Estonian government gives nod to tourist visas

*The Estonian government approved amendments to the aliens’ law, which allows issuing single visas for up to five days to tourists without an invitation from a resident.
The government charged the Foreign Ministry to monitor the possible growth of expenses arising from the issuing of short-term tourist visas and file by next summer an application for extra funds, spokespeople for the government said. Under the effective regulations, a short-term visa can be granted for a single uninterrupted stay in Estonia or for multiple stays of a maximum 90 days in six months.
The bill approved by the government provides for the issuing of single visas for up to five days with the purpose of using a travel or an entertainment service. The short-term visas are expected to boost the number of tourists arriving in Estonia from third countries.
An additional condition for issuing a five-day tourist visa is for the person's financial situation to enable him to meet the expenses. The visitor must be able to cover the cost of the stay in Estonia. The bill does not ease other conditions for issuing a visa nor the circumstances under which a visa is refused.