Rosgranstroy reports crowding at the Ivangorod border crossing

Rosgranstroy reports an accumulation of citizens at the Ivangorod crossing who plan to cross the Russian-Estonian border. The stated cause is lengthy control procedures on the adjacent side. According to the agency, since September 2026 the Estonian side has changed its rules for inspecting individuals: 100% customs inspection now applies to all citizens both on entry and on exit, whereas previously enhanced measures were applied only to persons leaving Estonia. As a result, passage from the Russian side is forced to pause and resume only in line with the adjacent side's readiness to accept the next flow of people.

On the Russian side the crossing operates around the clock, but the adjacent side's schedule has been adjusted repeatedly: until May 2026 the border checkpoint worked from 07:00 to 23:00, from June from 07:00 to 19:00, and from 25 October 2026, in connection with Estonia's switch to winter time, its operating hours are set from 08:00 to 20:00. According to the statement, these restrictions determine the actual throughput capacity on this route.

The agency notes that since 1 February 2024 the automobile section of the Ivangorod crossing has been temporarily closed for reconstruction, and the border is crossed via the pedestrian section. As alternative routes it names the Shumilkino and Kunichina Gora automobile crossings in Pskov Region: on the Russian side they operate around the clock, but when planning a trip the established working hours of the Estonian side must be taken into account.