Getting a visa can be hard to go through because it might be brand new for you, in the sense that you don’t know yet the requirements and the procedure. Here we will take a detailed look at every important step of applying for a Schengen Visa for Estonia as an American citizen. From qualification criteria to application guidelines, we’ve got you sorted out.
Estonia Schengen Visa Application Requirements
Estonia Entry Requirements for EU Nationals
If you are a citizen of any EU state, Estonia would be happy to host you anytime. Since 2017, when our neighbor joined the Schengen Area, EU migrants can enter the country with just an ID document. Such a trip arrangement becomes a real treat for the visitors.
Entry Requirements for Non-EU Nationals
However, if you’re not an EU citizen, entering Estonia requires some additional documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Valid Passport or Travel Document: Make sure you have a passport or another valid travel document that must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the date you leave the Schengen Area and has been issued in the past ten years.
- Visa (if applicable): Along with all the other people, the Estonian visa applicants need a visa before they travel to the nearest embassy.
- Round-Trip Ticket: Give context about the airline ticket, which is your round trip that departs from Estonia and back to make it clear that you will follow the visa rules.
- Proof of Accommodation: Enclosed is a letter confirming your address in Estonia along with the dates.
- Sufficient Financial Means: Show your financial capacity by providing proof of at least €100 per day planned to be spent in Estonia.
- Travel Insurance: It is of utmost importance you have travel insurance that covers you throughout the Schengen Area valid for a sum of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies.
Interview with the Estonian Border Police
Upon arrival in Estonia, the Estonian border police will inspect these documents and may ask you some questions about your visit, such as:
- Purpose of Visit: Why are you visiting Estonia?
- Duration of Stay: How long do you plan to stay?
- Accommodation Details: Where will you be staying in Estonia?
Provided that your documents are in order and you pose no risk to Estonia, you’ll be allowed to enter the country and the Schengen territory. Always ensure that the Estonian border officer stamps your passport to avoid potential fines or detainment.
Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Estonia?
Estonia’s Schengen Zone membership means that travelers from many countries can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. However, whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your nationality and prior visa history.
You’ll require a short-stay Schengen visa for Estonia if you belong to one of the following categories:
- Passport holder of a third-world country that has a visa agreement but was previously rejected by Estonia or another Schengen country.
- Passport holder of a non-exempt third-world country.
Types of Estonia Short-Stay Visas
Depending on the purpose of your visit to Estonia, you can apply for various Schengen visa types:
- Airport Transit Visa: If you’ll be transiting through an Estonian airport on your way to another Schengen country.
- Tourist/Visitor Visa: Ideal for those planning a holiday, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family in Estonia.
- Business Visa: For those attending business-related activities in Estonia.
- Official Visit: Designed for official delegations coming to Estonia.
- Medical Visa: If you require medical treatment in Estonia.
- Short-term Study Visa: If you wish to attend a short-term course in Estonia (up to three months).
- Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: Applicable if you’ll be participating in cultural, sports, or film activities in Estonia.
Each type of visa has its own set of requirements, so be sure to choose the one that matches your purpose of travel.
Required Documents for Estonia Visa Application
To successfully apply for an Estonia Visa from the US, you’ll need to gather a list of essential documents. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:
General Requirements
- Application Form: Complete and sign the application form with a blue pen.
- Valid Passport: Your passport should not be older than 10 years and must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date. It should also have at least 2 blank visa pages and be signed.
- Photographs: Provide two passport-sized photos that meet Schengen requirements.
- Proof of Residency: Include your Green Card (alien residence card) or a valid US residence visa.
- Travel Arrangements: Present a flight reservation with your name, destination, and flight number.
- Travel Medical Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers a minimum of 30,000 Euros or its equivalent in USD, up to $50,000.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of your stay arrangements in Estonia.
Additional Requirements Depending on Your Purpose of Travel
For Employed Individuals
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement for the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary
For Unemployed Individuals
- Notarized letter from the person you’re financially dependent on, taking full financial responsibility for your travel and stay.
- Copy of their valid passport and three last bank statements.
Self-Employed Individuals
- Copy of your business license
- Company bank statement for the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
For Foreign Students in the US on F1 Visas
- Valid I-20
- Reference letter from the educational institution in the US, stating your good standing, major, and expected date of graduation.
For Retired Individuals
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
Additional Requirements for Minors
If you’re a minor or applying for a minor, you’ll need the following additional documents:
- Birth certificate of the minor.
- Completed Estonia application form signed by both parents.
- Family court order if only one parent has full custody.
- Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents.
Additional Requirements Based on Purpose of Entry
For specific purposes of entry, you might need to provide additional documents:
- For Airport Transit Visa: Valid visa for the final destination and flight ticket.
- For Transit Visa: Valid visa for the final destination and ticket.
- Business Visa: Invitation letter from the Estonian company, a letter from your employer, a business bank statement, and proof of trip financing.
- For Student Visa: No objection letter from your educational institution, internship agreement, and confirmation of enrollment.
- Medical Visa: Local and Estonian medical reports, financial arrangement proof, and treatment/appointment confirmation.
- For Cultural/Sports/Film/Religious Purposes: Event information, proof of previous performances, and invitations.
- Spouses of Estonian Citizens: Proof of Estonian citizenship, marriage certificate, and family record book.
- For Members of Official Delegations: Evidence of the purpose of the journey and the official invitation copy.
How to Apply for an Estonian Short-Stay Visa
To complete the application process for an Estonian Schengen visa, follow these steps:
- Identify the visa type you need.
- Determine where to submit your application, which could be the Estonian Embassy, consulate, or an outsourced visa center.
- Fill out the application form accurately.
- Collect the required documents based on your visa type.
- Schedule a visa interview if needed.
- Attend the interview on the designated date.
- Await a response on your application.
Where Can You Apply for a Schengen Visa?
You can apply for a Schengen visa at:
- The Estonian Embassy in your country of residence.
- An Estonian consulate.
- A Visa Application Center (VAC) if Estonia has outsourced visa submission.
- The embassy/consulate of another Schengen country if Estonia has outsourced submission.
Who Can Apply at the Estonian Embassy/Consulate/VAC?
To apply at the Estonian Embassy/Consulate/VAC, you must meet certain criteria:
- Estonia will certainly be the Schengen state that you intend to visit.
- You’ll spend more time in Estonia than in other countries if you pass through several Schengen locations respectively or enter the Schengen area through Estonia.
- Whether you are a citizen or foreigner, your country of preregistration should be your country of residence, whether it is permanent or temporary.
- If you are on a visa you can’t do it in your current country.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Estonian Visa?
The processing time varies. It can last up to 30 days for third-country nationals, and 15 days from the date of its submission. In dense rush hours, it may take up to 2 hours. Apply for a visa well in advance of the scheduled trip, but not earlier than two and a half months before it starts.
Estonia Visa Fees
The adult fee for an Estonian Schengen visa is €80 while children under 12 years old are charged a €40 fee. In certain cases, some tax categories are exempted or pay reduced fees.
Duration of Stay in Estonia Without a Visa
EU nationals are long-term residents, while others are visa-exempt ones of who can stay up to 90 days within 180 days. In addition, there is going to be a visa request.
Extending Your Estonian Visa
It is sometimes just a matter of exception, such as humanitarian reasons, but the truth is that it is rare.
Revocation of Estonian Visa
The visa may be annulled if circumstances change. Being overstayed or not meeting admission protocols may also entail stripping of it.
In essence, an Estonia Schengen Visa applicant from the United States is obligated to be cautious and the documentation should be adequate. Complying with the laid out instructions in this detailed manual, you will manage easily to push through the application process and can then expect a joyful sojourn in Estonia. Bear in mind that applicants’ situations can differ a lot; therefore, it is recommended to clarify the topics with the Estonian Consulate if you have any additional questions.
