The Narva-1 border crossing point between Estonia and Russia has revised its operating hours and will no longer function 24/7.
According to a report by the Estonian broadcaster ERR, starting May 1, the checkpoint operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., following a decision by the Estonian government.
This change was implemented in response to decreased border traffic, primarily due to ongoing construction at the Ivangorod checkpoint on the Russian side, which has been closed to vehicle traffic since February 1. This construction has reduced the number of people crossing at Narva, prompting the adjustment in hours.
Estonian authorities have communicated the new schedule to the Russian side and have informed all relevant stakeholders, including bus companies operating routes to St. Petersburg.
These companies have subsequently canceled their night services and adjusted their daytime schedules to accommodate the new border crossing hours.
Marek Livy, the head of the Narva-1 border crossing, assured that provisions are in place to assist travelers who might find themselves at the border outside of the new operating hours.
"If someone might stay there, if we see someone going towards our border crossing, we will, of course, check them and let them through," Livy stated.
The adjustment in operating hours at Narva-1 comes amid broader security concerns. The Estonian Security Police have previously reported incidents of harassment and assault by FSB officers against Ukrainian citizens at Russian border points.
