Estonia to close night-time traffic at Luhamaa and Koidula road border crossing points for three months

Due to border incidents originating from Russia, the Government has decided to suspend night-time traffic at the Luhamaa and Koidula road border crossing points for a period of three months, starting from 24 February. The night-time closure of the border crossing points will allow additional resources to be redirected to border protection.

According to the Government’s plan, the Luhamaa and Koidula road border crossing points will be closed to all traffic during night-time hours from 24 February onwards. During the daytime, the border crossing points will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Prime Minister Kristen Michal noted that Russia’s constant disruptive actions at the border cannot be ignored.

“As Russia’s behaviour at the border is at times irrational, we need to free up resources to monitor the border more effectively. From 24 February, we will reduce the opening hours of border crossing points for a period of three months and close them at night so that we can keep a closer eye on the situation elsewhere along the border. Full customs control in the direction of Russia will also continue. We will make further decisions based on security needs and developments at the border,” Michal said.

Minister of the Interior Igor Taro stated that the conduct of Russian border guards requires constant resources and heightened attention from the Police and Border Guard Board.

“By reducing night-time operating hours at border crossing points, we are able to deploy our officers more effectively where they are most needed,” Taro said. He added that the decision will initially apply for three months, after which the situation will be reassessed and further steps decided upon.

The number of border crossings has decreased

Taro also noted that reducing the workload of border crossing points on the Estonian-Russian border is a logical step in a situation where the number of border crossings has decreased significantly and is unlikely to return to its previous levels.

“Compared to 2018, the number of border crossings has decreased approximately fivefold. While 5.3 million people crossed the eastern border in 2018, the figure was 1,084,320 in 2025,” the Minister of the Interior said.

The highest traffic last year was recorded at the Narva border crossing point, with 626,470 crossings, followed by Luhamaa (239,542) and Koidula (213,910).

In 2025, a total of 239,542 people entered and exited the country via the Luhamaa border crossing point. Of these, 41% were citizens of the European Union, including 9% Estonian and 18.5% Latvian citizens, while 59% were citizens of third countries, including 31% Russian citizens.

In 2025, a total of 213,910 people entered and exited the country via the Koidula border crossing point. Of these, 59% were citizens of European Union Member States, including 46% Estonian citizens, while 41% were citizens of third countries, including 28% Russian citizens.