Rules on conduct in border zones

Estonia shares a 136-kilometre land border with Russia. On the Estonian side, this border runs through the picturesque region of Võrumaa, known for its beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors every year. However, sharing a border with Russia means that certain restrictions and rules apply in border areas. Understanding these will help ensure your trip is free of incidents.

Two Key Terms to Know: Border Zone and Border Strip

Border Zone

The border zone is an area extending up to 5 kilometres inland from the state border, depending on the location. Within this zone, border guards may check identification documents when necessary. Activities such as organizing public events, flying drones, or conducting any activity that could interfere with border surveillance must be coordinated with the border authorities in advance.

The border zone is marked with special signs. These signs do not limit the rights of residents or visitors, nor do they impose additional obligations. Their purpose is simply to make it clear when a person is within the border zone. However, the Police and Border Guard Board retains the right to impose restrictions near the border when necessary to perform its duties and ensure public safety.

While in the border zone, you are likely to encounter border patrols carrying out their routine work: monitoring the border and maintaining order in nearby areas, much like the police. They are a normal part of local life. If necessary, they may intervene or conduct checks when laws are being violated or are at risk of being violated. Border guards are also a good source of information and can explain the rules for moving and operating within the border zone.

Border Strip

The border strip is a part of the border zone and consists of a narrow strip of land directly adjacent to Estonia’s border, up to 380 metres wide. Any activity unrelated to maintaining or inspecting border markers, maintaining the border strip, border surveillance, or crossing the border is prohibited there. Only persons authorized to do so may enter the border strip.

The border strip is easy to recognize because it contains border patrol roads, surveillance equipment, border fencing, and cleared land. Warning signs run parallel to the strip. In most cases, the border strip is located far enough from normal public roads that accidentally entering it is unlikely, unless someone intentionally goes there or becomes lost.

What Happens If I Accidentally or Intentionally Enter the Border Strip?

There are many precautions you can take to avoid entering the border strip, and these are listed below.

If you become lost while hiking or berry-picking, or if curiosity leads you into the border strip and you miss the warning signs, border guards will intervene. Their first priority is generally not punishment. They will first determine how and why you entered the area. If you provide a reasonable explanation, the matter is usually resolved with a verbal warning and an explanation of the applicable rules.

However, if it becomes clear that you knowingly entered the border strip, you may be fined up to €1,600.

Important Guidelines for Staying in Border Areas

• Always carry a valid identification document (passport or ID card) when in the border zone.
• Before entering the border zone, plan your route and ensure it follows permitted paths. Most popular map applications show routes that comply with the rules. If you plan to visit an area where there is a risk of violating border regulations, contact the nearest border guard station in advance for guidance. On the southeastern border, these are the Piusa andSaatse stations.
• Pay attention to warning and information signs and follow them strictly.
• Flying a drone in the border zone without prior knowledge and permission from the Police and Border Guard Board is prohibited. Information on applying for flight permission is available through the authorities.
• Anyone planning activities that may hinder border surveillance or disturb border security must notify the Police and Border Guard Board at least 72 hours in advance. Such activities include blasting operations, mining work, exercises, hunting, competitions, or music festivals. Notifications must include the organizer’s name, contact details, the time and location of the activity, and a description of the activity and its circumstances.
• Unauthorized presence in the border strip is prohibited and may result in a fine of up to €1,600.
• The border strip is clearly maintained, marked, and largely fenced. The Police and Border Guard Board has taken extensive measures to ensure that the border is easy to identify. If you enter the area, do not use the patrol road. Leave by the route you came in on, or, in a serious emergency, remain where you are and wait for border guards to arrive.
• Do not throw rubbish or other objects into Russian territory, and do not provoke Russian border guards in any way.
• Do not approach border posts. Reaching a border post constitutes a border violation and may result in a penalty. If you wish to view and photograph a border post legally, you can do so at the Saatse Museum.
• It is prohibited to remove, relocate, or damage border markers in either the border strip or the border zone.
• Illegal crossing of Estonia’s state border or temporary control line may result in a fine of up to €1,600 or detention.

Final Note

The Police and Border Guard Board wants everyone—whether Estonian residents or visitors—to enjoy Estonia’s natural beauty freely. However, border areas have certain rules that differ from those elsewhere in the country. By following these rules, you can safely enjoy everything the region has to offer without missing out on any of its attractions.