Do's and Don'ts Tallinn

Around 65,000 British nationals visit Estonia every year.  Most visits are trouble-free.  The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Estonia is for replacing lost or stolen passports, being a victim of petty crime or being arrested for drug possession.

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Be streetwise

• Be aware that street theft is on the rise, so be extra vigilant when carrying valuables around tourist sites
• Leave your passports and all valuable documents (e.g. driver’s licenses, credit cards, travellers cheques and flight tickets) in your hotel, preferably in a safe. Do not take them out with you if you do not need them as you may lose them to pickpockets.
• Always carry the name, address and telephone number of your accommodation with you.
• Respect others, do not use abusive language (many people speak or understand English in Estonia, whether they are locals or tourists) and avoid confrontations. 
• Stay in a group if staying out late at night. Do not wander the city or go into nightclubs on your own.
• Most visitors enjoy a trouble-free drink in the city centre pubs, but you should exercise caution over some of the nightclubs on offer. 
• As a safety precaution, do not leave drinks unattended. There have been reported cases of drinks being spiked with illegal substances.
• Be wary of strangers asking you to buy them a drink in some bars or nightclubs, no matter how attractive the proposition might seem. You may get a very expensive drinks tab afterwards. If in doubt, establish the price of a drink before you hand over your money and pay for each round as you order it!
• Do not buy, carry or use illegal drugs. The Estonian authorities are serious about combating illegal drugs and the penalties are high. Unlike the United Kingdom, there are no distinctions between the classes of different types of drugs, so the punishment for carrying any type of illegal substance is the same.
• Only use official taxis. (See our section on taxis for further information)
• Do not drop litter. Please keep Tallinn clean and tidy.
• Stay the right side of the law and enjoy your stay.