Who will be allowed into Estonia after September 19

Since September 19, the Baltic countries and Poland have introduced severe restrictions on the entry of Russians. How they will operate in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland is not yet known. Only Estonia explained the new rules for entry and stay in the country.

Entry for Russians with Schengen visas issued by Estonia was closed in the country on August 18. From September 19, Russians with any Schengen will not be able to cross the Estonian border.

“On the night of September 19, a ban on entry into Estonia for Russian citizens will come into force. This applies to those Russians who have visas issued in Estonia, as well as visas issued in other EU countries. Lithuania, Latvia and Poland will also impose a ban from the same moment, ”Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said in early September.

From September 19, entry restrictions will come into effect at all Estonian border points on the Russian side: Narva, Luhamaa, Koidula, as well as at Tallinn airport and seaports. Russians will not cancel Schengen visas. But they won’t let you into the country. Even if you were going to transit from Russia through Estonia to another country.

The other day the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained for whom exceptions will be made.

Firstly, Russians arriving from EU countries will be able to enter the country. Including tourists.

“People who have already entered the Schengen area are allowed to enter Estonia. There are no border controls at internal borders and during trips within the European Union,” explains the Estonian side of ATOR.

Transit from other countries to Russia via Estonia will only be possible if the tourist leaves the country “without delay”. That is, they will not be allowed to stay in Estonia even for a day.

The bans will not affect holders of work and student visas, as well as long-term or temporary residence permits in Estonia. Those who come to visit their closest relatives – children, parents, grandchildren, grandparents, a spouse or a person with whom there are common minor children will also be allowed into the country.

“But Russian citizens who have real estate in Estonia are denied entry. They will no longer be able to obtain a visa to visit Estonia, and they, as stated in the message of the Estonian authorities, “will have to manage their property from a distance,” ATOR noted.

It is specified that the border guards will carefully check the purpose of the trip of all those entering the country and will not let those who are affected by the ban.

By the way

On August 16, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgar Rinkevich, wrote about the restriction on the entry into Latvia of Russians with Schengen visas from September 19 on his page on the social network. True, he did not give details. Although most likely, the restrictions will be similar to those introduced by Estonia.

Alena Bodrienko.

Photo by Yana Mayevskaya