Estonian authorities have reported nearly 600 violations since full customs checks were implemented at the Narva border crossing with Russia in August. The Tax and Customs Board notes that the daily rate of violations has decreased slightly, from around 22 to 18 per day. Travellers leaving Estonia often transport goods that are scarce in Russia, such as car parts, machinery components, drones, electronics, and radio transmission devices. The closure of the Narva border crossing for vehicles has led to concerns about potential restrictions at other crossing points, making travel more complicated between the two countries.
The decision to implement full customs controls at the Narva crossing was made in August, following May’s announcement of limited hours for pedestrians crossing. Russia’s closure of the border to vehicles in February led Estonia to assume that the situation is permanent, as Moscow has not provided a timeline for the completion of construction works at the Ivangorod border crossing point. Restrictions on the number of pedestrians allowed to cross into Estonia have also been imposed by Russia, without specifying the reason for these new rules. Estonian authorities have advised against all travel to Russia due to escalating tensions since the invasion of Ukraine.
Concerns about potential closure of the border to all travellers have been raised by Estonian authorities, particularly for Estonians in Russia who may need to find alternative routes back to their home country. The deliberate direction of foreigners by Russia to the Estonian border, without the legal right to enter the EU, has led to warnings of border closure to protect national security and public order. This follows Finland’s closure of its border with Russia last year, citing Moscow’s alleged efforts to destabilize Europe by facilitating the entry of irregular migrants, mainly from Syria and Somalia. The indefinite extension of this border closure in April underscores the continued tensions between Russia and its neighboring countries.
Overall, the introduction of full customs controls at the Narva border crossing has led to a decrease in the number of violations recorded by Estonian authorities, despite concerns about goods being transported that are scarce in Russia. The closure of the border crossing to vehicles and restrictions on pedestrians crossing have raised worries about possible further limitations on travel between Estonia and Russia. As tensions persist between the two countries, the possibility of a sudden closure of the border to all travellers remains a concern for Estonians in Russia and travelers between the two nations. Efforts to protect national security and public order may result in stricter border controls if the situation escalates further.
