The Estonian government, through a Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative led by Minister Margus Tsahkna, adopted new legal amendments on January 22, 2026, to regulate border crossings of Russian diplomatic and consular personnel. The amendments align Estonian regulations with the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia, imposing stricter controls that mandate prior approval for Russian diplomats, consular officials, administrative, technical staff, and their families before entering Estonia's external border. The Russian Embassy in Tallinn must submit permission requests to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least five working days in advance, with decisions issued not later than one day prior to intended crossing. Additional provisions require diplomats to notify travel intentions when transiting through other EU member states where they lack accreditation, with a 24-hour advance notice. The measures are set to come into force on January 25, 2026, representing further tightening of Estonia's border security amid heightened tensions with Russia.

The Estonian government, through a Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative led by Minister Margus Tsahkna, adopted new legal amendments on January 22, 2026, to regulate border crossings of Russian diplomatic and consular personnel. The amendments align Estonian regulations with the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia, imposing stricter controls that mandate prior approval for Russian diplomats, consular officials, administrative, technical staff, and their families before entering Estonia's external border. The Russian Embassy in Tallinn must submit permission requests to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least five working days in advance, with decisions issued not later than one day prior to intended crossing. Additional provisions require diplomats to notify travel intentions when transiting through other EU member states where they lack accreditation, with a 24-hour advance notice. The measures are set to come into force on January 25, 2026, representing further tightening of Estonia's border security amid heightened tensions with Russia.