Estonia-Russia Border Crossing Guide 2025: Complete Information for Travelers

Estonia-Russia Border Crossing Guide 2025: Complete Information for Travelers

Planning a journey between Estonia and Russia? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about border crossing points, operating hours, contact details, and step-by-step crossing procedures to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Border Crossing Points Between Estonia and Russia

There are three main border checkpoints connecting Estonia and Russia, each serving different routes and purposes:

1. Narva–Ivangorod Border Crossing

The Narva–Ivangorod checkpoint is the busiest and most frequently used crossing point for travelers between Tallinn and Saint Petersburg. This is the primary route for international bus services.

Key Information:

  • Operating Hours: 07:00 – 23:00 daily
  • Route: Main corridor for Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg travel
  • Crossing Method: Passengers cross the border on foot (all bus routes require connection at border)
  • Expected Crossing Time:
    • Estonia → Russia: 2–6 hours
    • Russia → Estonia: 0.5–2 hours

Contact Details:

  • Estonian Border Guard (Narva): +372 333 1600
  • Estonian Customs (Narva): +372 676 3850, +372 676 3800
  • Russian Border Service (Ivangorod): +7 (812) 578-03-12, +7 (812) 438-61-94
  • Russian Customs (Ivangorod): +7 (81375) 97-428

Step-by-Step Border Crossing Process

Crossing from Estonia to Russia (Narva–Ivangorod)

Step 1: Arrival at Narva

  • Buses arrive at the designated bus stop on Peetri Square (Petrovskaya Square) in Narva
  • Disembark with all personal belongings and luggage

Step 2: Estonian Border Control

  • Present your passport, valid visa or e-visa, and any required documentation
  • Declare goods if necessary according to customs regulations
  • Luggage will be inspected

Step 3: Crossing on Foot

  • After clearance from Estonian authorities, walk across the friendship bridge

Step 4: Russian Border Control

  • Present passport and visa documents to Russian border guards
  • Undergo customs inspection as required
  • Full customs control is in effect; expect thorough checks

Step 5: Continue Journey

  • Proceed to Ivangorod Bus Station (approximately 950 meters from the border control building)
  • Walking time: approximately 12 minutes
  • Follow the route: walk up toward Ivangorod Museum, climb the stairs, turn left before Coffee Point kiosk
  • Your bus will be waiting at the bus station to continue to Saint Petersburg

Crossing from Russia to Estonia (Ivangorod–Narva)

Step 1: Arrival at Ivangorod Bus Station

  • Disembark with all personal belongings and luggage
  • Walk approximately 950 meters to the border checkpoint (about 12 minutes)

Step 2: Russian Border Control

  • Present passport and documentation
  • Complete exit procedures and customs inspection

Step 3: Crossing on Foot

  • Walk across the bridge to Estonian side

Step 4: Estonian Border Control

  • EU biometric passport holders and Russian citizens with Estonian residence permits may use automated gates
  • Others proceed to manual passport control
  • Full customs control in effect since August 2024
  • All passengers and luggage subject to inspection

Step 5: Continue Journey

  • Proceed to Peetri Square in Narva
  • Board your bus for continuation to Tallinn or Riga

2. Luhamaa–Shumilkino Border Crossing

Located in southern Estonia, this checkpoint serves travelers heading to Pskov and offers an alternative route to Saint Petersburg with typically shorter waiting times.

Key Information:

  • Operating Hours: 24/7 (open around the clock)
  • Route: Tallinn ↔ Pskov ↔ Saint Petersburg
  • Crossing Method: Passengers cross the border without bus change
  • Expected Crossing Time: Generally shorter than Narva due to lower traffic volume

Contact Details:

  • Estonian Border Guard (Luhamaa): +372 786 1830
  • Estonian Customs (Luhamaa): +372 676 4462
  • Russian Border Service (Shumilkino): +7 (81148) 9-83-21
  • Russian Customs (Shumilkino): +7 (81148) 9-33-21

3. Koidula–Kunichina Gora Border Crossing

This southeastern checkpoint primarily serves the Tallinn–Pskov route with typically shorter waiting times.

Key Information:

  • Operating Hours: 24/7 (open around the clock)
  • Route: Tallinn ↔ Pskov ↔ Saint Petersburg
  • Crossing Method: Passengers cross the border without bus change
  • Expected Crossing Time: Generally shorter than Narva due to lower traffic volume
  • Contact Details:
  • Estonian Border Guard (Koidula): +372 799 7600

Important Note: Veterinary control is not available at Kunichina Gora checkpoint. Import of meat and dairy products is strictly prohibited on this route, with all such items subject to confiscation and fines.

General Estonian & Russian Authority Contacts

Estonian Authorities

  • Estonian Border Guard (General): +372 612 3000 | www.ppa.ee
  • Estonian Tax and Customs Board: +372 676 4700

Russian Authorities

  • Russian Border Service (General):
    • +7 (812) 578-03-45
    • +7 (812) 578-04-56
    • +7 (812) 438-64-58
    • +7 (812) 274-09-08
    • Website: http://ps.fsb.ru/

Important Travel Information

Visa Requirements

For Russia:

  • Valid visa required for most international travelers
  • Electronic visas (e-visas) available for citizens of 55 countries
  • E-visas allow single entry for up to 16 days within 60-day validity period
  • Apply at: evisa.kdmid.ru
  • More information: www.kdmid.ru

For Estonia/EU:

  • Russian citizens face entry restrictions
  • Biometric passports required from September 30, 2025 (non-biometric 5-year passports no longer valid)
  • Check current requirements: kriis.ee/en

Time Planning

Due to comprehensive border and customs controls, allow ample time for crossing:

  • Tallinn → Saint Petersburg: Minimum 6–7 hours total journey time
  • Saint Petersburg → Tallinn: Minimum 2–3 hours for border crossing

Delays are common, especially during peak hours and at Narva checkpoint.

Full Customs Control

Since August 2024, Estonia has implemented full customs control at all Russian border crossings. This means:

  • Every passenger and piece of luggage is inspected
  • Bus passengers must disembark with all belongings
  • Vehicle inspections include cargo compartments
  • Processing time is significantly longer than previous risk-based controls
  • Border capacity may be reduced by up to 50%

Bus Carriers Serving Estonia-Russia Routes

Lux Express

Routes: Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg, Riga ↔ Saint Petersburg

Contact Information:

Ecolines

Routes: Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg, Riga ↔ Saint Petersburg

Contact Information:

Baltic Shuttle

Routes: Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg

Contact Information:

Travel Tips for Smooth Border Crossing

  1. Arrive Early: Come to bus stop 15-20 minutes before scheduled departure
  2. Prepare Documents: Have passport, visa, and any required paperwork easily accessible
  3. Pack Smart: Ensure compliance with customs regulations (see separate customs guide)
  4. Expect Delays: Build buffer time into your schedule, especially for connecting transport
  5. Currency Exchange: Exchange euros for rubles or USD before entering Russia (see currency restrictions)
  6. Stay Informed: Check carrier websites for latest updates and schedule changes
  7. Weather Considerations: Dress appropriately for walking outdoors during border crossing
  8. Contact Information: Save relevant phone numbers in your phone before traveling

Additional Resources

Last Updated: October 2025

This information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official authorities and your carrier before travel.