From 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM Wed Oct 14 03:20:32 1992 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith) Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Estonia Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1992 13:39:53 GMT STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Estonia ============================================================ Estonia - Consular Information Sheet October 7, 1992 Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Estonia is located at Kentmanni 20 in Tallinn; telephone (014-2) 455-313. Country Description: Estonia is a moderately developed European nation experiencing strong changes in its political and economic relationships. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in western countries are not yet available. Entry Requirements: Visas are required and most travelers obtain them in advance. It is now possible to obtain single-entry visas at ports of entry, but the process can be time-consuming and requires proper documentation. Unexpired Estonian visas are valid for entry to Latvia and Lithuania, and visas issued by Latvia or Lithuania are likewise valid for entry to Estonia. For further information concerning entry requirements for Estonia, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia at 9 Rockefeller Plaza, J-1421, New York, N.Y. 10020, tel: (212) 247-1450. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Estonia is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. There is adequate dental care in Tallinn. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Information on Crime: Estonia has a low rate of violent crime. Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night near major hotels and restaurants. Robberies have occurred on trains and in train stations. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing of illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Currency Regulations: Estonia is still a cash-only economy with the Estonian Crown (Kroon) the only currency. Credit cards are accepted in some major hotels in Tallinn; traveler's checks may be cashed with difficulty in only one bank in Tallinn. Street Demonstrations: Following 50 years of Soviet occupation, Estonia restored its independence in August 1991 and is in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. While there have been no significant street demonstrations in the past year, disturbances are possible, given the high level of tension. Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within the area. No.92-016 From 76702.1202@compuserve.com Tue Oct 25 19:44:05 1994 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 From 76702.1202@compuserve.com Sat Dec 23 18:58:29 1995 Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:912 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!root From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Estonia Message-ID: <951222144705_76702.1202_CHN25-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Fri, 22 Dec 1995 14:47:06 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 Embassy of Estonia, 2131 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 588-0101, fax: (202) 588-0108, 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 From owner-travel-advisories@stolaf.edu Thu Aug 14 00:44:52 1997 From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Estonia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 12 Aug 1997 14:15:23 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1430 Path: world!root Message-ID: <970812141523_76702.1202_CHN52-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 96 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Estonia ============================================================ Estonia - Consular Information Sheet August 11, 1997 Country Description: Estonia is a moderately developed nation that has experienced significant success in reforming its political and economic institutions since regaining independence in 1991. Tourist facilities in major cities are good. Elsewhere they are developing rapidly. Some goods and services may not be available outside of major cities. Entry Requirements: Tourists and business travelers may stay in Estonia for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. For further information concerning entry requirements and residency permits, contact the Estonian Embassy, 2131 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 588-0101, or the Consulate General of Estonia in New York City. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Estonia is improving but is still not up to western standards. Estonia has many highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may find themselves at increased risk and should consider obtaining emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage. Since many U.S. insurance policies do not provide coverage overseas, all travelers are advised to make sure they have appropriate medical coverage before departing the United States. Doctors and hospitals in Estonia often expect immediate payment in cash. Visitors to forest areas should beware of tick-borne encephalitis. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians. Further information on health matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline, tel. (404) 332-4559 or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: Travelers in Estonia should exercise the same precautions with regard to their personal safety and belongings they would take in major U.S. cities. Robbery and violent crime continue to be a problem. Muggings, pickpocketing and car thefts are common and can occur in daylight. Foreigners leaving bars alone or in small groups late at night are a favorite target. There have been several instances of criminals in bars and on trains offering unwary victims drinks laced with a powerful sedative and then robbing them while they sleep. The police in Estonia are improving, but still suffer from lack of equipment, training and resources. Few police officers speak English, and this can make it difficult to obtain prompt assistance. Credit card fraud is on the rise in Estonia. Travelers should take prudent precautions to safeguard their credit card numbers and report any suspected unauthorized transactions to the credit card company immediately. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 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. 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. Road Conditions: Driving in Estonia is considerably more dangerous than in the U.S. Aggressive driving is the norm, and many roads, especially outside of Tallin, are not up to western standards. Driving outside of cities at night can be particularly hazardous. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security within Estonia. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn is located at Kentmanni 20, tel. (372-6) 312-021. The cellular phone number for emergencies is 011-372-5-244-091, if dialed from the U.S.; if dialed from within Estonia, the number is 8-25-244-091. The U.S. Embassy's home page on the Internet can be accessed at: http://www.uslib.ee/usislib. No. 97-127 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 23, 1996, to update information on country description, entry requirements, medical facilities, crime, road conditions and home page addresses. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 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 From U09885@UICVM.UIC.EDU Thu Aug 5 02:02:45 1999 From: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Subject: DOSTRAVEL Estonia Consular Information Sheet 08/02/99 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 3 Aug 1999 19:49:40 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Reply-To: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2311 Path: world!root Sender: US Dept of State Travel Warnings Message-ID: <199908031951.OAA49742@piglet.cc.uic.edu> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Comments: To: dostravel@uic.edu Lines: 154 Estonia - Consular Information Sheet August 2, 1999 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Estonia is a rapidly developing nation that has experienced significant success in reforming its political and economic institutions since regaining independence in 1991. Tourist facilities are generally good, though some amenities may be lacking in rural areas. Some goods and services may not be available outside the major cities. The capital city is Tallinn. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. Tourists and business travelers may stay in Estonia for up to 90 days without a visa. U.S. citizens who wish to work in Estonia or remain longer than 90 days must obtain a visa or residence permit. For further information concerning entry requirements and residency permits, travelers may contact the Estonian Embassy, 2131 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C 20008, telephone (202) 588-0101, or the Consulate General of Estonia in New York City, telephone (212) 883-0636. Also, please see the Embassy of Estonia9s Internet home page at www.estemb.org. MEDICAL FACILITIES: The quality of medical care in Estonia is improving, but it still falls short of Western standards. Estonia has many highly trained medical professionals, but hospitals and clinics still suffer from a lack of equipment and resources. Elderly travelers and those with health problems may be at increased risk. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State9s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, 3Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,2 available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax (202) 647-3000. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Cases of resistant strains of tuberculosis have been reported in Estonia. Also, visitors to forest areas in warm weather should guard against tick-borne encephalitis. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888- 232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Estonia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor Driving in Estonia is more dangerous than in the United States. Aggressive driving is the norm, and many roads are not up to Western standards. Wild animals, such as moose, along with icy road conditions, can create unexpected hazards. Driving at night, especially in the countryside, can be particularly risky. Americans planning to drive in Estonia should obtain an international driver9s license prior to arrival. For information about international driver9s licenses and/or international driving permits, please contact AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance. CRIME INFORMATION: Travelers in Estonia should exercise the same precautions with regard to their personal safety and belongings that they would take in major U.S. cities. The most common crimes encountered by foreign tourists are purse snatching, pickpocketing and mugging. Violent crime, though rarely directed against foreigners, does occur. Intoxicated people leaving bars alone or in small groups late at night are a favorite target for muggings, which can turn violent. In several instances, foreign visitors have been befriended by well-dressed criminals who offer their unwary victims drinks laced with a powerful sedative, then rob them while they sleep. Car thefts are common and can occur in daylight. Police capabilities in Estonia are improving, but they still suffer from lack of equipment, training, personnel and resources. Few police officers speak English. Credit card fraud is on the rise. Travelers should take prudent precautions to safeguard their credit card numbers and report any suspected unauthorized transactions to the credit card company immediately. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Estonia9s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Estonia are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. AVIATION SAFETY AND OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct air commercial service at present between the United States and Estonia, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Estonia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Estonia's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://cas.faa.gov. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at telephone 703-697-7288. REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens living in or visiting Estonia are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and obtain updated information on travel and security within Estonia. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn is located at Kentmanni 20, telephone (372) 631-2021; fax (372) 631-2025; emergency cell phone (011)(372)509-2129, if dialed from the U.S., and 82-509-2129, if dialed from within Estonia. The U.S. Embassy9s home page on the Internet is at http://www.uslib.ee/usislib.ee. Y2K INFORMATION: U.S. citizens contemplating traveling or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential difficulties. They may wish to consider taking practical precautions against possible disruptions of services triggered by the Y2K computer phenomenon. Please monitor the home page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates on Y2K issues at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca.html. CHILDREN9S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children9s_issues.html or telephone (202) 736- 7000. * * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 11, 1997, to update information on Medical Facilities and Medical Insurance, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Crime Information, Criminal Penalties, Aviation Safety Oversight, and to add information on Y2K and Children9s Issues.