Yes, most travelers need a visa. EU citizens, Americans, Canadians, and most other nationalities require either:

• E-visa (single entry, up to 16 days) - Apply online at evisa.kdmid.ru
• Regular visa (various types) - Apply through Russian consulate

Exception: Citizens of a few countries have visa-free agreements with Russia (check kdmid.ru for current list).

→ Full details: See our Russia E-Visa Complete Guide

A Russian e-visa is an electronic visa you apply for online - no embassy visit needed.

Key facts:

• Validity: 60 days from issue date
• Stay: Up to 16 consecutive days
• Entry: Single entry only
• Cost: Free to $40 depending on nationality
• Processing: 4 days (up to 20 days maximum)
• Apply at: evisa.kdmid.ru

Requirements: Valid passport (6+ months), digital photo, travel insurance, accommodation address.

→ Step-by-step guide: See our Russia E-Visa Complete Guide

Yes! Narva-Ivangorod border checkpoint accepts e-visas.

Other Estonia-Russia crossings accepting e-visas:

• Luhamaa-Shumilkino (verify current status)
• Koidula-Kunichina Gora ✓

Important: You must enter through the specific checkpoint listed on your e-visa. Cannot change after approval.

It depends on your nationality:

Russian citizens: Generally need a Schengen visa to enter Estonia/EU. Since September 2023, Estonia has restrictions on Russian tourist visas.

Third-country nationals: If you have visa-free access to Schengen area (Americans, Canadians, Japanese, etc.), you don't need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180 days).

Check: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for current requirements.

Standard processing: 4 calendar days

Maximum: 20 calendar days in complex cases

Typical experience: Most travelers receive approval within 1-3 days.

Recommendation: Apply at least 7-10 days before travel to allow for any issues or delays.

No rush processing available - plan accordingly!

Russia → Estonia:

• Valid passport
• Valid visa (if required)
• Customs declaration (if declaring goods)
• Travel insurance (for some nationalities)

Estonia → Russia:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Valid Russian visa or e-visa (printed!)
• Travel insurance certificate
• Accommodation confirmation
• Return/onward ticket (may be requested)

→ Complete checklist: See our Documentation Guide

Estonia → Russia: 2-6 hours average

• Peak times: 4-7 hours
• Off-peak: 1-3 hours

Russia → Estonia: 0.5-2 hours average

• Usually faster than the opposite direction
• Russian exit faster than Estonian entry

Factors affecting wait time:

• Time of day (evenings/weekends busiest)
• Season (summer peak, holidays)
• Full customs control in effect since August 2024
• Random delays and inspections

→ More details: See our Border Crossing Guide

Narva-Ivangorod: 07:00 - 23:00 daily

Luhamaa-Shumilkino: 24/7 (open around the clock)

Koidula-Kunichina Gora: 24/7 (open around the clock)

Important: Arrive with plenty of time before closing (Narva). Last entry depends on queue length - don't arrive at 22:45!

Generally fastest: Luhamaa-Shumilkino or Koidula-Kunichina Gora

• Lower traffic volume
• Good for private vehicles
• 24/7 operation

Busiest (longest waits): Narva-Ivangorod

• Main Tallinn-Saint Petersburg route
• Heaviest passenger traffic
• Limited hours (07:00-23:00)

Note: For bus travelers, Narva is the main option. Private car travelers have more flexibility.

You walk across at Narva-Ivangorod.

Procedure:

1. Bus stops at Peetri Square (Narva, Estonia)
2. Take ALL luggage and belongings
3. Walk through Estonian exit control
4. Cross bridge on foot (~950 meters, 12 min walk)
5. Pass Russian entry control
6. Continue to Ivangorod bus station
7. Board connecting bus to Saint Petersburg

Why? Estonian and Russian buses cannot cross the border. It's a connection service with walking segment.

→ Detailed process: See our Border Crossing Guide

Approximately 950 meters (0.6 miles) from Estonian control to Russian control

Walking time: About 12-15 minutes at normal pace

Terrain: Paved road/bridge, flat

Weather consideration: Exposed to elements - dress appropriately for winter, rain, etc.

Luggage: You carry all your belongings - pack smart!

Yes, but be aware:

• Walking required at Narva (950 meters)
• No shuttle service between controls
• Some wheelchair accessibility at checkpoints
• Mobility assistance limited

Recommendations:

• Contact border authorities in advance
• Consider private vehicle crossing instead of bus
• Pack light luggage
• Allow extra time
• Travel during off-peak hours

NO - Complete ban since May 14, 2025.

All EU currencies prohibited:

• Euro (EUR)
• Polish złoty, Swedish krona, Danish krone
• Hungarian forint, Bulgarian lev, Romanian leu
• All other EU member state currencies

Exception: None - even small amounts for "personal use" are banned.

What you CAN bring:

• US Dollars (USD)
• Swiss Francs (CHF)
• British Pounds (GBP)
• Norwegian Kroner (NOK)
• Other non-EU currencies

→ More details: See our Customs Guide

Before crossing to Russia - Narva exchange offices:

• Malmi St. 2 - Open 24 hours
• Malmi St. 6 - 09:00-18:00
• Tuleviku 6A - 08:00-17:00 (Sunday until 15:00)
• Pushkina St. 13

In Tallinn:

• Tavid Exchange (Sikupilli Shopping Centre, Tartu mnt 87)
• Hours: Mon-Sat 09:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-19:00

Tip: Exchange enough for your entire Russia trip before crossing - better rates and avoids euro ban issues.

Into Russia:

• Any amount allowed
• Must declare if over USD $10,000 equivalent
• Remember: NO euros allowed!

Into Estonia/EU:

• Any amount allowed
• Must declare if ≥ €10,000 equivalent
• EU customs declaration form required

Bank cards: No declaration needed for card balances - only physical cash counts.

Partially - with major limitations:

Visa and Mastercard:

• Limited or NO functionality due to international sanctions
• Most Russian banks disconnected from Visa/Mastercard networks
• Do NOT rely on these cards

What works:

• Russian Mir cards (but only usable in Russia)
• Some Chinese UnionPay cards
• Cash (USD, RUB)

Recommendation: Bring sufficient cash in USD or RUB for your entire trip. Don't depend on cards.

Strictly prohibited from EU to Russia:

Food items:

• All dairy products (cheese, butter, milk, yogurt)
• All meat products (sausages, ham, bacon, canned meat)
• Seeds and potatoes
• Products without factory packaging

EU Currency:

• Euro banknotes (complete ban since May 2025)
• All other EU currency notes

Sanctioned goods over €300:

• Luxury items (designer bags, watches, jewelry)
• External hard drives and data storage
• Recording media (USB drives, DVDs)
• Headphones, microphones, cameras
• Many electronics (see full list in our Customs Guide)

Other:

• Live plants
• Wood, paper, cardboard products
• Certain chemicals and building materials

→ Complete list: See our Customs Regulations Guide

Strictly prohibited from Russia to EU:

Always banned:

• Alcohol stronger than 22%
• All tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes)
• Household appliances
• Meat and dairy products
• Certain Russian-origin goods (sanctions list)

Agricultural products:

• Fresh meat, sausages
• Milk, cheese, dairy
• Certain plants and seeds

→ Complete restrictions: See our Customs Regulations Guide

Duty-free allowance: Up to 3 liters per person (18+ years old)

Excess duty: €10 per liter over the limit

Maximum allowed: 5 liters total (amounts over 5L prohibited)

Examples:

• 3 liters wine → No duty ✓
• 4 liters vodka → €10 duty
• 6 liters beer → PROHIBITED (over maximum)

Current Estonian Customs allowance (from Russia):

• Spirits (>22% alcohol): 1 liter
• Wine: 2 liters
• Beer: 16 liters

Over these amounts: Must declare and pay duty

Under these amounts: No declaration needed (personal use)

Note: These are significantly lower than general EU allowances due to Estonia's border with Russia.

Into Russia (duty-free):

• 200 cigarettes, OR
• 50 cigars, OR
• 250g tobacco, OR
• 250g e-cigarette liquid, OR
• 200 tobacco sticks
• Or combinations totaling max 250g

Into Estonia from Russia:

• 40 cigarettes (reduced allowance)
• 20 cigarillos
• 10 cigars
• 50g smoking tobacco

Over limits: Must declare and pay high duties.

Consequences:

• Goods confiscated
• Heavy fines
• Entry denial or deportation
• Ban from future border crossings
• Criminal charges for intentional sanctions violations

Better safe than sorry: When in doubt, declare it!

Personal devices - Generally YES:

Allowed (personal use):

• One smartphone
• One laptop
• In-use personal electronics

May be PROHIBITED:

• Multiple new phones/laptops
• External hard drives (sanctions)
• New electronics over €750
• Recording devices, cameras (check current rules)

Recommendation:

• Keep electronics in used condition
• Have receipts for new items
• Only bring what you personally need
• Be prepared to explain business equipment

→ Full electronics rules: See our Customs Guide

Three main carriers:

Lux Express

• Phone: +372 680 0909, +7 812 424 70 89
• Website: luxexpress.eu
• Routes: Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg, Riga ↔ Saint Petersburg

Baltic Shuttle

• Phone: +372 551 2395
• Website: balticshuttle.ee
• Routes: Tallinn ↔ Saint Petersburg, Tallinn ↔ Pskov

Ecolines

• Phone: +371 67 214 512
• Website: ecolines.net
• Routes: Tallinn/Riga ↔ Saint Petersburg

→ Full contact details: See our Border Crossing Guide

Scheduled time: 7-8 hours

Actual time: 8-10+ hours with border delays

Breakdown:

• Tallinn to Narva: 2.5-3 hours
• Border crossing: 2-6 hours (variable!)
• Ivangorod to Saint Petersburg: 2-3 hours

Recommendation: Don't schedule tight connections. Allow full day for journey.

On the bus itself: Yes, snacks for your journey are fine

Across the border: Different rules!

Cannot cross border:

• Meat products (sandwiches with ham, sausage)
• Dairy products (cheese, yogurt)
• Opened food packages

Can cross border:

• Sealed packaged snacks (chips, cookies)
• Fruit (in reasonable quantities)
• Chocolate and candy
• Drinks (non-alcoholic, sealed)

Tip: Eat meat/dairy items before border crossing or pack vegan snacks.

Standard allowance (Lux Express, typical):

• 1 hand luggage: Max 45×35×20 cm
• 1 checked luggage: Max 70×30×55 cm, up to 23 kg

Additional luggage: Possible if space available and driver agrees (not guaranteed)

Remember: You must carry all luggage while walking across border!

Tip: Pack smart - you'll walk 950 meters with your bags.

Recommended: 15-20 minutes before departure

Boarding begins: 15 minutes before scheduled departure

Departure: Buses leave on time - do not be late!

Note: If delayed at border, bus waits for all passengers before continuing.

NO - pets are NOT allowed on international bus routes between Estonia and Russia.

Exception: Guide dogs for visually impaired passengers (with proper documentation)

Alternative: Travel by private vehicle if you need to transport pets.

→ Full pet travel guide: See our Traveling with Pets Guide

Russia → Estonia (COMPLEX - high-rabies risk country since Sept 2024):

• ISO microchip (mandatory)
• Valid rabies vaccination
• Rabies antibody test (0.5+ IU/ml)
• 3-month waiting period after blood test
• Veterinary certificate (valid 10 days)
• Non-commercial movement declaration
• Minimum pet age: 7 months

Estonia → Russia (simpler):

• Microchip or tattoo
• Valid rabies vaccination
• EU Pet Passport
• No antibody test needed

→ Complete requirements: See our Traveling with Pets Guide

Minimum 7 months from birth for unvaccinated puppy/kitten

Timeline:

• Week 12: Rabies vaccination
• Week 16+: Blood test (30 days after vaccination)
• Week 28+: Earliest entry to Estonia (3-month wait)

If already vaccinated adult: Still need 4+ months for antibody test and waiting period

Plan ahead! This is a long process.

For Russia: YES, mandatory for most nationalities including:

• All EU/Schengen citizens
• Chinese citizens
• Iranian citizens
• Many others

Coverage required:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency evacuation
• Valid entire stay (all 16 days for e-visa)
• Minimum €30,000 coverage recommended

Verification: Insurance policy number needed for e-visa application; certificate may be checked at border.

YES - MANDATORY!

Requirements:

• Paper printout required (not just digital)
• Print 2-3 copies (keep spares)
• Save digital copy on phone as backup
• Border guards must scan printed QR code

Do NOT rely on showing visa on phone - this is not accepted!

Migration cards are no longer used as of recent updates to Russian entry procedures.

Previously: Paper form filled out upon entry, kept throughout stay

Now: Information recorded electronically by border guards

What you do: Answer questions, provide information, receive entry stamp

YES, if staying over 7 business days

Who handles registration:

• Hotels: Automatically register guests (included in service)
• Private accommodation: Host must register you at local FMS office within 7 business days

Keep registration documents - may be checked when departing

Short stays (under 7 days): No registration required

RuID is a digital registration mobile app for visitors to Russia

Current status (June 2025): OPTIONAL/Recommended

• NOT mandatory for visa holders
• Generates QR code for potential faster processing
• Absence does NOT prevent entry

Who might use it: Visa-free travelers or frequent visitors

E-visa holders: Don't need RuID - your e-visa is your authorization

Russian side: Primarily Russian, some English at major checkpoints

Estonian side: Estonian, Russian, often some English

Recommendation:

• Learn basic Russian phrases
• Have key information written down
• Translation app downloaded offline
• Key phrases: "I am tourist" (Ya turist), "How long?" (Skolko vremeni?)

Generally NO - photography restricted

Prohibited:

• Border control facilities
• Border guards and officials
• Security installations
• Military areas

May be permitted:

• General landscape views (from appropriate distance)
• After crossing, in cities

If unsure: Ask permission or don't photograph. Violations can cause serious problems.

Dress respectfully and practically:

Avoid:

• Overly casual clothing (torn jeans, tank tops)
• Political slogans or controversial imagery
• Camouflage patterns
• Clothing that might cause offense

Recommended:

• Neat casual or business casual
• Weather-appropriate (you'll walk outside)
• Comfortable shoes (walking 950 meters)
• Layers (temperature changes)

First impression matters - dress neatly for border officials.

Limited:

Estonian side (Narva): Usually mobile signal and some WiFi

During crossing: Spotty or no signal

Russian side (Ivangorod): Russian mobile networks only

Recommendation:

• Download offline maps beforehand
• Take screenshots of important info
• Don't rely on internet during crossing
• Consider Russian SIM card if staying longer

Narva (Estonian side):

• Toilets available
• Cafes and shops in city center
• Last facilities before crossing

Border checkpoint itself:

• Limited or no public facilities
• No shops or cafes in control zone

Ivangorod Bus Station (after crossing):

• Basic facilities
• Small cafes and kiosks nearby

Tip: Use facilities in Narva before starting border crossing process.

Don't worry - bus waits for all passengers!

Process:

• Bus drops you in Narva
• You cross border on foot
• Connection bus waits at Ivangorod bus station
• All passengers must complete crossing before bus continues

However:

• If you arrive late to original departure, bus may leave without you
• Check your ticket terms for rebooking policies
• Contact carrier customer service if issues

Limited options at border itself

Better: Exchange in Narva before crossing (see Question #14)

ATMs:

• Available in Narva
• Some in Ivangorod after crossing
• May not accept all international cards (sanctions)

Recommendation: Exchange sufficient cash in Narva or Tallinn before departure.

Immediate steps:

1. Report to border officials immediately
2. Contact your embassy/consulate
3. File police report
4. Cannot cross border without valid passport

Prevention:

• Keep passport secure at all times
• Make photocopies (paper and digital)
• Store separately from original
• Use passport holder or secure pocket

Emergency contacts: Have your embassy phone number saved

Top mistakes:

1. ❌ Not printing e-visa (digital not enough!)
2. ❌ Bringing euros into Russia (banned!)
3. ❌ Packing prohibited food (meat, dairy)
4. ❌ Not allowing enough time (border takes hours)
5. ❌ Wrong border checkpoint (must match e-visa)
6. ❌ Expired passport (need 6+ months validity)
7. ❌ No travel insurance
8. ❌ Assuming cards work in Russia (they don't!)
9. ❌ Overstaying visa (16-day limit!)
10. ❌ Not registering when required (7+ days)

Avoid these common pitfalls!

Generally yes, with normal precautions:

Border crossing itself:

• Safe, well-controlled environment
• Many travelers cross daily
• Professional border officials
• Standard security procedures

Safety tips:

• Follow all instructions
• Stay with your luggage
• Don't accept packages from strangers
• Be aware of surroundings
• Have emergency contacts ready

Current situation: Check travel advisories from your government before planning travel.

Least crowded:

• Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 7-10 AM)
• Off-season (November-March, excluding holidays)
• Alternative checkpoints (Luhamaa, Koidula for cars)

Busiest times (avoid):

• Friday evenings and weekends
• Summer months (June-August)
• Russian holidays (check calendar)
• Evening departures
• Beginning/end of month

Planning tip: Book morning departures on weekdays if possible.

Not essential but useful for longer stays:

Advantages:

• Local rates for calls/data
• Essential if staying 7+ days
• Helpful for emergencies

Where to buy:

• Salons in Saint Petersburg (after crossing)
• Some available in Narva before crossing

Major Russian carriers: MTS, Beeline, Megafon

Alternatives:

• International roaming (expensive!)
• WiFi only (limited)

Best options:

USD (US Dollars):

• Widely accepted for exchange
• Stable value
• Recommended primary currency

RUB (Russian Rubles):

• Ideal if you can exchange before arrival
• Use for daily expenses
• Exchange in Narva from USD

Avoid:

• EUR (Euros) - BANNED from import!
• Credit cards - Don't rely on them

Strategy: Bring USD, exchange to RUB in Narva before crossing.

Official sources:

Estonian authorities:

• Police and Border Guard: politsei.ee
• Tax and Customs: emta.ee

Russian authorities:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: kdmid.ru
• E-visa portal: evisa.kdmid.ru
• Border Service: ps.fsb.ru

Bus carriers:

• Lux Express: luxexpress.eu/en/news/travel-info
• Baltic Shuttle: balticshuttle.ee
• Ecolines: ecolines.net

Our comprehensive guides:

• Estonia-Russia Border Crossing Guide
• Customs Regulations Guide
• Russia E-Visa Complete Guide
• Traveling with Pets Guide