Massive queues at Russian border as Estonia tightens customs control

9 comments

1. # Long queues have built up on the Estonian-Russian border following Tallinn’s introduction of full customs control.

   The measure, which replaced the policy of random checks, was introduced with immediate effect on Thursday at the Russian-Estonian border crossings in Narva, Koidula, and Luhamaa.

   The Estonian government maintains that the new border checks are intended to prevent goods subject to European Union (EU) sanctions from being transported into Russia.

   “Estonia must do everything possible to prevent the circumvention of sanctions by transporting prohibited goods through our eastern border,” said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

   “The transport of any goods that could support Russia’s military operations is subject to particularly strict control,” said Voldemar Linno, the head of the customs control department at the Tax and Customs Office.

   Under the new regulations, all individuals crossing the border on foot will undergo a thorough inspection along with their luggage, while all vehicles and their cargo will also be subject to comprehensive inspections.

   The enhanced measures also permit X-ray scans of personal belongings, if deemed necessary.

   # Surge in border traffic

   Since [Finland](https://tvpworld.com/77729132/finland-not-planning-to-reinforce-its-border-with-russia-media-report) fully closed its border with Russia at the end of last year, Estonia has become the shortest route for Finns and other international travelers.

   According to the Estonian authorities, this summer alone, every third traveler at the Narva border crossing presented a passport other than Estonian or Russian.

   In June and July, the Narva border saw 120,000 crossings by Estonians and Russians and 70,000 by citizens of other countries. Finnish passports were checked about 30 times more frequently this year compared to last.

   In 2023, Estonian customs officers recorded around 5,000 cases of sanctions violations.

   Source: PAP, ERR, Radio Liberty, The Gaze

2. This should’ve been done starting February 2022.

3. Nice. It’s at least 2 years too late.

4. [deleted]

5. Just rip that bandaid off and close the border completely until Russia decides it wants to join the civilized world. 

6. May I propose closing the border and erecting a wall? Minefield? And lookout towers?

7. Better late than never.

8. Why are those borders still open????

9. Rather slow, perhaps…