Estonia’s Interior Ministry: 'No generous gestures' on easing border crossing with Russia
Illustrative photo: Estonia’s Ministry of the Interior explained whether the border crossing with Russia will be eased (Getty Images)
Estonia does not plan to ease the border crossing procedure with Russia despite long queues and complaints from travelers, due to the security situation in the region, states Estonian Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, according to Delfi.
"I will not make false promises. I will tell you honestly and openly right away that there will be no generous gestures regarding travel to Russia. You definitely should not count on that," Taro said.
As of August, three border checkpoints are operating on the Estonia–Russia border, with Narva open only during the day. The other two checkpoints — Luhamaa and Koidula — operate as usual.
Earlier, the Estonian Ministry of the Interior stated that there was no need to close the border with Russia. In June, the ministry allowed for the possibility of closing the Narva checkpoint if queues became too long and border crossing conditions deteriorated.
Estonia strengthens border with Russia
Construction of the Baltic Defense Line has begun in southeastern Estonia. The project is being carried out by the Defense Forces together with the State Defense Investment Center (RKIK).
In January 2025, Isamaa, Estonia’s opposition party, initiated a bill that would allow the parliament to instruct the government to close the Estonian–Russian border.
