Long queues of those wishing to enter Russia are again observed at the Narva border crossing. According to the Russian side, the congestion is occurring on the territory of Estonia and is related to the work of local government services.
Queues of people heading to Russia have formed again at the Narva checkpoint on the Estonia-Russia border. This was reported by the press service of the St. Petersburg Customs.
According to the agency, difficulties are occurring on the Estonian side of the border.
At the same time, the Russian side notes that there are currently no queues at the checkpoint from the Russian side.
Working Hours Will Change
An additional factor that may affect the situation at the border crossing is the change in the working hours of the Narva checkpoint.
Starting from June 15, the Estonian side will reduce the operating hours of the crossing by four hours. Pedestrian access will be available daily from 07:00 to 19:00. The border checkpoints of Koidula and Luhamaa will also be open from 07:00 to 19:00.
As explained by the Estonian Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Taro, the reduced working hours of the checkpoint allow for more effective distribution of staff for the protection of the state border and employees of the tax and customs department.
At the same time, the Russian checkpoint will continue to operate around the clock.
The Situation is Repeating
Queues at the Narva checkpoint have periodically arisen for several months now. The crossing remains one of the main routes for pedestrians crossing the border between Estonia and Russia, so any changes in the organization of border services quickly reflect on the flow of people.
The reduction in the working hours of the Estonian checkpoint may lead to further increases in queues in the coming weeks. Travelers are advised to take possible delays into account in advance and plan their border crossing with extra time.
