Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Tourism
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days standard, up to 45 calendar days if additional checks needed
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults), EUR 45 (children 6-11), free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Single entry
Standard Schengen Type C visa for tourism purposes in Estonia. Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 must apply at an Estonian embassy, consulate, or authorized VFS Global application centre before travel. Applications may be submitted 6 months to 15 days before travel. Since June 11, 2024, the standard Schengen visa fee is EUR 90 for adults. Estonia processes visa applications through its embassies and consulates, and through VFS Global in selected countries. If Estonia has no representation in the applicant's country, another Schengen state may process the visa on Estonia's behalf under a representation agreement.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Nationals of Annex I countries under EU Regulation 2018/1806 who require a Schengen visa for short stays in the Schengen area.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, living expenses, and return travel.
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Purpose of visit
Must demonstrate genuine tourism purpose with a clear itinerary and return travel plans.
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Criminal record
Must not be listed in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Must not pose a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: 30000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form url: https://www.vm.ee/en/visa-requirements-entering-estonia
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Travel itinerary
Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.
Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash or card at application centre; Amount: EUR 90
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, insurance, bank statements, accommodation proof, flight reservations, and cover letter.
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form and print it. Download from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or the embassy website.
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Appointment booking
Schedule an appointment at the Estonian embassy, consulate, or authorized VFS Global application centre. Apply between 6 months and 15 days before planned travel.
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Fee payment
Pay the visa fee at the time of application submission.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (10 fingerprints and digital photograph) at the application appointment. Biometrics are valid for 59 months and may not need to be retaken if previously provided for another Schengen visa.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person and attend interview if required.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing decision. Standard processing time is 15 calendar days. May take up to 45 days in complex cases.
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Visa collection
Collect your passport with visa sticker from the embassy/consulate or VFS centre, or receive via courier if available.