The Ministry of the Interior wants to change the operating hours of border crossing points. Currently, border crossing points are open from 7 AM to 7 PM. This rule is valid until the end of August.
Minister Igor Taro says that the rule helps with security and control. He states that these needs still exist. Taro also mentions that some people want Estonia to close the border with Russia completely. However, this cannot be done due to the lack of a serious reason.
Taro says that neighboring countries have made different decisions. They have had different conditions. Now the ministry wants border crossing points to remain closed at night. This would be in effect until there is a need to change the rules.
Fewer people are crossing the border than before. In 2025, 512,000 people passed through border crossing points. In 2026, 444,000 people passed through. This is 13% less.
Similarly, fewer vehicles have crossed the border. In 2025, 43,500 vehicles crossed the border. In 2026, 35,000 vehicles crossed. This is 20% less.
In May and June, the same number of people passed through border crossing points as before the nighttime closure. However, compared to 2025, the number of people is 19% lower. The number of vehicles has decreased by 14%.