![]() The situation at the Narva border checkpoint is becoming increasingly tense with each passing day. As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, thousands of people are eager to cross the border into Russia. However, the wait in the queues is stretching for hours — some are forced to spend up to 10 hours or more at the border. The majority of those crossing are residents of Finland and other European countries. They are heading to Russia with gifts, personal belongings, and festive plans. However, as the “Aktuaalne Kaamera” program has found, many passengers link the delays not only to the increased flow of people but also to the resourcefulness of local residents. Alexander Zhukov, a resident of Helsinki, described a scheme that, according to him, has become common at the border. Local residents occupy spots in the queue every 10 meters and then sell their place for money. The price ranges from 50 to 100 euros. However, officials admit that they cannot intervene in this situation, as these are private agreements between citizens. Another important factor slowing the queues is the thorough checks carried out by customs. According to Ants Kutti, the head of the border checkpoint, the winter season complicates the inspection process. “People wear a lot of clothing, and we find many items hidden in the clothes. There are also many gifts that are wrapped and need to be unpacked during customs control,” explains Kutti. In addition, a significant number of violations related to sanctions are being recorded. Some prohibited goods, either for export or import, are being hidden by passengers, further delaying the checks. The customs service strongly advises travelers to familiarize themselves in advance with the list of prohibited items. This will help speed up the process and avoid unpleasant situations. Forecasts suggest that in the coming days, the flow of those wishing to cross the border will only increase. The peak of the load is expected by the end of the week, and the tense situation will last at least until January 8. For those planning to travel, the advice remains the same: be patient and account for possible delays. | |
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