Covid-19, Crisis, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Health, Medicine, Tourism, Transport

"Our priority is the security of Estonians around the world," Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu was quoted by ministry spokespeople as saying. "To Estonians currently traveling, I have one clear message: state borders are always open to Estonian citizens, even after March 17, but due to travel restrictions and transport connections, it may soon be technically impossible to get here easily. Consult your travel agency or airline immediately and find the best possible return route as soon as possible," the minister said.

The recommendation to return as soon as possible does not apply to Estonian citizens permanently residing abroad -- if the person lives abroad, the ministry recommends that they follow the instructions of the local authorities.

In the event of consumer rights problems regarding travel and insurance, the ministry asks that people call the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority hotline +372 620 1707.

The Ukrainian government is also taking proactive steps to curb the spread of the virus, restricting the entry of foreigners into the country on Monday night. As of Tuesday, only 107 land border crossing points can be used to enter and exit Ukraine. Ukraine halted passenger train traffic with Poland on the night between Saturday and Sunday and will suspend air travel from midnight on Tuesday.

Turkey has suspended air traffic with Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, China, Spain, Netherlands, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Mongolia, Norway, France, Sweden, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Denmark.

Air connections with other European countries, including Estonia, are still in operation, but it must be taken into account that the connection may be terminated at very short notice. For example, as of today, a number of countries between Turkey and Estonia have already denied entry to non-residents.