Visa Information

Overview

Every applicant, except children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• Holding a valid travel document and a valid Israeli residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for Israel, a B2 type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
• Applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminar, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category. Click here for Harmonized checklist

Please include the CHECKLIST for Tourism with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

• Valid travel document (Passport) - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
• Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C- Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent colour passport photograph.
• Israel Residence Permit - Valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
• Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the Israel or to the final country of destination.
• Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen areas or worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

• Bank Statement - Israel bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to Israel or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

  OR

  If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

  Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

• Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

  Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in Israel) OR pay slips for the last 3 months.

  If Self-employed:

  • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in Israel) stating self-employment or business ownership in Israel.
  • Letter from the tax authorities.

  If Student:

  Recent, official and signed letter from Israeli school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

• Proof of Purpose of Travel – Tourism

  • Confirmed hotel booking for the full stay in the Schengen area or any other appropriate document stating the planned accommodation; or
  • Booking confirmation of a European tour or any other appropriate document.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Birth certificate (original plus copy)
• Original passports of both parents and signature of both parents on the application form (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• Proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 2 weeks, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

• To book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• To ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• To leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Forms

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant, except children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Applicants, who intend to travel to visit and stay with family/friends residing in Estonia, need to apply for a Visitor Family/Friend visa.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• Holding a valid travel document and a valid Israel residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for Israel, a B2 type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
• Applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminar, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category. Click here for Harmonized checklist

Please include the CHECKLIST for Private Visit with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

• Valid travel document (Passport) - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
• Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C- Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent colour passport photograph.
• Israel Residence Permit - Valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
• Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the Israel or to the final country of destination.
• Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen areas or worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

• Bank Statement - Israel bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to Israel or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

  OR

  If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

  Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

• Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

  Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in Israel) OR pay slips for the last 3 months.

  If Self-employed:

  • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in Israel) stating self-employment or business ownership in Israel.
  • Letter from the tax authorities.

  If Student:

  Recent, official and signed letter from Israeli school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

• Proof of Purpose of Travel – Tourism

  • Confirmed hotel booking for the full stay in the Schengen area or any other appropriate document stating the planned accommodation; or
  • Booking confirmation of a European tour or any other appropriate document.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Birth certificate (original plus copy)
• Original passports of both parents and signature of both parents on the application form (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• Proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 2 weeks, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

• To book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• To ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• To leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Forms

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant, except children/infants (below age 12), has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

• Holding a valid travel document and a valid Israel residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for Israel, a B2 type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
• Applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminar, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category. Click here for Harmonized checklist

Please include the CHECKLIST for Study with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

• Valid travel document (Passport) - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
• Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C- Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent colour passport photograph.
• Israel Residence Permit - Valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
• Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the Israel or to the final country of destination.
• Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen areas or worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

• Bank Statement - Israel bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to Israel or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

  OR

  If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

  Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

• Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

  Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in Israel) OR pay slips for the last 3 months.

  If Self-employed:

  • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in Israel) stating self-employment or business ownership in Israel.
  • Letter from the tax authorities.

  If Student:

  Recent, official and signed letter from Israeli school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

• Proof of Purpose of Travel – Tourism

  • Confirmed hotel booking for the full stay in the Schengen area or any other appropriate document stating the planned accommodation; or
  • Booking confirmation of a European tour or any other appropriate document.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• Birth certificate (original plus copy)
• Original passports of both parents and signature of both parents on the application form (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• Proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 2 weeks, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

• To book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• To ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• To leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Forms

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Application for a long-stay (D) visa

A long-stay (D) visa is a national visa that can be issued to an alien for a temporary stay in Estonia once or several times.

D-visa may be issued for the period of stay of up to 365 days within twelve consecutive months and it allows to stay in other Schengen Member States up to 90 days within the period of 180 days.

In case of two consecutive long-stay visas, the whole period of stay shall not be longer than 548 days within 730 consecutive days.

*if you hold a Russian Federation citizenship please follow the link to check the Restrictions on accepting visa applications from citizens of the Russian Federation

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

VFS recommends all applicants:

• To book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
• To ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
• To leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Forms

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a long-stay (D) visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – D Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.