Estonia

Recommended Vaccinations For Estonia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

**Travellers who plan to visit Lääne-Eesti in Estonia during early spring to late autumn should consider this vaccine if they plan on hiking or camping as they may be exposed to infected ticks.**

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Those travellers who may have contact with bats are at higher risk and should consider the vaccination against rabies.

Recommended Medications For Estonia

There are no recommendations for Estonia at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Estonia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Estonia.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Estonia through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies

**Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.**

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

**Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in Estonia, particularly in Lääne-Eesti during early spring to late autumn.**

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Safety & Security in Estonia

Personal Safety

Estonia ranks as one of Europe’s safest countries. Crime rates have steadily declined since the 1990s, and you face minimal risk in most situations. In 2024, there were 33 homicides recorded, and while total crime increased slightly in 2023 with 27,418 offenses reported, the rate of 206 crimes per 10,000 residents remains low by international standards. Petty crime presents the primary concern. Theft increased by 21 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, with most incidents occurring in Tallinn’s Old Town and around transport hubs. Pickpockets often work in teams using distraction tactics where one person bumps into you while another takes your belongings. The port area, Baltic Rail Station, and crowded spots like Viru Street require extra attention during the day. Physical assaults rose by 28 percent in 2023, though these typically involve domestic disputes rather than random attacks on visitors. Drunk pedestrians and intoxicated individuals near bars can become confrontational, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights when people from neighboring countries visit for cheaper alcohol. Some travelers report verbal harassment, especially those from non-European backgrounds or LGBTQ individuals, though physical violence remains rare. The neighborhoods of Kopli and Lasnamae carry slightly higher crime rates and merit caution after dark. Parks and poorly lit areas should be avoided at night. Reports exist of foreigners being harassed or mugged near bars and clubs, particularly when alone and intoxicated. Organized crime has declined substantially since the turbulent 1990s, when the murder rate reached 9.4 per 100,000. Today’s criminal networks focus primarily on drug trafficking, cybercrime, and white-collar fraud rather than targeting tourists or business travelers.

Extreme Violence

The terrorism threat level in Estonia remains low. No terrorist organizations operate or maintain bases in the country, though Estonia appears on terrorist radars due to its NATO membership and support for fighting international terrorism. One Estonian citizen traveled to Syria to fight for a terrorist organization, and two people have been convicted of supporting Islamist terrorism. Estonians have been killed and injured in terrorist attacks abroad. The Internal Security Service monitors several dozen individuals living in Estonia or with close ties to the country who could become threats if further radicalized, though this represents a minor concern. Most potential threats come from radicalized lone individuals inspired by Islamist propaganda rather than organized groups. Estonia experienced a major series of cyberattacks in 2007 targeting parliament, banks, ministries, newspapers, and broadcasters. Since then, Kremlin-led cyberattacks on state institutions and private companies occur nearly weekly, though Estonia has developed strong cyber defenses. Most attacks cause only short-term service interruptions. Violent crime has decreased substantially since the 1990s when organized crime groups controlled protection rackets, drug trafficking, and various criminal enterprises. The Estonian mafia, though historically hierarchical and well-organized, now operates in much more modest form. Protection rackets have become largely obsolete, with criminal networks shifting focus to drug trade and white-collar crimes like tax fraud. Firearms crimes remain relatively low due to stronger regulations and low ownership rates, though reactivated firearms obtained from Czech Republic or Slovakia occasionally transit through Estonia to Russia and Scandinavian countries.

Political Unrest

Estonia maintains its status as a solid democracy with stable political institutions. Despite increasing polarization between liberal and conservative parties since 2015, democratic processes and effective checks and balances remain in place. The country has undergone multiple peaceful transfers of power between rival parties over three decades. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 profoundly impacted Estonia’s political landscape. Within two days of the war breaking out, approximately 30,000 people gathered in Tallinn’s Freedom Square for a solidarity demonstration, marking the largest protest since the Soviet Union’s dissolution. Throughout 2022 and 2023, smaller protests and pickets continued, including outside the Russian Embassy. Polarization between liberal parties and nationalist conservative parties increased in 2023. The far-right Conservative People’s Party of Estonia has become the second-most popular party and uses polarizing rhetoric on topics including immigration, same-sex partnerships, and abortion. During the 2023 election campaign, ethnic tensions and divisions became more evident, especially in the northeast. Opposition parties engaged in filibustering to prevent votes on legislation they claimed the government had no mandate to pass. The Supreme Court was asked to intervene on parliamentary procedures. Protests remain generally peaceful with traditional repertoires like demonstrations and picketing at local and national levels. Disruption is rare, though analysis shows a slight tendency toward increased contention with more polarizing claims. Political parties have become more involved in protest activism. The constitutional freedom of assembly is guaranteed and enforced. Russia conducted simulated missile attacks against Estonia as political provocations. Cyberattacks on state institutions and private companies occur frequently, though Estonia developed strong defenses after falling victim to 22 days of cyberattacks in 2007. There is no immediate military threat, though tensions with Russia affect social, economic, and political stability.

Areas To Avoid

Tallinn’s Kopli and Lasnamae neighborhoods carry the highest risk for visitors, particularly after dark. Kopli cape in the Pohja-Tallinn section has concentrations of drug users and pickpockets. While crime rates in these areas remain lower than dangerous districts in many other European cities, they still merit avoidance compared to other parts of Estonia. Railway stations across Estonia present typical transport hub risks where people come and go frequently. Normal attention to personal belongings is required. Parks and open spaces with fewer people should be avoided at night. The port area and surroundings of the Baltic Rail Station in Tallinn’s city center present the biggest concern for petty crime. Pickpockets remain active throughout the most populated areas during the day, particularly in Old Town, around Viru Keskus shopping center, and along Hobujaama street. Town Hall Square called Raekoja Plats and the Central Market see regular pickpocketing activity. Viru Street hosts numerous bars and clubs that can become rowdy as nights progress, with reports of muggings and scams in these nightlife spots. Narva, located at the border with Russia, has lower overall crime rates but experiences some drug trafficking due to its location. Former industrial character and border proximity make it less appealing for typical tourism, though visitors report no major safety problems. Southern Estonia saw the main increase in theft during 2023. While rural areas generally present fewer crime concerns, roads can be poorly lit and isolated areas increase vulnerability to both crime and accidents. Wild animals pose hazards in rural zones.