Stenbock House – Estonia Government at an online cabinet meeting on Wednesday (July 7), approved an order pursuant to which foreigners from countries with a high risk of infection outside the European Union can enter Estonia only if they take a coronavirus test before arriving in Estonia and the result is negative.
The order will take effect on Monday (July 12), Pursuant to the order, a coronavirus test must be taken before arrival in Estonia in the case of entering the country from the third countries that are not included in the so-called “green list” of the European Union. The list of the countries which are included in the green list is published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The requirement to take a PCR test for the coronavirus up to 72 hours before entering the country or, as a new option, a rapid antigen test up to 48 hours before entering the country, and present a certificate confirming a negative test, will apply to all foreign nationals from the third countries that are not included in the green list who have not been fully vaccinated and who are travelling to Estonia to work, study, stay with their families, or on the basis of a special permit.
Pursuant to the order, citizens or permanent residents of Estonia and citizens of the European Union will not be required to take the test. Other exceptions from the requirement to take the test will also remain in force, such as those applicable to diplomats or international freight transport drivers.
The aim of the amendment is to prevent bringing the coronavirus into the country from abroad and to alleviate the risk of the spread of the virus in the country. Last week, a total of 227 new COVID-19 cases were registered in Estonia, of which 51 were brought in from abroad.
