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Estonia to Mandate Pre-Approval for Russian Diplomat Border Crossings
In a move to align with the European Union's 19th sanctions package, Estonia will require the Russian Embassy in Tallinn to apply for entry permits at least five working days in advance for all diplomatic staff and their families, with the new regulations taking effect on January 25, 2026.
- —Estonia has introduced new regulations requiring mandatory prior permission for Russian diplomats, consular staff, and their families to cross the country's external border, aligning with the EU's 19th sanctions package.
- —The new rules, effective January 25, 2026, mandate that the Russian Embassy in Tallinn must submit applications to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least five working days before planned entry, with decisions made within 24 hours.
- —These measures also clarify requirements for individuals needing to notify authorities at least 24 hours in advance of travel or transit through EU member states where they lack accreditation.
- —The Estonian government also discussed broader food security concerns, including the adequacy of national reserves and the need for investment in domestic production, alongside political developments in Narva concerning the city's governance.
Recap
Estonia's new border protocol for Russian diplomats is a tactical implementation of EU sanctions, transforming a routine administrative process into a tool of state control. By mandating pre-approval, Tallinn gains a mechanism to monitor and potentially restrict the movement of Russian state representatives, reflecting deepening mistrust and a broader European strategy of applying consistent diplomatic and security pressure on Moscow.