TOURISM & CONSULAR INFORMATION

WHAT is the N.I.E. number? Getting a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number / Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number in Spain

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – A NIE number (Foreigner Identification Number / Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is needed by all foreigners with legal or tax activity in Spain. NordenBladet´s complete guide explains the NIE application process and what you need to get your Spanish NIE number. This guide gives an overview what a NIE number is, specifies the application process, where to find application forms, and finding the right contact number.

What is a Spanish N.I.E Number?
N.I.E. is an abbreviation for Número de Identidad de Extranjero, which translates as Identification Number for Foreigners, or Foreigners’ Identification Number if you prefer.

The NIE number is the legal number the Spanish National Police (https://www.policia.es) assigns to foreign residents who don’t have Spanish citizenship, so that they can carry out legal activities in Spain. The actual format of the number certificate is an A4 white sheet which contains your name, surname, date of birth, city and country of birth, and of course the unique number.

The NIE is your all-purpose identification and tax number in Spain. Spain’s NIE number is the personal and unique tax identification number that is used to track all financial and legal activities in Spain. The Spanish number acts as a tax and identification number, and is necessary for all financial transactions that involve the Spanish tax office (https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/). For example, you will need a NIE number to buy a property, buy a car, get connected to the utilities and, most importantly as far as the Spanish state is concerned, pay your taxes. Without a NIE number, the Spanish tax authorities are unable to assess or process annual tax payments such as income tax (IRPF), and the annual wealth tax (Patrimonio), both of which are declared by resident and non-resident property owners.

Using your Spanish NIE number
Here are some of the most common procedures for which you will need a Spanish NIE number:

* Opening a bank account in Spain
* Being legally employed
* Paying taxes in Spain
* Buying or selling property in Spain
* Buying or selling motor vehicles
* Becoming self-employed in Spain
* Registering a business in Spain
* Studying in Spain
* Getting a Spanish driver’s license
* Arranging utilities in Spain

The list goes on but as a general guide, any activities of a legal nature require a Spanish NIE number.

A NIE number is mandatory for all foreigners with financial, professional, or social affairs in Spain, regardless of whether they are a resident or non-resident in Spain. Children also need a NIE number in order to, among other things, get social security!

European citizens typically need to apply NIE number after three months of residence in Spain, while non-EU citizens will typically receive their application along with their Spanish residency. Official residents in Spain will also typically need to register on el padrón (Spain’s population register).

Note: NIE number certificates were being issued with a 3-month validity from the time of issue, after which you were expected to apply for residency, or register as a non-resident. So after three months the certificate was no longer valid, at least in principle. However, at some point the regulation was changed to eliminate the three-month expiry deadline, so NIE number certificates now bear no expiry date. But this is Spain, the bureaucracy is a bit of a mess, and regulations are not uniformly implemented or even understood. You may find that some notaries refuse to accept an old certificate that expired after three months, which could cause problems for people who have one of the old certificates. So if you happen to have requested a NIE number in the past, check it to make sure it doesn’t bear an expiry date. If it does, request a new copy without an expiry date.

NIE application
NIE applications can be submitted while living or visiting Spain to the relevant Spanish National Police station dedicated to foreign documentation. You can also apply for a NIE number at the Spanish embassy located in your country.

In Spain, the NIE number can be requested either by you or via an authorized figure (lawyers, solicitors, relatives, or friends) holding a Spanish power of attorney. The processes may differ slightly depending on the region.

Spanish NIE requirements
This is something you need to first ask about at the relevant office where you will apply for your NIE number. The type of requirements can vary from one office to another, although you will generally need:

* NIE application form (EX 15 form); click (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Documents/MODELO%20EX%2015.%20Solicitud%20NIE%20Ingl%C3%A9s.pdf) for an English translation of the NIE application form, although the submitted NIE form must be in Spanish.
* Original passport (current and not expired) and one photocopy
* Two small photos
* Government fee (€10.71 in 2018), which you should pay at the bank using a 790 NIE form (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/EDIMBURGO/en/Consulado/Documents/Model%20790.pdf).

Note: Some police stations may request the traditional paper NIE form, which you can collect at any national police station dealing with foreign documentation. For those of you who live in Torrevieja, Elche, Benidorm, and Alicante areas, you will need to request an appointment for your NIE number online at consultor.com (http://consultor.com/oue/).

NIE number vs NIE card.
A NIE number is just a number written on a white piece of paper. The NIE card and the TIE card are the most common legal documents that are required by both EU citizens (NIE Spain) and Non-EU citizens (TIE Spain) who plan to move to Spain.  The non-resident NIE does not authorize you to reside or work legally in Spain. It is merely a number that identifies you as a foreigner in the country (for example, for tax purposes). And you should not confuse it with the TIE, the actual residence card.

White NIE vs. Green NIE (for EU-Citizens)
There are two forms of NIE available for EU passport holders. You can get a NIE number or NIE card. A NIE number is just a number written on a white piece of paper. Meanwhile, the NIE card is aalso referred to as a residency certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) or residency card (tarjeta de residencia) that will enable you to complete all the paperwork you need for your daily life in Spain. This certificate of residency is equivalent to a NIF (Spanish citizens’ ID card).

 

Your N.I.E. card
* The N.I.E. number certificate described in this guide does not mean Spanish residency. This requires separate documents and procedures, although the Spanish residency card (or A4 sheet) shows the number.
* Your NIE number is permanent. Formerly, numbers were temporary for three month periods in some regions, but this is no longer the case.
* You won’t be able to exchange your foreign driving license in Spain if you only have an NIE number. You’ll have to have Spanish residency.
* Take your number certificate with you, along with your passport, if you need to make a police report.

Important links and information

* NIF: The Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) serves as a fiscal identification number for those born in Spain, and is the Spaniards’ version of this number.
* CIF: The Certificado de Identificacion Fiscal (CIF) is the tax number for all companies in Spain. It serves as the VAT number.
* NIE numbers: The number will consist of an X or Y followed by seven or eight digits and another letter.
* Contact number: Find the relevant police office in your area (https://www.policia.es)
* NIE form (payment): Form 790 (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/EDIMBURGO/en/Consulado/Documents/Model%20790.pdf)
* NIE application form: Solicitud de Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE) y Certificados (EX-15) (http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/PRAGA/Documents/Formulario%20EX-15.pdf)

Applying for the NIE number in person via a Spanish Consulate abroad
Take all documentation in person to your nearest Spanish Consulate.

You have to go in person with all the relevant documentation to your nearest Spanish consulate. The Spanish Consulate cannot issue NIE numbers; it only acts as a “postal box” between the applicant and the competent authorities in Spain. Once you have submitted your application through the Consulate they will not be able to provide you with any further information on the status of your application. For any further information or enquires as to the status of your application you should write to Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación.

Address:
Comisaría General de Extranjería y Documentación
Dirección General de Policia
C/ General Pardiñas, 90
28006 Madrid

Await notification from the Spanish authorities. If all goes well you should receive your NIE number in pdf format by email within 2/3 weeks.

Which documents are required?

As a student/unpaid intern (EU-citizen) to get the NIE
  • Your passport + 1 copy
  • To get a NIE number (stay < 6 months) – EX15 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • To get a NIE card (stay > 6 months) – EX18 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • Proof of enrolment in a University or school
  • Copy of Empadronamiento (Registration at City Hall) – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
    We recommend obtaining the Empadronamiento before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually.
  • Administrative fee paid in the bank (12€ for EU citizens, 16€ for non EU-citizens)
  • Sufficient financial resources: an average of 538 euros per month or 6,456 euros per year
 As a paid intern or full-time worker (EU-citizen) to get the NIE
  • Your passport + 1 copy
  • EX18 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • Original working contract or confirmed job offer
  • Confirmed means you need a written and signed statement from the company, including all your personal information, passport number, what you will do and for how long (at least 6 months), company information with CIF number and número de cotización
  • Copy of Empadronamiento (Registration at City Hall) – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
    We recommend obtaining the Empadronamiento before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it sooner or later anyway.
  • Registration for social security – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
    We recommend obtaining a Social Security Number before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually, if you are planning to contribute to the Spanish Social System.
  • Administrative fee paid in the bank (12€ for EU citizens, 16€ for non EU-citizens
For non-EU-citizens paid interns/ full-time workers to get the TIE (plastic card that includes NIE number)
  • Your passport + 1 copy
  • EX17 form filled + 1 copy – Download the form here
  • Original working contract or confirmed job offer
  • Confirmed means you need a written and signed statement from the company, including all your personal information, passport number, what you will do and for how long (at least 6 months), company information with CIF number and número de cotización
  • Copy of Empadronamiento (Registration at City Hall) – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
  • We recommend obtaining the Empadronamiento before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually.
  • Registration for social security – it is required in some police stations and not in others, it also depends on the person you will be dealing behind the counter.
  • We recommend obtaining a Social Security Number before the NIE appointment, since you need to do it eventually if you are planning to contribute to the Spanish Social System.
  • Administrative fee paid in the bank (12€ for EU citizens, 16€ for non EU-citizens)
  • Tax form 790-012 + 1 copy

 

Attention! Please contact the nearest embassy for the most accurate valid information.

Embassy of Spain in Sweden
Byströms Villa, Djurgårdsvägen 21, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 522 808 00
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/Estocolmo/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Denmark
Kristianiagade 21, 2100 København, Denmark
Phone: +45 35 42 47 00
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/COPENHAGUE/es/Embajada/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Finland
Kalliolinnantie 6, 00140 Helsinki, Finland
Phone: +358 9 6877080
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/HELSINKI/fi/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Estonia
Liivalaia 13, 10118 Tallinn
Phone: +372 667 6651
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/TALLIN/et/Embajada/Paginas/HorariosLocalizacionContacto.aspx

Embassy of Spain in Norway
Halvdan Svartes gate 13, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Phone: +47 22 92 66 90
Website: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/embajadas/oslo/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx

Featured image: Pexels

Estonia: Covid TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS on arrivals from Monday, November 15

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Estonia’s three-tier arrivals Covid restrictions lists coming into effect Monday remain virtually unchanged on the previous week, with Andorra the only state to change its status, being downgraded from the ‘Yellow’ to ‘Red’ list.

Arrivals should fill in an online passenger declaration form before arrival.

The revised lists, which cover the EU, the EEA and equivalent, including the U.K. and Switzerland, and the Schengen Area, as announced Friday, November 12, and in force from Monday, November 15, together with each country’s 14-day coronavirus rate per 100,000 as reported by the Estonian foreign ministry, are as follows.

Green list – No restriction on movement

States with a 14-day coronavirus rate of 75 per 100,000 inhabitants and below.

Holy See 0*
Malta 71.52
Spain 49.00

*In practice, arrivals coming from the Vatican are likely to have had to pass through Italian territory anyway, meaning they would be subject to Italy’s coronavirus travel status.

Yellow list – arrivals must present proof of vaccination or of recovery from the virus

States with a 14-day coronavirus rate of 75 – 200 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Finland 166.56
France 131.18
Italy 94.48
Monaco 127.41
Portugal 122.68
Sweden 106.35

Arrivals from yellow list countries must present proof of vaccination, a negative test or recovery from the virus.

PCR tests must have been taken within 72 hours of arrival and antigen tests within 48 hours.

Arrivals without a negative test certificate can take a test on arrival and quarantine while awaiting results.

Red list – non-vaccinated arrivals must quarantine 10 days and take two Covid tests

States with a 14-day coronavirus rate of 201 per 100,000 inhabitants and over.

Andorra 367.57
Austria 1,026.81
Belgium 943.37
Bulgaria 912.51
Croatia 1,393.83
Cyprus 268.02
Czechia 820.23
Denmark 478.05
Germany 373.52
Greece 649.82
Hungary 608.88
Iceland 392.16
Ireland 858.49
Latvia 1533.33
Liechtenstein 407.77
Lithuania 1,401.60
Luxembourg 421.65
Netherlands 680.8
Norway 309.58
Poland 357.39
Romania 724.42
San Marino 258.32
Slovakia 1,382.22
Slovenia 1,747.87
Switzerland 366.36
United Kingdom 776.13

Non-vaccinated arrivals from Red-list countries must quarantine for 10 days on arrival.

Tests must be taken on arrival and on day six. If both are negative, quarantine can be shortened.

Vaccinated people do not need to test.

More information is available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website: vm.ee/en.

The data is compiled by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and released on Friday morning. The list is updated every Friday and takes effect from the following Monday.

As of Friday, November 12, Estonia’s 14-day coronavirus infection rate stood at 1,531.7 per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 1,798.98 per 100,000 inhabitants the previous Saturday.

Featured image: Estonian airport (Photo: NordenBladet)

Turkish Airlines will no longer accept Syrian, Iraqi nationals on Minsk route

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Turkish Airlines (THY) will no longer accept Syrian and Iraqi nationals on its flights to Minsk except for holders of diplomatic passports, said Jakub Kumoch, the head of the Presidential International Policy Bureau of Poland and former envoy to Turkey, on Thursday.

His statement comes after claims that Turkish Airlines was flying migrants to Belarus amid a migrant crisis there.

Denying the claims as “baseless,” the airline said Turkish Airlines flights to Belarus are in no way aiding in illegal immigration traffic.

Turkey rejected efforts to “portray it as part of the problem” in the migrant crisis along the Poland-Belarus border, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Turkey, host to some 4 million mainly Syrian migrants, has been accused of contributing to the migrant flow toward Belarus’ borders. The European Union has accused Minsk of encouraging the migrants to come to its territory then pushing them to cross to Poland and other neighboring countries.

“We reject efforts to portray Turkey, which is not a party to this issue, as part of the problem,” the ministry said in a statement and added Ankara viewed the targeting of its national flag-carrier Turkish Airlines over the matter as “intentional.”

The crisis at the eastern frontiers of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia is fueling calls for the EU to finance the construction of something it never wanted to build: fences and walls at the border.

About 8,000 migrants have entered from Belarus this year, and border guards have prevented about 28,000 attempted crossings, according to European Commission figures.

Photo: Jakub Kumoch (NordenBladet)
Source: Daily Sabah

Read also:
European Union considering ban on Turkish Airlines and FlyDubai within European airports

Estonia: Tallinn Airport opens 40 direct flights for winter

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – In the coming winter, it will be possible to travel from Estonia to Tallinn Airport’s all-time record 40 destinations. A survey conducted by pollster Kantar Emor in October revealed that 39 percent of the Estonian population assess the risk of coronavirus infection when traveling as low. Tallinn Airport calls everyone to get vaccinated for the upcoming winter holiday season.

The Emor survey also showed Estonians have a great desire to go on holiday. Out of the respondents, 32 percent would fly to the Mediterranean as soon as possible, and one in every four respondents is eager to visit a friend or relative living abroad.

Tallinn Airport’s winter schedule consists of 40 direct destinations, including Egypt and the Canaries and several European capital cities.

Commercial director Eero Pärgmäe said it is understandable that people are currently looking at travel with a wait-and-see attitude. At the same time, tickets have never been cheaper. “The winter flight season lasts until the end of March, so now is the best time to make plans for the new year and next spring. To make travel care-free and easier, I urge everyone to vaccinate themselves and travel responsibly,” Pärgmäe said.

He added that passenger numbers have improved due to vaccinations. “Vaccinated people have understood that travelling does not involve greater risk of infection than, for example, going to a shopping centre, restaurant or theatre. One must behave everywhere in a responsible manner. Also in different European countries, showing a vaccine certificate is an everyday routine and so it is much easier for vaccinated people to enjoy travelling,” the airport director said.

The full list of destinations is available on the airport’s homepage.

In October, more than 184,655 passengers passed Tallinn Airport, being the highest monthly number of passengers served since the beginning of the corona pandemic, making 58 percent of the pre-crisis level. Average seat occupancy on regular flights was 68 percent. Tallinn Airport is moving towards its goal to serve 1.2 million passengers by the end of 2021.

Source: NordenBladet.ee

European Union considering ban on Turkish Airlines and FlyDubai within European airports

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – The European Union is considering a ban on Turkish Airlines and FlyDubai within European Airports. Both aviation companies fly migrants to Belarus. “The EU is investigating how to sanction, including blacklisting, aviation companies from third countries that are active in human trafficking,” said the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday.

“Two High Representatives from the EU, Josep Borrell and Margaritis Schinas, will travel to countries such as Armenia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, to make them stop flying people to Minsk,” added von der Leyen.

Majority of the “human trafficking” is arranged via the airline company Belavia. This airline is already banned in the EU.

Data from Minsk Airport show that Turkish aviation company Turkish Airlines still continues transporting migrants from Istanbul to Minsk. Turkish Airlines is very popular among EU tourists, conveyed EUobserver.

Migrants are also transported with flights via UAE low-priced company FlyDubai and Syrian company Cham Wings.

Von der Leyen announced the warning after people from Iraq attempted breaking through the barbed wire on Belarusian-Polish border.

Source: NordenBladet.ee

Quick facts about The Faroe Islands (Føroyar)

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – What is Faroe Islands famous for? They are famous for their peaceful community, unique culture with old ballads and chain-dance, hospitality and cosmopolitanism. More quick facts and intresting question-answers below.

Name: The Faroe Islands (Føroyar)

Location: In the middle of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic at 62º00’N and 06º47’W, halfway between Scotland and Iceland

Neighbouring countries: Closest land is North Rona, part of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, 257km (139 nautical miles) to the south

Total land area: 1,399km2 (540 square miles)

Total marine area: 247,000km2 (105,792 square miles)

Area: Faroese archipelago, 113km (70 miles) long and 75km (47 miles) wide. Total coastline of 1,100km (687 miles). No point in the Faroe Islands is further than 5km (3 miles) from the sea.

Islands: 18 volcanic islands separated by narrow sounds and fjords arranged roughly in the form of an arrowhead. All but one are inhabited.

Heights: Highest peak 880m (2,887ft); average height above sea level 300m (980ft)

Climate: Average 3º-11ºC, winter-summer

Population: 52,656 (as of July ’20)

Capital: Tórshavn (population 22,216 as of July ’20)

Status: Self-governing region within Kingdom of Denmark

Language: Faroese. Danish has equal status in all official affairs

Religion: Evangelical Lutheran

Government: Parliamentary democracy

Prime Minister: Bárður á Steig Nielsen (Union Party, Sambandsflokkurin)

Anthem: Tú alfagra land mítt

Main industries: Fishing and aquaculture, shipping and offshore services, tourism and prospects for petroleum in Faroese area

Currency: Faroese króna (DKK)

Exchange rate: £1 = 8.27kr, US$1 = 6.31kr, €1 = 7.45kr (August 2020)

International telephone code: +298

Internet TLD: .fo

Time: GMT (winter); GMT+1 (summer)

Electrical voltage: 220V; European two-pin plugs

Weights and measures: Metric

Flag: Red cross fringed with blue on white background

Public holidays: New Year’s Day 1 January, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Flag Day 25 April, Common Prayers’ Day (May), Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Ólavsøka 28-29 July, Christmas 24-26 December, New Year’s Eve 31 December

Who lives on the Faroe Islands?

The population of the Faroe Islands totals at 52,656 people, the highest in history, with nearly half living in the capital, Tórshavn. With a fertility rate of 2.4, the Faroe Islands has a higher fertility rate than any other European country. Life expectancy for men is 80.4 years and 85.3 years for women.

How old are the Faroe Islands?

Norsemen settled the Faroe Islands in the 9th century or 10th century. The islands were officially converted to Christianity around the year 1000, and became a part of the Kingdom of Norway in 1035.

Is Faroe Island Expensive?

The Faroes have a reputation for being pretty expensive – but with a little forward planning and some smart budgeting, your travels there absolutely don’t need to break the bank. As with most places, your biggest expense here is accommodation, and sadly it really is unavoidably expensive here!

Do they speak English in the Faroe Islands?

The national language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese. Danish is the official second language and is taught in schools at an early age. English is the also taught in schools and is spoken by most people.

What is Faroe Island known for?

National Geographic recently elected the Faroe Islands as the world’s most appealing island community, out of 111 island destinations worldwide. They are noted for their friendliness.

Who owns Faroe Island?

The Faroe Islands are a self-governing nation under the external sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.

What is the best time of year to visit the Faroe Islands?

June through August is the most popular time to visit the Faroe Islands. Not only is the weather warmer, more settled and less wet than during winter, but the days are long, promising 19 hours 45 minutes of daylight on 21 June (the longest day).

Are the Faroe Islands safe?

The Faroe Islands have nearly no crime, making it one of the safest places on earth to travel to. You can rest assured that you are safe at all times, both day and night. The health risks involved in travelling in the Faroe Islands are minimal and there is no need to take special precautions.

Featured image: Gjógv, Faroe islands (Unsplash)

Read also:

Scandinavian history & Norse culture: Viking-era longhouses and burial mounds
Picturesque travel destinations in Faroe Islands: Múlafossur Waterfall and the Island of Vágar
EXHAUSTIVE OVERVIEW: who were the ancient Scandinavian origin Vikings and when was the time of the Vikings?
Faroe Islands: Streymoy and Kvívík offer a wealth of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities
Experience the extreme North! Travel & culture guide: WHAT to do in the Faroe Islands?

Where to go and WHAT TO DO in Järva County in Paide town that is in the heart of Estonia? + PICTURES FROM PAIDE IN THE SUMMERTIME!

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – What is it that unites Arvo Pärt, Ita Ever, Ain Hanschmidt, Sven Mikser and Jaak Salumets together? All these prominent people come from Paide. While on your way from Tallinn to Tartu or to Viljandi, we recommend you to visit the nice tourist attractions close to the main road. One interesting place to stop is indeed Paide in the middle of Estonia, located less than five kilometres from Mäo crossroads.

Among the more interesting sightseeings in Paide are Paide Central Square that was earlier known by the name Marketplace, and the historic wall tower Paide Vallitorn and the mound Paide Vallimägi that is the location for Wittenstein Time Centre (read more about it from my blog: Helena-Reet: A visit to Wittenstein Time Centre in Paide wall tower and a celebration in the cafe Tainas/Pastry Catering), where one can take a time machine to go on a journey through 8 storeys and 8 time periods in history. In the Centre there is also the restaurant Ajastute Toidud (Foods of the Epochs), where among the most interesting meals they offer is bear steak.

Paide is also an attraction for its limestone sculptures. The most often visited limestone sculptures are Laur Tiidemann’s “Hitchhiker’s sculpture” that is at Olerex gas station roundabout at the entry to Paide town, and Riho Kuld’s sculptures named “Limestone symphony” and the piano-shaped “Source of creation” in Arvo Pärt’s music garden. The music garden in Paide was opened in September 2016 and it marks the place of the composer Arvo Pärt’s birthplace. Arvo Pärt himself was there when the garden was festively opened. Tourist attractions are also the wall paintings, painted in the years 2017-2018 by Paide town artists to house walls, all in all 9 paintings.

Fans of culture can also visit Järva County Museum which is among the oldest of county museums in Estonia. The permanent exhibition of Järva County Museum is refined by theme rooms: from ancient times to early Iron Age through the prism of archaeological findings with a nature section, an old 18th century drugstore, the aspects of culture and schooling, a manor room, economic life from early last century, a tradesman’s room from a century back, room of an intellectual from the 1960s, a photography corner with photos from the 1970s. The expositions in the temporary exhibition room are renewed every 2-3 months.

In the summertime also make sure to visit Paide artificial lake, founded in 1981.-82. with two bathing spots and a boat bridge. It is possible to walk, in the summertime run and in the wintertime ski around the lake. There is a picnic area with a fireplace near the lake, also a children’s playground and volleyball fields.

__________
Paide is a town in Central Estonia, in Järva County, it is the centre of the municipality called Paide. The town has been first mentioned in written documents with relation to the year 1265 that marked the beginning of building works of Paide fortress. The settlement earned city rights in 1291. In the beginning of 2019 the number of inhabitants in Paide was 7905 people.


Photos: NordenBladet/Helena-Reet Ennet

Denmark: Copenhagen Airport renegotiates deal with airlines to kick-start traffic return

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and its airlines have announced that they have “struck an agreement” that they believe will provide the necessary commercial framework for a restart of traffic and the route network at the Danish gateway.

The agreement sets out prices and incentives for flying to and from CPH over the coming years following the acceptance that previously agreed fees were no longer realistic.

It admits that in 2018 when it concluded a four-year charges agreement with the airlines for using CPH’s infrastructure, no one could have foreseen that a global pandemic would ground aircraft, “completely changing the conditions applying to the aviation industry”.

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, therefore, CPH has negotiated an adjusted charges agreement that considers the new reality of aviation and creates a sound commercial framework for restarting the flows of incoming and outgoing traffic at CPH.

It notes that this is a restart which, in the short -term, will provide an incentive for the airlines to start up sooner and which, in the longer-term, will give CPH a better financial platform from which to build for the future.

“Being a responsible company, we’ve carefully reviewed all our operations and plans in light of the past year’s market collapse with supply in abundance but no demand,” explains Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Copenhagen Airports A/S.

“The revenue we derive from our core business – aircraft carrying passengers – is the key component of our financial performance, so it was very important for us to reach an agreement with our customers that’ll enable us to build on a new foundation post-corona.

“It’s necessary both for the airlines and for us to have a foundation providing a stable framework. The adjusted agreement provides clarity, which is absolutely essential. For the entire industry, from this point on, it’s all about getting the passengers back.”

The charges agreement has now been approved by the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority in a very efficient process that allows the agreement to take effect already now, in March 2021, and expire 31 December 2023.

The agreement sets out the charges for using the airport runways, terminals and services. Charges have been kept stable relative to historical rates so as to ensure predictability for all parties involved, thus considering the interests of both network carriers and the airlines using the GO terminal.

Combined with various adjustments to the existing incentive programmes and the implementation of a new incentive programme for selected intercontinental routes, the airport states that the adjusted agreement ensures that CPH will retain its competitive position as one of the cheapest major airports in Europe.

Featured photo: Unsplash
Source: VacationHunter.online

Finland: Helsinki and ten other Finavia operated airports in Finland are set to embrace cloud technology

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
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NordenBladet – Helsinki and ten other Finavia operated airports in Finland are set to embrace cloud technology in a pioneering move to combat COVID-19 disruption and better equip them for future growth. According to IT partner, Amadeus, cloud solutions will help deliver an exceptional check-in and boarding experience at Finland’s gateways and accelerate innovations like contactless payment for a more agile response to COVID-19.

The move comes as Helsinki Airport is currently undergoing the biggest expansion programme in its history. The other gateways set to benefit from the move to the cloud are thought to include Rovaniemi and Turku.

Finavia serves more than 50 airlines that operate scheduled flights and their ground handling companies and has over 600 check-in desks at the airports. The airport company chose Amadeus Flow, an integrated cloud solution, to modernise all aspects of passenger handling including software, hardware and services.

With the new cloud platform, a single internet link connects Finavia’s airports to Amadeus where any airline application can be easily deployed in a matter of hours.

Frictionless payment allows travellers to pay more easily with contactless technology. This is just one example of an additional innovation delivered via Amadeus and the first to be implemented.

Its Airport Pay solution will be deployed from the cloud allowing passengers to pay for ancillary services such as extra baggage or lounge access conveniently and in a contactless manner at all check-in desks.

The flexibility of the cloud infrastructure means that Finavia, airlines and ground handling companies can easily open, close or move check-in desks, boarding gates or services with agility in response to fluctuating passenger demand caused by COVID-19.

This agility will also be used to better cope with seasonal demands at airports like Lapland, where passengers will be able to check in and even drop their bags from Lapland’s hotels in future.

Finavia’s chief information officer, Leyla Akgez-Laakso, said: “We’re moving to an open cloud platform and that means we can roll out new innovations far more easily, without lengthy certification cycles or on-site IT projects.

“We’re now well placed to add innovations like contactless payments quickly and easily without the need for Finavia to become a systems integrator. Airports are digitally transforming and I believe COVID-19 marks a tipping point where our industry goes cloud.”

Discussing one of Finavia’s planned innovations Akgez-Laakso added: “Many of our regional airports are heavily seasonal, imagine Lapland in December. We have plans to harness the cloud to offer airlines a possibility to check in passengers at hotels, reducing queues and the demand on services at the terminal.”

The major technology modernisation will also see a full hardware refresh including 600 agent workstations, printers and scanners which are all fully integrated into the Amadeus Flow platform.

The migration will begin to yield benefits during 2021 and is expected to be fully completed at 11 of Finavia’s 20 airports at the beginning of 2022.

Yannick Beunardeau, vice president for airport IT, EMEA, at Amadeus, said: “The immediate pressures of COVID-19 and the demands of long-term digital transformation both require a new approach to airport technology.

“Airports need to be able to roll out new capabilities quickly and they need to be able to adapt services to changing requirements of passengers. By choosing to run its infrastructure from the cloud with Amadeus, Finavia is ready to innovate for many years to come.”

Source: VacationHunter.online

Estonia: No quarantine needed for arrivals from four European states from March 22

By
Helena-Reet Ennet
-

NordenBladet – The list of European countries whose arrivals in Estonia do not have to quarantine starting from Monday, March 22, has fallen to four, one of which is Ireland.

From Monday, arrivals in Estonia from Iceland, Portugal and Spain do not have to self-quarantine. These three are joined by Ireland, whose 14-day coronavirus rate per 100,000 inhabitants has also dropped below the 150 threshold, meaning arrivals from that country do not have a quarantine requirement applied ot them either..

Four countries have dropped off the arrivals quarantine exemption list since last week: Denmark, Germany, Liechtenstein and Norway, after their 14-day rate exceeded the ceiling in the past week, so arrivals from those countries must now quarantine.

Travelers from all other European countries must quarantine for 10 days on arrival (see below for exemptions for arrivals from Lithuania and Latvia, and the stricter regime for arrivals from the U.K.).

The restrictions apply for the week March 22-28.

The spread of new coronavirus variants has caused the situation to change rapidly, the Ministry of Foreign Affair said in a press release Friday, and, accordingly, other states are imposing measures to control the spread of the illness at short notice (including restrictions on movement, changes to conditions for border crossing, mandatory tests and testing).

The rapid introduction of these measures means that the options for traveling abroad as well as for returning to Estonia can change suddenly, so the ministry strongly advises the public to assess whether traveling is absolutely essential, look up travel advice on the destination and any transit countries, and in addition to other vital information, make sure people are aware of the conditions for entering and leaving the country in question.

A 10-day restriction on the freedom of movement applies on entering Estonia from a country in the EU, EEA and the Schengen area with a reported COVID-19 infection rate above 150 persons per 100,000 inhabitants in the past 14 days.

A list of European countries’ infection rates is shown below, with those countries whose arrivals must quarantine for the period March 22 to March 28 in bold.

  • Andorra 442.4
  • Austria 388.3
  • Belgium 328.4
  • Bulgaria 453.4
  • Croatia 199.8
  • Czech Republic 1518.3
  • Cyprus 556.8
  • Denmark 161.1
  • Finland 167.8*
  • France 468.9
  • Germany 154.8
  • Greece 280.3
  • Hungary 934.2
  • Iceland 15.1
  • Ireland 144.0
  • Italy  499.4
  • Latvia 398.1*
  • Liechtenstein 302.0
  • Lithuania 223.5*
  • Luxembourg 391.6
  • Malta  693.4
  • Monaco 456.4
  • Netherlands 402.9
  • Norway 175.8
  • Poland 542.1
  • Portugal 92.8
  • Romania 303.1
  • San Marino  635.6
  • Slovakia 532.0
  • Slovenia 489.3
  • Spain 146.6
  • Sweden 545.9
  • Switzerland 220.5
  • Vatican 0.0**

*Based on Order No 282 of Government of Estonia, the restriction on the freedom of movement does not apply to asymptomatic people who have been on the territory of  Lithuania, Latvia or Finland in the past 10 days and have travelled to Estonia directly from Lithuania, Latvia or Finland with the following preconditions:

1) The person has taken a coronavirus test no earlier than 72 hours before their arrival in Estonia and the result is negative, or they have taken the test immediately after their arrival in Estonia and the result is negative. The passenger is required to remain in isolation while waiting for the test result.

(2) They arrive in Estonia for the purpose of working, studying or receiving health services or for family reasons or transit. Passengers arriving in Estonia for the reasons listed above are not obligated to test for coronavirus.

**While the Vatican has a zero reported COVID-19 rate, since arrivals will in practice have passed through the territory of Italy, they also have to quarantine in on arrival Estonia.

Estonia’s infection rate was as of Saturday 1,531 per 100,000 inhabitants, reportedly the highest in Europe, according to WHO.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom

Passengers arriving in Estonia from the United Kingdom are subject to an additional obligation to test for COVID-19 up to 72 hours before their arrival in Estonia, and the result must be negative. The test is not compulsory for children under the age of 12. A 10-day period of restrictions on movement is also mandatory for passengers arriving from the United Kingdom. The rule applies even in cases when the passenger has only transited through the United Kingdom on their way to Estonia. The period of restrictions on movement can be shortened if in addition to the first negative test, a second test taken 7 days after arrival is also negative.

Self-isolation is not required for anyone who has:

(1) suffered from COVID-19 and no more than six months have passed since they have been declared cured;

(2) have undergone COVID-19 vaccination and no more than six months have passed since its completion.

Reducing self isolation

The following rules apply to reducing the period of self-isolation both when arriving from Europe and other regions, except for third country nationals arriving in Estonia for work or studies:

(1) Anyone unwilling to self-isolate for 10 days after their arrival in Estonia can take a PCR test abroad no earlier than 72 hours before their arrival in Estonia. While in Estonia, a second test can be taken no earlier than on the sixth day after the first test. The 10-day isolation period can be concluded earlier if both tests are negative.

(2) Anyone who has not taken a test up to 72 hours before their arrival in Estonia can take one immediately after their arrival and the second test no earlier than six days after their first test. The 10-day isolation period can be concluded earlier if both tests are negative.

Information about the conditions that apply to the test certificate is available HERE. For booking a second test, passengers can contact the call centre for public testing (678 0000).

Details about testing are available here.

Arrivals from third countries

It is possible to travel to Estonia from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand.

A 10-day self-isolation is mandatory for passengers arriving from countries with an infection rate above 16 people per 100 000 inhabitants in the past 14 days.

Other third country nationals arriving for work or for studies are subject to the 10-day mandatory self-isolation. They must take a coronavirus test immediately after arriving in Estonia and a second test no earlier than six days after the first test. Testing does not grant the right to stop self-isolating before the mandatory period ends.

In cases where travelling from Estonia to another state is essential, the Estonian foreign ministry recommends:

  • Consulting the Foreign Ministry’s website for the infection rate in the planned country of destination;
  • Consulting the Reisi Targalt website (in Estonian), the ReOpen portal of the European Union, or contact the representation of the country for more details;
  • Registering your trip at the Foreign Ministry’s Reisi Targalt website (in Estonian) to allow us to notify you of possible travel restrictions;
  • Following the recommendations of the Health Board (Terviseamet) to ensure a safe flight; if you display potential COVID-19 symptoms, please postpone your trip and contact your GP;
  • Taking out travel insurance and carefully read the conditions of your insurance (including for travel interruptions caused by COVID-19);
  • Following the instructions of local authorities and keep up to date with possible new restrictions in the destination state.

Upon returning to Estonia from abroad, the ministry recommends:

  • Filling out a declaration when crossing an Estonian border (this is mandatory), which can be done electronically. The declaration can be completed 24 hours before arriving in Estonia on the state self-service portal here. Retain the confirmation email you will receive after you have completed the form. The declaration can also be filled out on paper.
  • On returning, follow the current rules in Estonia, and if you suspect you have been infected with the corona virus, contact your family doctor.

The spread of new coronavirus variants has caused the situation to change rapidly, the ministry says, and accordingly, states are imposing measures to control the spread of the illness at short notice (including restrictions on movement, changes to conditions for border crossing, mandatory tests and testing).

The rapid introduction of these measures means that the options for travelling abroad as well as for returning to Estonia can change suddenly. The ministry strongly advises assessing whether travelling is absolutely essential, looking up travel advice for the destination and transit countries, and in addition to other vital information, ensuring awareness of conditions for entering and leaving the country in question.

The national helpline for additional information on the coronavirus and restrictions on the freedom of movement is 1247 (this is also the general national information line, and can be reached on +372 600 1247 when calling from abroad.

Featured image: Unsplash

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