Travel Vaccines and Advice for Estonia
Estonia is a country in Northern Europe in the Baltic region. It is bordered by the Gulf of Finland, the Baltic Sea, Latvia, Lake Peipus, and Russia.
The country offers visitors a chance to see gorgeous beaches along the shoreline. There are gorgeous forests and countryside to explore. History buffs will enjoy visiting the medieval old town in Tallinn. They can explore city walls and in-tact towers. There are even traces of Soviet occupation of the country, such as the deserted Paldiski base.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Estonia?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Estonia
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Estonia?
What Is the Climate Like in Estonia?
How Safe Is Estonia?
Visiting Laheema National Park
What Should I Take to Estonia?
U.S. Embassy to Estonia
Do I Need Vaccines for Estonia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Estonia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Estonia: hepatitis A, polio, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Present throughout country with the highest number of cases among European countries. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Estonia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Present throughout country with the highest number of cases among European countries. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Estonia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine provides effective prevention against the virus. It is administered in a series of shots, usually starting in childhood, and is recommended for travel to areas with high infection rates.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral illness that spreads through tick bites in forested areas. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, alongside protective clothing and insect repellents, to safeguard against TBE and its neurological effects.
- Rabies – Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted primarily through bites and scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the key to prevention, offering pre-exposure protection to high-risk individuals and post-exposure treatment for those exposed to rabies.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Estonia
Prevent Bug Bites in Estonia
When bitten by bugs, clean the area with soap and water, refrain from scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies. For severe reactions or tick bites, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Following CDC guidelines can help prevent and manage bug bites effectively.
Food and Water Safety in Estonia
When traveling, ensure food safety by adhering to CDC recommendations, which include eating fully cooked foods, avoiding raw seafood, and selecting reputable dining places. Safely drink bottled beverages, avoiding ice in uncertain water sources, and consume alcohol in moderation. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea through hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary areas.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Estonia?
Travelers visiting Estonia must have a passport that is valid for at least three months. A visa is not needed for stays under 90 days. Travelers must show enough funds for the duration of their stay, as well as a return airline ticket.
Estonia Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Estonia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Estonia and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Estonia?
Estonia is a country with a cool and cold climate throughout the year. Tallinn and Tartu are two of the most popular cities for tourists, and they have similar weather patterns. In the summer, temperatures usually range from 60 to 70 degrees. In the winter, they are typically around freezing.
Pärnu is a coastal town with a milder climate. Summers there are a little warmer, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70. Winters are a little milder, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees.
When planning a trip to Estonia, it’s important to check the weather forecast so you can pack the right clothes and plan activities accordingly. In the summer, you’ll need light clothes and sunscreen, while in the winter, you’ll need warm clothes and maybe even snow boots.
Remember that the weather can change quickly, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any type of weather.
How Safe Is Estonia?
Estonia does experience large, but peaceful, political demonstrations. Avoid these demonstrations if they occur.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, does occur. Travelers should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Avoid large gatherings, as they are good opportunities for pick-pocketing.
Travel only in well-lit areas and avoid traveling alone if possible. Individuals are required to wear reflectors on their clothing during dark, winter months. All travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings while traveling.
Visiting Laheema National Park
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
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Laheema National Park is in northern Estonia. It was the first national park of the Soviet Union, established in 1971. It is also one of Europe’s largest national parks. The park has tons of raised bogs, one, the Laukasoo Reserve, which is over 7,000 years old. On a walk around the park one might see boars, red deer, wolves, bears, foxes, beavers, moose, or lynxes.
There are also four manors on the park, Palmse, Vihula, Kolga and Sagadi. Palmse used to belong to the convent of St. Michael. On the grounds one can also find a distillery, greenhouse, bouth-house, and barn. Vihula has roots from 1501 and during the Soviet occupation served as a collective farm. There is even a coffee on the grounds! Kolaga is known as the “classiest” manor with it’s beautiful architecture. Sagdi manor has a rococo-style with 20 outbuildings and historical furnishings.
What Should I Take to Estonia?
A destination growing in popularity, a trip to Estonia still requires some prep work. Be sure to pack these key items.
- Walking Shoes – Bring comfortable shoes for hiking or other outdoor activities.
- Bug Spray – The spring time is often very wet, meaning mosquitoes and flies are abound. Make sure you stay protected.
- Gloves – Your extremities tend to get colder faster. Bring a pair of thick gloves if you plan on spending a lot of time outside in the cold.
- Jacket – Winters get incredibly cold in Estonia. A good, thick jacket is a necessity.
U.S. Embassy to Estonia
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy Tallinn
Kentmanni 20
15099 Tallinn, Estonia
Telephone: +(372) 668-8128
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(372) 668-8100
Fax: +(372) 668-8267
Travelers should also look into enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a service offered by the Bureau of Consular Affairs. It is a free service that provides travelers with information from the Embassy about safety conditions in the country of travel. It also allows the Embassy or your family and friends to get in touch with you in the case of emergency.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Estonia
“The nurse advised me as to what vaccinations I might need for my trip to Estonia. I got everything done in one visit! She gave me a booklet with all the information I need and told me to call or stop by if I have any questions. when I called to make my appointment they got me right in. This was a wonderful experience.”
“The RN was very thorough and did a nice job explaining all the ramifications of traveling in Estonia.”
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