https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/estoniaEstoniahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/estonia-weatherFind out how to stay safe in Estonia's summer or winter with these tips on weather before you go.2020-01-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/estonia-weatherhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Estonia is a tiny Baltic State that gained independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991 and it's easy to bypass it on the world map. But it is certainly worth a visit for its general cleanliness, lack of crime in most areas (the capital, Tallinn, may be a different story) and impressive track record of having no natural disasters in 100 years.</p> <h2>Compulsory reflectors</h2> <p>Still, you won't necessarily like the climate in Estonia. Because it sits so far north in Europe, it gets cold and very dark between October and April, with only about six hours of sunlight per day, and there are special laws to cope with that.</p> <p>For instance, pedestrians must wear reflectors, similar to what a cyclist would wear, when out after dark. You can find these at supermarkets and smaller retailers around Estonia. Wearing the reflectors, usually by attached to your coat, is crucial in country areas where street lighting is poor and it's difficult for drivers to see you.</p> <p>You can be fined for not wearing a reflector, but if you are drunk, the fine could be 10 times as much.</p> <p>Animals, big animals like moose, are other moving targets to watch out for while driving, but the government has no laws on the books requiring <em>them </em>to wear reflectors!</p> <h2>Snow business</h2> <p>It snows about 100 days out of the year here, so you'll need some endurance if you're from a country with a warmer climate.</p> <p>Even though the road system is quite satisfactory throughout the country, wintry conditions can turn them into a mess.</p> <p>Often the snow starts falling with little warning catching road crews unaware, so it's a while before the snow plows get out onto the streets.</p> <p>Snow, ice and winter darkness - it's not a great combination for safe driving.</p> <p>If the roads are passable, taking a drive can be quite pleasant, as it showcases the beautiful snow-lined landscape, but it's not uncommon for drivers to get stranded in snowdrifts throughout the country.</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, skiing is popular here; you may want to keep a pair of skis in your rental car, they might get you back to your hotel quicker if you get stranded.</p> <h2>Zero tolerance</h2> <p>Other local laws, there are strict rules against drunk driving. Anyone with a blood alcohol level above zero will face strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines.</p> <p>Even those driving their cars via ferry can be subjected to breath checks.</p> <h2>Summer season</h2> <p>If your plans blessedly take you to Estonia in the brighter, warmer summer months, your main danger if gallivanting outdoors will be tick bites. Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk, especially in the forests.</p> <p>Flooding is possible in low-lying areas when the ice starts thawing in the spring, but occurs infrequently.</p> <p>Note also that outdated electrical and structural codes in buildings increase the risk of fire throughout Estonia, so always check the evacuation plan and know where the fire exits are.</p>Getty Images/Richard Hylerstedt / EyeEm 1608992101 Getty Images Snow covered city in Estoniahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/crime-lawFrom drones and photography laws to crime and LGBTQ+ safety, this is what you need to know before you go.2020-03-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/crime-lawhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Estonia is a relatively safe country for people to visit and travel <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/estonia-weather" target="_blank" title="Planning for the weather in Estonia">all year round</a>. As tourism increases each year, we answer the question: is there anything to worry about in Estonia? Here are a few travel safety tips.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#crime"> Crime in Estonia </a></li> <li><a href="#drunk"> Driving under the influence </a></li> <li><a href="#drugs"> Drugs </a></li> <li><a href="#photo"> Photography </a></li> <li><a href="#drone"> Drones </a></li> <li><a href="#lgbtq"> LGBTQ+ safety </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="crime">Crime in Estonia</h2> <p>Violent crime towards travelers rarely occurs in Estonia, however petty crime does exist, so&nbsp;use your common sense and take general precautions (like you would anywhere you&nbsp;go) such as:</p> <ul> <li>Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. Pickpockets can operate in small groups</li> <li>Secure your valuables while traveling and keep an eye on your bags</li> <li>Only take what you need out with you each day</li> <li>Keep an eye on your credit or travel money card at all times. Credit card fraud does happen in Estonia, particuarly in more touristy locations</li> <li>Avoid doing any personal admin transactions e.g banking on public WiFi services</li> <li>Pickpockets and bag snatchings can occur, generally around <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/guide-to-estonia" target="_blank" title="How to get around Estonia safely">transport hubs</a>, the Old Town area in Tallin and crowded spots such as markets, clubs, bars and restaurants</li> <li>Avoid walking through poorly lit streets or parks.</li> </ul> <h2 id="drunk">Blood alcohol limits for drivers&nbsp;in Estonia</h2> <p>There are strict rules in Estonia against drunk driving. Anyone with a blood alcohol level above zero will face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.</p> <p>Even those driving their cars via ferry can be subjected to breath checks. So despite the enticing alcohol prices, make sure you are zero before you get behind the wheel.</p> <h2 id="drugs">Drugs</h2> <p>It is illegal to use, possess or traffick drugs in Estonia. Penalties are harsh, even a small amount on you can land you in jail for ~10 years. Your safest option is to not do drugs or get involved with illegal activity while traveling.</p> <h2 id="photo">Photography</h2> <p>As you would anywhere in the world, avoid taking photos of government, military and infrastructure buildings such as airports. It's always nice to <a href="/create/learn/photography/photo-etiquette-in-nepal-travel-tips" target="_blank" title="Photo etiquette">ask someone if they mind having their photo taken beforehand to avoid offense</a>.</p> <h2 id="drone">Drones</h2> <p>Drones for recreational use can be flown in Estonia without a permit however travelers will need to adhere to <a href="https://uavsystemsinternational.com/pages/estonia-drone-laws" target="_blank" title="Drone flying laws">local drone flying laws</a>.</p> <h2 id="lgbtq">Is Estonia safe for LGBTQ+&nbsp;travelers?</h2> <p>Although same sex relationships are legally recognized in Estonia (decriminalized in 1992), same sex marriage isn't. LGBTQ travelers should remain discreet at all times as homophobia does still exist in many places.&nbsp;Despite this, the country has become more progressive post-Soviet Union rule. The Baltic Pride festival takes place each year changing between Estonia,&nbsp;<a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/lithuania/criminal-activity-in-lithuania" target="_blank" title="Is Lithuania safe?">Lithuania</a> and <a href="/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/safety-in-riga-latvia" target="_blank" title="Is Riga safe?">Latvia</a>. The capital Tallinn will host the event in 2020.</p>Getty Images/Kavalenkava Volha 1 Getty Images A beautiful town in Estoniahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/guide-to-estoniaHarsh winters, crazy driving, pickpockets and out of control stag parties. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Estonia safely.2018-12-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/northern-europe/estonia/guide-to-estoniahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>If you decide to brave Estonia's harsh winters and take a drive around the country, be aware of strict rules regarding your paperwork. Some travelers have been fined for confusion over driving laws in the country.</p> <h2>Driving in Estonia</h2> <p>To be able to drive in Estonia you will need a valid driver's&nbsp;license from your&nbsp;home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you're not authorised to drive a certain class of vehicle at home the IDP doesn't magically give you the right to do it elsewhere.</p> <ul> <li>Make sure your rental and&nbsp;<a href="/travel-insurance/" target="_blank" title="Get a travel insurance quote">insurance</a> papers are in order and carried with you at all times</li> <li>Before you take to the roads, check the car has the following compulsory items: headlight deflectors, warning triangle, fire extinguisher and wheel chocks. On the spot fines can be issued by police if these items aren't in the car</li> <li>It's illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless you have hands free or Bluetooth capabilities</li> <li>Dipped headlights must be on at all times of the day and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory</li> <li>In Estonia, you drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.</li> </ul> <p>Avoid driving at night where possible as poor road conditions such as unsealed roads in rural areas can be dangerous plus the risk of potentially hitting wild animals such as moose. Some Estonian drivers can be aggressive; overtaking cars doing the speed limit whether it's in the city or rural areas. Be aware and drive defensively.</p> <p>While the Estonian government has virtually no tolerance for drunk driving, accidents involving intoxicated drivers do occur.&nbsp;As a result, local police regularly run breath testing checkpoints and highway patrols.</p> <h2>Driving in Winter</h2> <p>Snow, ice and winter darkness - it's not a great combination for safe driving anywhere.&nbsp;Even though the road system is quite satisfactory throughout Estonia, wintry conditions can turn them into a mess.</p> <p>It's compulsory to use snow tyres between December and March, however this can extend by a month either side so check with local authorities. It's important to take into consideration the icy conditions on the roads and that it may take longer than usual to travel from one destination to another. Don't forget to check that the lights, wipers and brakes are in good working order before driving.</p> <p>Often the snow starts falling with little warning catching road crews unaware, so it's a while before the snow plows get out onto the streets.</p> <p>If the roads are passable, taking a drive can be quite pleasant, as it showcases the beautiful snow-lined landscape, but it's not uncommon for drivers to get stranded in snowdrifts throughout the country.</p> <p>Once winter ends, flooding&nbsp;can occur in low-lying areas when the ice&nbsp;thaws in the spring. It does occur infrequently but if you happen come across flood waters while driving, don't attempt to cross.</p> <h2>Taxis</h2> <p>Try to avoid hailing taxis directly from the street. Some drivers will jack up the fare. You are better off&nbsp;booking a ride&nbsp;with a&nbsp; licensed taxi company such as Tulika Takso.</p> <p>Racially-motivated crimes against minorities also occur in Estonia, though it is difficult to get a handle on the rate of frequency. In a recent occurrence, an African Ph.D. student was harassed in Tartu to the point where he decided to abandon his studies in the country.</p>Getty Images/R.Tsubin 1976054336 Getty Images Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Tallinn, Estonia