Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has led Estonia to take decisive action at its eastern border.
As of August 8th, Estonia has implemented full customs control at key crossing points to prevent sanctions evasion and bolster security.
Operation checkpoint upgrade
On August 1st, Estonia’s Prime Minister Kristen Michal announced that the country will introduce comprehensive customs checks at three major border crossings: Narva, Koidula, and Luhamaa.
This move aims to stop the flow of sanctioned goods through Estonia and into Russia.
“Attempts at sanctions evasion and the transport of banned goods across our borders are, unfortunately, ongoing,” Michal stated during a press conference.
He emphasized that these stricter controls will make it harder for Russia to supply its “war machine.”
From suitcases to semis
The new measures will affect all border crossers, whether on foot, by car, or by bus.
Here is what travelers can expect:
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Pedestrians: Every person and their luggage will be thoroughly checked.
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Car passengers: Both the vehicle and its contents will undergo inspection.
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Bus travelers: Passengers must exit the bus with their belongings for individual customs checks.
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Cargo vehicles: Complete examination of the vehicle and its cargo.
These enhanced procedures are likely to slow down border crossings and reduce the number of people able to pass through each day.
(Image courtesy of Diana via Pexels)
Narva’s new normal
The Narva border crossing has already been experiencing increased traffic and long wait times.
With Finland closing its Russian border and flights to Russia suspended, many travelers have turned to this route as an alternative.
Currently, the Narva crossing sees up to 300 people queuing daily at Peetri Plats, a popular bus station.
Wait times can stretch up to six hours, creating a significant bottleneck for those trying to cross.
Closing the loopholes
Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi shed light on why these measures are necessary.
“Third countries are declared as destinations, but we do not believe it,” he explained. “Life shows that the goods do not get there, but stop somewhere in Russia halfway to Asia.”
The government’s goal is clear: to crack down on the heavy flow of sanctioned goods that has developed in recent years.
(Image courtesy of Sillerkiil via Wikimedia Commons)
What’s changing at the border
These new border controls will likely affect both short-term visitors and long-term migrants to the European Union (EU).
Travelers should expect longer wait times and more thorough inspections when crossing the Estonia-Russia border. This could discourage casual visits and potentially impact cross-border trade and tourism.
For migrants, the stricter controls might make it more challenging to enter the EU through this route.
However, it is important to note that these measures are primarily aimed at goods rather than people.
Still, the increased scrutiny could lead to longer processing times for those seeking to enter the EU for work or residency purposes.
These changes come as the EU prepares to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025.
While not directly related, both initiatives reflect a broader trend towards tighter border management and security across the EU.
The domino effect
Estonia’s move to strengthen its eastern border could influence immigration policies across the EU.
Other member states, especially those bordering non-EU countries, might follow suit with similar measures to prevent sanctions evasion and enhance security.
This shift could lead to a more unified approach to border control within the EU, with a greater emphasis on preventing the movement of sanctioned goods.
However, it also raises questions about balancing security concerns with the need for efficient cross-border movement of people and legitimate trade.
Charting the course
As the situation evolves, EU policymakers will need to carefully consider how to maintain open borders within the Schengen area while effectively managing external borders and enforcing sanctions.