel 6381111) rather than hail one from the street.  These companies are usually able to tell you the type, number and colour of the car in advance.  Do not use taxis that are unmarked; they are illegal and usually cost a lot more than registered taxis.  They also might be unsafe.
 

Road Travel

 
You can drive in Estonia on a UK driving licence.  If you intend to drive your own vehicle in Estonia you must also have the original V5 C (Vehicle Registration Document).  The Estonian Border Guards will impound your vehicle if you do not have this.
 
Road traffic accidents are common.  Extra care must be taken at all times when driving, particularly after dark and on major highways. There were 196 road deaths in Estonia in 2007 (Source: Estonian Road Administration press release).  This equates to 16.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population, compared to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007. (Source: Department for Transport).

By law, headlights of vehicles must be on at all times, including daylight hours.  Winter tyres are a legal requirement from 1 December to 1 March every year, but if there are severe weather conditions outside these dates (likely in most years) the dates will change accordingly.  You should therefore check local conditions if driving in Estonia between October and April.
 
Do not drink and drive.  The legal limit is zero. Those found over the limit face a fine and possible imprisonment.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Air Travel

 

EU Aviation Regulations

 

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Estonia.  For more details about this see Airline Security.