Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:613 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Estonia Message-ID: <941024170710_76702.1202_CHN77-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 24 Oct 1994 17:07:10 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 97 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Estonia ============================================================ Estonia - Consular Information Sheet October 24, 1994 Country Description: Estonia is a moderately developed European nation that has experienced significant successes in restructuring its political and economic relationships. Tourist facilities are rapidly improving. Entry Requirements: A passport is required but U.S. citizens are not required to obtain Estonian visas for most stays of 90 days or less. U.S. citizens who plan to work in Estonia or stay longer than 90 days must obtain a work and/or residence permit from the Estonian Embassy or Consulate before departure. U.S. citizens may contact the Estonian Embassy, 1030 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone: (202) 789-0320, fax: (202) 789-0471, or the Estonian Consulate, 630 Fifth Ave., Suite 2415, New York, N.Y. 10111, telephone: (212) 247-0499, fax: (212) 262-0893, for current information on visa requirements. Travelers who plan to enter Russia, even in transit, from Estonia will need a Russian visa. U.S. citizens should be aware that it is not easy to obtain Russian visas in Tallinn. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Estonia is limited. There is a shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to medical facilities which do not meet western standards. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians. As U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States, travelers have found that supplemental insurance offering overseas coverage has proven useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel.: (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Estonian police authorities have advised the U.S. Embassy of significant crime problems, and the rate of violent crime is increasing. It is unadvisable for foreigners who are not in large groups to be on the streets of Tallinn after dark, especially if they have been drinking. Street muggings, car vandalism and car thefts are not uncommon. Robberies have occurred on trains, in train stations, in hotel rooms, in bars and restaurants, and on the street even during the day. The police force suffers from a lack of manpower, resources and equipment and is not capable of responding to these problems. Local police officers are not likely to speak English, and it can be difficult to obtain police assistance. The emergency telephone number in Estonia for police assistance is 445266. It is wise for travelers to exercise the same precautions with regard to personal safety and protection of valuables in Tallinn that they would in any major U.S. city. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy. The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Currency Regulations: The Estonian crown (kroon) is the only currency. Credit cards and traveler's checks can be used at major hotels, restaurants and banks. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within Estonia. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia, is located at Kentmanni 20, telephone (372-6) 312-021. The fax number is (372-6) 312-025. The U.S. Embassy cellular phone number for emergencies is 011- 372-5-244-091, if dialed from the U.S. and 8-25-244-091, if dialed from within Estonia. No. 94-245 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated June 14, 1993, to reflect the change in the crime situation, and to update medical information and entry requirements. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories