📋 DOCUMENTS
Travel info · Helsinki–Tallinn

Travel Documents
& Entry

The Helsinki–Tallinn ferry is an international crossing between Finland and Estonia. Although both countries belong to the EU and the Schengen Area, all travellers need a valid photo ID.

EU
Both countries EU members
Schengen
Both in Schengen Area
ID
ID/Passport required
No visa for EU citizens
Required Documents

Which Documents Do I Need?

All passengers on the ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn — including children — need a valid photo ID.

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Passport
A valid passport is accepted as identification. For EU citizens, a national ID card is also sufficient.
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National ID Card (EU)
EU citizens can travel with a valid national ID card (with photo). A driving licence alone is not sufficient.
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Children
Children and infants also need their own valid passport or ID card. An entry in a parent's passport is not sufficient.
Booking

Information Required at Booking

When booking online, certain personal details must be provided for each passenger.

Information Details Required?
Full name First and last name as stated in the ID document Yes, for all passengers
Date of birth Required to determine age category and for security purposes Yes, for all passengers
Gender Male or Female — required for international passenger lists Yes, for all passengers
Nationality Used to verify entry requirements Yes, for all passengers
ID type & number Passport or ID card number With some operators
EU & Schengen

Border Crossing Finland–Estonia

Although Finland and Estonia are both in the Schengen Area, this is an international border crossing.

Schengen Area
Both countries belong to the Schengen Area. There are generally no systematic border controls, but random checks are possible at any time.
EU Membership
Finland and Estonia are EU members. EU citizens do not need a visa and enjoy freedom of movement. The euro is the currency in both countries.
Random Checks
Border officers may randomly check ID documents when boarding and disembarking the ferry. Always keep your ID readily accessible.
Non-EU Citizens
Travellers from non-EU countries may need a Schengen visa. Check with the relevant embassy in advance.
Pets

Pet Passport & Vaccinations

Travellers with pets need additional documents for the crossing.

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EU Pet Passport
Required for dogs, cats and ferrets when travelling between EU countries. Available from your veterinarian.
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Rabies Vaccination
A valid rabies vaccination must be documented in the EU pet passport. The vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before travel.
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Microchip
The animal must be identified with an ISO microchip (11784/11785). The chip number must be recorded in the pet passport.

For more information about travelling with pets, see our page Travelling with Pets on the Ferry.

Travelling by Car

Vehicle Documents

Those travelling with their own car need additional paperwork.

Vehicle Registration
The vehicle registration document must be carried and must verify the vehicle details.
Car Insurance
Proof of motor liability insurance (Green Card) is recommended, even though EU insurance automatically applies.
Driving Licence
A valid EU driving licence is recognised in both countries. An international driving permit is not required for EU citizens.
Rental Cars
For rental cars, written permission from the rental company for border crossing must be obtained. Not all rental companies allow this.
Checklist

Document Checklist

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ID/Passport
Valid passport or ID card for every passenger — including children. A driving licence is not sufficient.
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Booking Details
Name, date of birth, gender and nationality of all travellers must be provided at booking.
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Pet Passport
EU pet passport with rabies vaccination and chip number for dogs, cats and ferrets.
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Vehicle Documents
Vehicle registration, insurance and driving licence. For rental cars: permission for border crossing.
Book the Ferry Helsinki–Tallinn
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