Welcome to Estonia
I like our new corporate travel agent. Their name is much more serious sounding, almost like a law firm, and it contains acronyms. They also send amusing stuff to read. Having booked flights to Tallinn yesterday I received following information about my motherland.
Alerts
There are no alerts at this time (Friday March 14, 2008 21:56:03 GMT ). Before you depart, please view the Estonia Country Guide for up to the minute information, or sign up for automated email alerts.
Executive summary
There are currently no major threats to expatriate visitors or residents in Estonia. Estonia has a low rate of violent crime. Old Town, Town Hall Square, and the Central Market are the parts of Tallinn affected most by petty crime. Although foreign travelers are not specifically targeted, criminal elements take advantage of vulnerable targets. Petty crime is common in Estonia’s major cities and there have been reported instances of pick-pocketing, purse snatching and muggings, mostly in crowded areas.
In recent years, there have been several bomb attacks on buildings and vehicles in Estonia. Most of these incidents have been attributed to organized crime. Like most of the Baltic States, there is an organized crime presence in Estonia. Foreign travelers are generally not threatened or targeted by organized crime, but the possibility of collateral damage requires visitors to remain vigilant. Organized criminal groups are involved with stealing cars, gambling, drug trafficking, and prostitution.
Public transportation is available and generally safe. Foreign visitors should only employ well-marked taxis and ask to see the government registration. Unregistered taxis are notorious for being unsafe and charging exorbitant fees.
Although not a serious threat to foreign travelers, elements affiliated with organized crime may conduct kidnappings.
Had I not been boon in that troubled country I would probably have cancelled my trip at that point at started preparing for an XXL Skype video call. But I read on, brave as I am.