Estonia: Requirements for travelling to Estonia from the United Kingdom will change as of the New Year

NordenBladet — The Government approved the order governing travel from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Estonia. As of 1 January, when coming to Estonia from the United Kingdom, it is necessary to get tested for SARS-CoV-2 at least 72 hours before the start of the trip.

The Government approved the regulation pursuant to which a person can only travel to Estonia from the United Kingdom if they have been tested 72 hours before the trip for SARS-CoV-2, and the result of the test has been negative. The obligation to get tested does not extend to children under 10 years of age. After crossing the border, when arriving from the United Kingdom, a person must remain in self-isolation for 14 days, during which time they are not allowed to leave their residence or permanent place of stay.

It is possible to shorten the 14-day self-isolation period if, in addition to the test taken before entering the country, a person also gets tested on the seventh day after arriving in Estonia. The period of self-isolation will be shortened if both tests are negative.

People who arrive in Estonia from the United Kingdom in the coming days and are unable to get tested 72 hours before the trip, must get tested immediately after entering the country. To shorten the period of self-isolation, the second test must be taken no sooner than on the seventh day after learning the results of the first test. The results of both tests must be negative.

The period of self-isolation will also be shortened if a physician deems the person to be non-infectious. To shorten the period of self-isolation, children under 10 years of age must also get tested.

A person arriving from the United Kingdom may leave self-isolation under the orders of a physician, police officer or official of the rescue service, or in the event of an emergency. A person in self-isolation may leave their home to purchase items that are crucial for living, if these cannot be obtained in any other manner. A person may spend time outside by fully avoiding contact with other people. Regardless of the reason for leaving home or permanent place of stay, all measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus must be followed.

Exceptions for testing and self-isolation will continue to remain in effect for certain persons if they do not exhibit symptoms. For example, restrictions will not extended to persons arriving in Estonia in the context of military defence cooperation, to diplomats or resolvers of the emergency situation.

The Government Communication Unit is publishing the order and its explanatory memorandum on the kriis.ee website.