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Estonia is the northernmost country in northern Europe’s Baltic area. Because it is a member of the Schengen Agreement, its visa policy is influenced by the common Schengen laws. Several visas are available depending on your travel objectives, such as employment, family reunion, study, or investment visas.

However, if you are planning to visit Estonia, you must apply for the visa at least six months earlier and make your round-trip flight itinerary for visa. Also, determine which visa you are interested in applying for. The applicants can apply for either a short-stay or a long-stay visa.

Important Clarifications For Estonia Visa

If you are from a non-EU/EEA/Swiss nation that does not have a visa-free agreement with Schengen, you will require a visa to enter Estonia. 

You are eligible to apply for:

• A short-stay visa allows you to spend 90 days in Estonia within 180 days.

• You can stay in Estonia for a year with a long-stay D visa. With a national visa, you can apply for a temporary residence permit, allowing you to stay in Estonia for an extended period.

You do not need a visa to visit Estonia if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

• You are from a country with Schengen visa liberalisation (for example, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand). In this instance, you can only stay in Estonia for 90 days out of 180. An Estonian national visa is required for more extended visits.

Mandatory Documents For Estonia Visa

• Complete and sign the visa application form, providing correct information.
  
• A valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond the desired departure date from the Schengen area. At least two blank pages in the passport should be available for visa stamps.

• Recent passport-size images that meet the embassy standards, such as size, backdrop, and appearance.

• Flight reservation for visa that includes your anticipated travel dates, lodging arrangements, and planned activities in Estonia and other Schengen countries.

• Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: Documentation confirming your ability to meet your travel and living expenses in Estonia. Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or proof of job and income are examples of acceptable documentation.

• Travel Medical Insurance: Proof of Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance, including covering medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage amount of 30,000 euros.
  
• Accommodation letter for visa verifying your accommodation arrangements during your stay, such as hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation from an Estonian host.

• Cover letter is mandatory for every visa application. The applicant must write a compelling cover letter that convinces the visa officer to grant a visa. Also, ensure that you do not mention anything repetitively. Keep the cover letter precise and do not forget to add any information that supports your visa approval case.
  
• NOC Letter is mandatory in a few visa categories.

Visa Fee:

The fee for applying for a visa varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you seek. The money is usually non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.

Processing Time For Visa Applications In Estonia

The processing time for an Estonian visa is between 15 and 60 days. However, the processing time is determined by when you submit the documents or by the specifics of your case. As a result, ensure you complete all the required processes to avoid delays in your visa response.

Estonian Visa Application Rejection

If your visa application for Estonia is denied, you have the following options:

• Apply for the same visa once more.
  
• Apply for a Schengen visa to another country and use the same visa to visit Estonia.

• The ruling is being appealed. You have 30 days from the date of your visa rejection to appeal the decision by following the instructions on the visa rejection letter. When you file an appeal, you must pay a €20 charge.

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The following are the most common reasons why your Estonian visa may be denied:

• If you have a current or prior criminal record.

• If you have forged travel documents.

• If your passport is damaged.

• If one or more of the relevant documents is missing.
  
• If any of the information on your application form needs to be corrected.

• If you fail to appear for your visa appointment on time.
  
• If you lie during your interview for the sake of your visit.

Visa Extension For Estonia

If you want to stay in Estonia for more than three months, you have the following options:

Request a long-term visa. The long-stay visa allows you to stay in Estonia for one year. You can work, study, and stay in Estonia with a long-term visa.

Request that your Schengen visa be extended. Extensions of a Schengen visa are only granted in exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian grounds.