Today, the government decided to simplify the rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19 when travelling; the certificate requirement will be abolished completely for a large part of European countries. Passengers arriving from elsewhere can enter Estonia and do not have to self-isolate with a vaccination certificate, a recovery certificate, or a negative test certificate.
The requirement for a COVID certificate will be abolished for passengers coming to Estonia from the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, the Vatican, and the United Kingdom. All passengers from these countries are free to cross the border and do not have to self-isolate.
Third-country nationals and residents arriving from other countries may enter Estonia if they have a vaccination certificate, a recovery certificate, or a document certifying the result of a negative coronavirus test. A negative PCR test taken at a health care provider up to 48 hours before crossing the border or an antigen test approved by the European Union Health Security Committee is suitable for crossing the border.
In addition to the above, passengers from third countries do not have to self-isolate if they take a negative PCR test or an antigen test with a health care provider at the earliest opportunity after crossing the border.
The changes simplify the regulation of travel and harmonise the rules.
All children under the age of 12 are still exempt from COVID-19 measures. Exemptions for diplomats, transit passengers, staff involved in the transport of goods and passengers, providers of vital services, and participation in learning and recreational activities will remain in force. Exceptions also apply to war refugees arriving from Ukraine – they are not required to present a COVID certificate when crossing the border.
The orders issued today will take effect on 1 April. The Government Communication Unit publishes the order together with the explanatory memorandums on the website kriis.ee.