The Estonian government has adopted changes regarding the procedure for crossing the state border for Russian citizens working in diplomatic and consular institutions. The decision was approved on January 22, reports ERR.
Source: “Espreso”
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna explained that the new measures are being implemented to align the rules with the EU’s 19th sanctions package.
According to the new draft:
- Russian diplomats, consular staff, administrative and technical personnel of diplomatic missions, as well as their family members, must obtain mandatory prior permission to enter Estonia;
- The circle of persons required to report travel or transit through an EU country has been clarified — the notification must be submitted no later than 24 hours before the planned entry;
- The Russian Embassy in Tallinn must submit an application for permission at least five working days before entry, and the decision to grant or deny permission will be made no later than one day before crossing the border.
The new restrictions will take effect on January 25, 2026.