Long lines developed at the border crossing between Narva and Iwangorod
The Narva-Ivangorod border checkpoint between Russia and Estonia has been experiencing long delays in border crossings, leaving some tourists waiting for up to 10 hours before the border closes.
The delays are primarily due to thorough security checks and restrictions imposed by Estonia, particularly on Russian citizens. These include passport biometric requirements set to be introduced from March 2025. The checkpoint operates daily from 07:00 to 23:00, and travelers pass on foot during border crossings linked to Lux Express routes like St. Petersburg-Riga.
To ensure a smoother crossing, it is best to arrive early after the checkpoint opens at 07:00, avoiding peak hours or just before closing at 23:00. Arriving early in the morning can significantly reduce wait times, as the checkpoint operates within limited hours and crossings must be completed before closing.
Other factors contributing to the delays include the suspended railway link between Ivangorod and Narva, which is not operational since the Ukraine war, limiting transport options to road and foot crossing. Frequent travelers crossing the Baltic borders are common, yet the border procedures remain stringent.
Despite attempts to automate the border crossing process, it remains manual and time-consuming. Customs officers are reportedly checking for euros and even examine the smallest pockets in backpacks and bags. Some tourists suspect that the Estonian authorities are trying to deter visits to Russia, while others believe the thorough inspections are related to concerns about illicit activities, such as buying cheap goods.
The Russian checkpoint staff are praised for their organisation and speed, making the border crossing process more efficient compared to the Estonian side. Tourists passing through the Narva-Ivangorod border crossing should note that it is only open for pedestrians.
In some cases, long queues persist at the checkpoints, leading some tourists to queue in the evening and spend the night at the border. A group of tourists even took turns sleeping to be the first to cross the border in the morning. Travelers inquire about arriving at the start of the border guards' working day to cross before lunch.
Residents of Narva are accused of traveling to buy cheap goods, which is described as a partially criminal long-standing practice. The border crossing process remains a contentious issue, with many travelers seeking advice on the best times to arrive to make it through the border in time.
The thorough inspections at the Narva-Ivangorod border checkpoint, coupled with the strict regulations, have made travel between Russia and Estonia a challenging aspect of some tourists' lifestyle. Arriving early in the morning, before the border procedures become peaky, can help minimize the wait times and smooth the border crossing process.
