Europe

Estonia

Location

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland, between Latvia and Russia.

Crime is increasing for tourists in Tallinn. In recent years there have been several bomb attacks on buildings and vehicles. While these were connected to organised crime, you should remain vigilant. Personal security, general travel, navigation, building / office security, cold weather injuries, personal hygiene, sanitation / sterilisation, clothing & equipment, emergency first aid, cultures / customs.

Local water is safe to drink.

Marshy, lowlands; flat in the north, hilly in the south.

Maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers.

Sometimes flooding occurs in the spring.

Diphtheria, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, typhoid. Take own medical supplies as they are hard to obtain in country.
Hospital: Mustamae Haigla, 19 Sutiste Tee, Tallinn EE0034. Tel: 7-428211

Air polluted with sulphur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in north-east; however, the amount of pollutants emitted to the air has fallen steadily, the emissions of 2000 were 80 per cent less than in 1980; the amount of un-purified wastewater discharged to water bodies in 2000 was one twentieth the level of 1980; in connection with the start-up of new water purification plants, the pollution load of wastewater decreased; Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas need to be monitored; coastal seawater is polluted in certain locations.

Accidents are common. Extra care should be taken at all times when driving, particularly after dark and on major highways. Winter tyres are a legal requirement from 1 December to 1 May every year.

For more in-depth general information please download our Preparation and Training document.