Estonia family and friends visit visa

Use it to visit a spouse, child, parent, other relative or friend living in Estonia for up to 90 days. If the relative is an Estonian citizen, a spouse, registered partner or minor child travelling to or with them is exempt from the visa fee, as are adult children who cannot cope on their own because of health or disability. Family members of other EU citizens who have free-movement rights also pay no fee. To live permanently with the family member, a residence permit for a family member is needed instead.

The host in Estonia writes an invitation and, if needed, a guarantee. Check whether the mission where you apply wants it digitally signed and e-mailed to it; if so, bring a printout of the sent message showing the date and time. Proof of relationship is a civil status document showing it, such as a birth or marriage certificate.

The rest of the file matches a tourist application: flight reservation, proof of funds with bank statements, and status documents (employer letter, business or tax papers for company owners, pension or student certificate).

The daily amount is €70 per day in Estonia. If the host pays, the guarantee in the invitation explains it, but your own bank statements and income proof are still part of the file. Insurance of at least €30,000 valid in all Schengen states is mandatory.

The state fee is €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11 and nothing for children under 6. Pupils and students travelling to study, researchers under the EU definition and family members of EU citizens with free-movement rights are among those exempt. Where the mission uses a visa application centre, the centre adds its own service fee. The fee pays for the examination and is not refunded if the visa is refused.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepts applications no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the trip. A decision is normally made within 15 days of an admissible application and can take up to 45 days if the file needs closer examination; some nationalities require prior consultation of other Schengen states. Fingerprints are taken unless you gave them for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months; children under 12 are exempt.

A refusal is issued on the standard EU form with the grounds ticked. It cannot be challenged by e-mail: you file an appeal with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, either directly or through the PBGB, within 10 days of receiving the decision. The deadline cannot be extended or restored.

The appeal is made on the official form, sent by post to Islandi väljak 1, 15049 Tallinn or by e-mail with a digital signature recognised in Estonia, with a copy of the passport data page and proof that the €160 appeal fee (reference 2900073630) has arrived. The Ministry decides within 30 days of registration. If the refusal stands, a complaint can be filed with the administrative court within 10 days; doing so does not give a right to enter or stay.