If you are not from a visa-exempt country and wish to visit Estonia for a short time, you will need to apply for an Estonia Schengen visa. Estonia is one of the 27 sovereign states that make up the Schengen Zone and operates the same borderless policy. To help you prepare for your Estonia visa application, we review the application processes and the documents you will need to apply for it successfully.
Estonia In The Schengen Zone
Estonia is a European country and is one of the Baltic States in Northeast Europe. It is adjudged the smallest country in Mainland Europe by population size, with its 1.3 million people occupying a land area of 45,227 km2. Estonia shares a common border with Latvia and the Russian Federation in the east of the Baltic Sea. Aside from the major land area, it also has 2,222 tiny islands, and the majority of them are not inhabited.
Tallinn, the capital is the most populated city and one of the best-managed cities on the continent and draws in thousands of tourists each year. Estonia joined the Schengen Region in 2017 and the European Union and the Schengen Area in 2007. Its association with Schengen qualifies it to issue Schengen visas to visitors coming to Europe.
Although it has a small economy, Estonians have enjoyed a stable standard of living over the years as the economy has evolved. Many of the population speaks multiple languages aside from Estonian, such as Russian and Finnish.
Who Qualifies For A Schengen Visa?
A Schengen Visa is required for foreign nationals from countries that do not belong to the Schengen zone. The Schengen visa is valid for six months from the date of issue and allows the traveler to stay in Estonia for a period of 90 days. This visa can be used to visit as a tourist, visit family and friends, attend a business meeting, do a short course study, or for any other short-term endeavor.
Estonia Schengen Visa Processing
Once you submit the Schengen visa application form to the Estonian embassy or visa center, it will take about 15 days for your application to be processed, but the processing may extend beyond that for up to a month or more in some cases.
What Will I Need To Apply For a Visa?
You will need to provide a set of documents when applying for an Estonian visa. Here they are.
Application Form: You will need to complete the Estonian Schengen visa application form. The form must be printed out, filled out, and signed. Every section must be completed, and ensure that your details are accurate and in order.
Passport: A valid Passport issued not more than a decade ago. It must be valid for at least three months with two blank pages as a minimum for visa stamps.
Photographs: Two recent passport photographs that comply with the photo requirements of the Schengen States.
Previous Visas: A copy of prior visas issued to you, if there are any. Providing expired visas as part of your documentation will boost your chances of getting the visa.
Letter: A signed cover letter explaining the main purpose of the trip.
Travel Insurance: Travel medical insurance to satisfy Schengen law. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,0000 for medical costs, emergencies, or repatriation in case of death.
Flight Itinerary: Round trip flight Itinerary for the trip to Estonia and back. The copy of the flight reservation must show the arrival and departure date, including the flight numbers.
Proof of Financial Means: All applicants must provide proof of financial means to show that they have the capacity to cover their expenses in Estonia. The minimum daily amount is €86.
Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of Accommodation, like a residential address of a hotel reservation, must be provided.
These are the required documents, but additional copies may be demanded depending on your nationality and what the embassy in your host country demands.
Where To Apply For An Estonian Schengen Visa?
You can apply for this visa in one of two places: visit the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country or a visa application center. The embassy is the surest place to get an Estonian visa in your country, but if there isn’t one, you can apply through a licensed visa agent.
The Estonian government works with accredited visa application centers in countries where they don’t have an active embassy or consulate. Please book an appointment with them and visit on the set day with your documents for the in-person interview.
Application Fee
The visa fee for this visa is 80€ for 12-80-year-olds, while applications for 6-11 years old cost 40€. There are no fees for people outside this age bracket.
These are the Estonia Schengen visa requirements, so prepare them before submitting your application form.