On Thursday, March 10, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that citizens of Russia and Belarus will no longer be able to obtain visas for tourist trips.
The Baltic country explained its actions in two ways. On the one hand, the Foreign Ministry refers to the actions in Ukraine and the general tension in international affairs. On the other hand, some technical difficulties are mentioned with the payment of visa and service fees, as well as “other unexpected restrictions” associated with the events taking place in Russia and Belarus. What the Estonian Foreign Ministry has in mind is unknown. At the same time, previously issued visas continue to be valid until their expiration date.
Restrictions on obtaining Estonian visas do not apply to those Russians and Belarusians who travel to their family or whose trip is caused by a serious illness. They will also let you into Estonia to attend the funeral of a close relative. And such purposes of the trip will free you from the need to pay a consular fee.