Estonia is not currently closing its border with Russia because there is no immediate threat. Interior Minister Igor Taro says the border will remain open, but readiness to close it exists.
Finland closed its border with Russia, but Estonia will not do so. Taro says border opening and closing depends on threats. If a threat emerges, the border will close immediately.
Estonia is restricting Russia's opportunities. Sanctions are harsh and 90% of traffic near the border has been stopped. This happened after the war began in Ukraine.
The border is not completely closed, but traffic has decreased. Customs checks all passing people and goods. This creates queues, but is necessary.
Freight transport and border crossings have decreased 10-fold. Controls are now thorough. The goal is not to simplify passage for Russian citizens, but to guard the border.
Customs does not make discounts. Attempts are made to smuggle prohibited goods. People hide them on their bodies or in pockets. Checks continue.
Border checkpoints operate 12 hours a day. This helps direct people to border guarding. No additional forces are planned to be added.
The border is crossed mainly by Russian citizens who have residence permits in Estonia or Europe. People with tourist visas are not allowed. As an exception, the border can be crossed for humanitarian reasons.
Russia banned freight transport by Estonian trucks. Estonia will not retaliate if it causes no harm. Taro says Estonia does not promote trade with Russia.