Security Overview for Estonia

Since its return to independence in 1991, Estonia has succeeded in developing a market-based economy more rapidly than any of the other former Soviet republics. Estonia is generally safe for business and travel.

Estonia experienced a dramatic surge in criminal activity after regaining its independence in 1991, but steady economic growth and impressive advances in the rule of law have helped limit growth in crime in recent years. While violent crime is very low in Estonia, petty crime prevails in the major urban centers. Street crime, including pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, are a problem, especially at major markets and tourist areas. Pickpocketing is more likely to occur in Tallinn's Old Town and on routes to major hotels.

Terrorism is not a significant concern in Estonia. Police are concerned about increased activity on the part of neo-Nazis, who sometimes target ethnic and racial minorities for attacks. A skinhead movement, with ties to Russian or Scandinavian neo-Nazis, appears to be emerging. In the past few years, unpredictable and indiscriminate bombings have occurred. Some explosions have been linked to extortion rackets and rivalry between criminal gangs in Estonia. Although travelers have not been targeted, visitors to the country should continue to exercise vigilance in public places.

More worrisome is the threat of organized crime; in the post-Communist years, even the Estonian government has not been immune to scandals involving local and regional crime syndicates. Criminal gangs, involved in drug trafficking and with ties to Russian and Scandinavian syndicates, present a threat, but their power and level of violence appear to be on the decline. Foreign firms report little contact with organized crime.

Travel by public transportation is usually secure, but buses, commuter trains and train stations are often havens for thieves and pickpockets. Taxis are more secure. Passengers, however, face the possibility of being overcharged; arrange for a taxi through the hotel rather than hailing one on the street.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

The crime assessment is based on prevalence of petty crime, violent crime and random violence that could threaten foreigners.
A security services rating is determined by analyzing the trustworthiness and capability of local police and security services.
For civil unrest, we consider the level of violent demonstrations and prevalence of anti-government and/or anti-foreign sentiment.
The terrorism category includes levels of terrorist acts targeting domestic and international targets and state sanctioned terrorism.
The kidnapping rating is assigned by analyzing the occurrence of kidnapping for ransom and political leverage within the country.
An assessment of geopolitical stability considers the political infrastructure and economic stability that affects the overall security environment.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.