Crime and safety warnings for Estonia

Crime

Pickpockets can be a problem in bars and nightclubs in Tallinn’s Old Town.     

Drink spiking, alcohol and sexual assault

Attacks or assault, including sexual assaults, are rare but do occur. The risk is highest late at night around popular nightlife locations. To reduce your personal risk:

• save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it’s easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with others in your group
• keep an eye on each other’s drinks to make sure they do not get spiked
• do not let a friend walk back to their hotel alone
• do not give a drunk person more alcohol

Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in bars in Estonia are often stronger than those in the UK.

Report anything that does not feel right to local authorities or hotel or club management.

Taxi safety

Always use pre-arranged taxis or official taxis with ‘TAKSO’ signage. Do not accept lifts from unmarked vehicles or with strangers.

If you use an app, check that the car details match the car assigned to you. See ‘transport risks’ for more details.

Bank card skimming

Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid card skimming.

Taxis

Do not hail unmarked taxis – they’re illegal. Make sure the taxi has:

• a price list on the back window
• the driver’s licence in a visible place
• a working meter
• ‘TAKSO’ signage (for taxis at taxi ranks)

You can also use taxi apps like Bolt, Forus and Uber.

Safety and security

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Estonia

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Estonia, attacks cannot be ruled out.    

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, are strictly prohibited, even in very small quantities. Severe penalties apply for possessing, using, buying, or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through airports. You should expect long jail sentences of up to 10 years and heavy  fines. 

Airports in Estonia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Estonia, and same-sex marriages have been recognised since 1 January 2024.   

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Estonia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Estonia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can drive in Estonia with a UK driving licence. You must have the original V5C vehicle registration document with you. Check for more details on the Estonian state portal.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. 

If you are visiting Estonia, you may be able to use your Blue Badge in some circumstances. Check local parking rules.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience or a higher minimum age.  

Do not drink and drive. If you are tested and found to have more than a quarter of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your body, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Drone incidents

Some Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia have crossed into Estonian airspace. Follow official guidance as necessary.