From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Estonia
Date: 13 Oct 1992 17:51:10 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Estonia
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Estonia - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Estonia is located at 
Kentmanni 20 in Tallinn; telephone (014-2) 455-313.  

Country Description:  Estonia is a moderately developed European 
nation experiencing strong changes in its political and economic 
relationships.  Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and 
many of the goods and services taken for granted in western 
countries are not yet available.

Entry Requirements:  Visas are required and most travelers obtain 
them in advance. It is now possible to obtain single-entry visas at 
ports of entry, but the process can be time-consuming and requires 
proper documentation.  Unexpired Estonian visas are valid for entry 
to Latvia and Lithuania, and visas issued by Latvia or Lithuania are 
likewise valid for entry to Estonia.  For further information 
concerning entry requirements for Estonia, travelers can contact the 
Embassy of the Republic of Estonia at 9 Rockefeller Plaza, J-1421, 
New York, N.Y. 10020, tel: (212) 247-1450.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care in Estonia is limited.  There is 
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  There is adequate dental 
care in Tallinn.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash 
payment for health care services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that 
in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved to be useful.

Information on Crime:  Estonia has a low rate of violent crime.  
Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night 
near major hotels and restaurants.  Robberies have occurred on 
trains and in train stations.  Useful information on guarding 
valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is 
provided in the pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad", available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Washington, D.C. 20402.  

Drug Penalties: Penalties for possession, use, and dealing of 
illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and heavy fines.

Currency Regulations: Estonia is still a cash-only economy with the 
Estonian Crown (Kroon) the only currency.  Credit cards are accepted 
in some major hotels in Tallinn; traveler's checks may be cashed 
with difficulty in only one bank in Tallinn.

Street Demonstrations:  Following 50 years of Soviet occupation, 
Estonia restored its independence in August 1991 and is in the 
process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries.  
While there have been no significant street demonstrations in the 
past year, disturbances are possible, given the high level of 
tension.

Registration:  Americans who register at the Consular Section of 
the Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security 
within the area.

 No.92-016

Newsgroups: rec.travel,rec.travel.air