From 19 July 2021 there are no restrictions for those arriving to Estonia from an EU or Schengen member state, the European Economic Area, or the United Kingdom with the infection rate below 75 per 100 000 inhabitants in the past 14 days. Infection rates are published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia. The list is updated every Friday, updates take effect from the following Monday.
From 19 July 2021, the PCR test for coronavirus will be compulsory on arrival from a European country with a 14-day case notification rate between 75-200 per 100 000 inhabitants if there is no evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 or a negative test result. Upon arrival in Estonia without a certificate, a COVID test must be performed after arrival in the country. Until the result is known, the individual must remain at their place of residence.
A mandatory 10-day restrictions on movement period applies to those, who are arriving from a country with an infection rate higher than 200, which can be shortened by two negative tests on the first and sixth day. A person who is fully vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19 disease is exempt from the restrictions.
In accordance with the amendment, an unvaccinated minor aged 12–18 does not have to remain in self-isolation if they arrive in Estonia with a person from a European country with an infection rate higher than 75 and who has passed a negative test either before or immediately upon arrival in Estonia. The same rules also apply if a minor arrives in Estonia from a third country that is on the “green list” of the European Union and has an infection rate above 75. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the self-isolation and testing requirement. The individuals who have a certificate of previously been infected and no more than 180 days have passed since the result of the test or the diagnosis was confirmed are also exempt from the self-isolation requirement
Unvaccinated minors aged 12–18 may come to Estonia from third countries with a high risk of infection under a simplified procedure if they are accompanied by a vaccinated person. In this case, the minor must undergo either a COVID PCR test up to 72 hours before the arrival in Estonia or a rapid antigen test up to 48 hours earlier, the result of which must be negative. The test must also be performed immediately upon arrival in Estonia and the result must also be negative. Children under the age of 12 do not need to take the test. Exceptions for children do not apply to groups of minors travelling together.
The time limit for releasing a person with COVID-19 from self-isolation was also specified. In accordance with the amendment, a person who has previously been infected with COVID-19, who is no longer at risk of infection, and in whose case no more than 180 days have passed since the result of the test or the diagnosis was confirmed is exempt from the self-isolation and testing requirement.
In accordance with an agreement between the EU Member States, the proof of a previous COVID-19 infection can be used for exemption from the self-isolation requirement on the eleventh calendar day after the positive PCR test at the earliest. If a PCR test has not been taken, it is possible to use a medical certificate issued by the physician, stating that the person has previously been infected with COVID-19. To date, the start of the six-month self-isolation exemption was calculated as of the time when the physician had declared the COVID-19 patient healthy.
A similar amendment applies to people previously infected with COVID-19 and who have received a single dose of the vaccine. Currently, a person is exempt from the self-isolation requirement if they have been infected with COVID-19 during the past year and subsequently received a single dose of the vaccine or if they have been infected with COVID-19 after having received the first dose of vaccine. In accordance with the amendment, in these cases, a term of one year is calculated from the date of a positive PCR test or the date of confirmation of the respective diagnosis.
All passengers arriving in Estonia by plane (including children for whom the data is provided by their parent) must fill in the traveller’s questionnaire before arriving in Estonia. You can do this up to three days before arriving in Estonia. The border guard or the airline may ask for confirmation of the border crossing declaration sent by e-mail either electronically or on paper. Those arriving by ship, bus, or car are obliged to fill in the traveller’s questionnaire when arriving from a country marked in red in the table or an equivalent country.
Additional information: kriis.ee
