Important information – several neighbouring countries have imposed additional measures on land borders
Due to the spread of the coronavirus, countries are introducing additional measures for checks on land borders, in addition to restrictions on air and ferry traffic. Lithuania, Poland, Denmark and Norway have announced that they are closing their borders to foreign citizens, and as a result, the transit of private vehicles through these countries may no longer be possible. The situation is constantly evolving and similar statements by more countries are likely in the coming days. Latvia announced that international passenger travel would be suspended on 17 March.
The government of Lithuania is currently discussing restrictions. According to current information, there are plans to prohibit foreigners from entering the country, except for family members of Lithuanian citizens and individuals with a permanent residence permit of Lithuania. The transport of goods continues. In the case of Estonian and Latvian citizens, a humanitarian corridor is under consideration to allow the citizens of these countries to return home. Only the Kalvarija–Budzisko border crossing point remains open between Lithuania and Poland.
In Poland, border checks are reintroduced at all border crossing points at midnight between Saturday and Sunday, and foreign nationals are subsequently denied entry to Poland. It is also not allowed for citizens to enter Poland for transit purposes in order to return to Estonia. International air and train traffic will be suspended at the same time. Entry to Poland is allowed for Polish citizens and their family members, and people who have a temporary or permanent residence permit or a work permit in Poland, and they must then self-isolate for 14 days. There are no restrictions on international freight; a list of border crossing points open to crossing is available on the website of the Estonian Embassy. When entering the country, international freight drivers are not subject to quarantine. For the time being, the restrictions are in force for 10 days.
The external border of Denmark was closed today until 13 April, with only residents of Denmark, non-citizens working in Denmark and goods allowed entry. For the time being, transit passengers are allowed to return home through the airports of Denmark. Persons who are not residents of Denmark or not delivering food to the country are prohibited from entering the country. Danish citizens who are currently travelling are advised to return home, and are allowed entry; however, foreign citizens can enter the country only on substantial grounds – a verifiable place of residence, a job, the transport of goods, visiting relatives with a serious illness or children.
In Norway, 9 domestic airports will close from 18 March in order to keep airports operational with reduced staff. The Gardermoen Airport will continue to operate normally.
All foreigners from outside Nordic countries will be repatriated if it is not possible for them to self-isolate for 14 days. While waiting for return flights, passengers will be accommodated at an airport hotel in quarantine.
“Estonian citizens wishing to return home, please contact your travel agents to find a way to return,” Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu urged. “In a few days, border closures – to air, ferry and land traffic – may make it impossible to return to Estonia. Citizens who are currently in Estonia should not make any travel plans for the near future,” he added.
Additional information:
[email protected]
+372 6 377 629, + 372 588 55 171
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Communication Department
