Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: almere,holland
Posts: 51
border russia-estonia

hello,
we will be crossing the Russian-Estonian border at Narva in 2 weeks,
does anyone have any recent information about the time needed crossing from Russia into Estonia.
I have heard that it could take up to 10 hours, or is this just for cars and can you pass the line on a bike?
thanks,
Mark
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
I now live in Tallinn, but have yet to cross that border. The only foreign person I personally know to have done it is Hubert Kriegel, after he left us and headed East last July. He said it was a breeze!!

Thetimelessride - Hubert Kriegel

He too said that it was quick by bike. I think the queues are likely to be long for freight traffic, but I can't imagine it would take 10 hours for private individuals.

Otherwise there are other points to cross at.
Possibly less well equipped than the Narva favourite, but more picturesque to reach, such as the crossing at Petsori, east of the Estonian town of Võru.

I have not heard of any experiences of this crossing but the Setomaa county landscape is far nicer and intersting to travel through than the Narva highway... unless you don't like gravel roads... the more minor roads there will be gravel.

I don't know your itinerary but despite being small, Estonia doesn't deserve to be rushed through outright: it has some very pleasant, if not grand, gems to see and experience. So if you haven't planned to, but can spare a few days, take a little detour through Eestimaa!
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Aug 2010
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
We crossed there in December 2008. It took us about 45 min in total, and that included waiting around for the insurance lady for about 10 min. It was easy and straight forward. The EU customs did a quick check of the car and that was it.

The insurance they sell on the Estonian side of the border is only valid for Estonia, ie not green card (at the time we went through) You might be able to get the green card insurance on the Russian side
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Estonia- Russia Border procedure

As an EU Passport holder on an EU registered bike-

Narva - Ivangorod
Took me about an hour on a bike. I had already bought RUS insurance in Narva. The Tourist Office directed me to one of a list of Agencies they had.
EST exit control. Looked at my EU passport and EU vehicle Registration document.
RUS Passport control - fill in Migration card and show with Passport. Passport and Card stamped and given back to you. Keep both with you at all times. Give card back on exit from RUS.
RUS Customs - fill Customs Declaration form in duplicate (English version available). They then they took a brief look into bike panniers. Them they gave me a vehicle Temporary Import Certificate with one Customs Declaration suitably stamped. You need this at all times for Roads Police checks and to give back on exit from RUS.
RUS police/military check point - inspect Passport stamp, Migration Card and Vehicle Certificate.
Then you are free to go as far as the Pacific! Cheap fuel within 100 metres.

Ivangorod - Narva
Took about 20 minutes.
RUS Passport control - they take back the Migration card and stamp your passport.
RUS Customs - they take back the Customs Declaration. They checked this to the bike registration number.
EST Customs - asked what had I bought and they looked at EU Vehicle Registration document.
EST Passport control - look at Passport.
Then you are free to go as far as the Atlantic!

Always go (slowly) to head of queues on bikes. I have never been challenged in 10 road border crossings between Russia and Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Sometimes drivers have waved me forward.
Someone I know was once stopped by a car driver - he said "Geneva Convention grants exemption from queuing for Diplomats, Mail Services and 2 wheelers". Total bunkum, but sounded good and the driver apologised!!!

This is the best EU/RUS border for time and queues as there is little freight traffic. The Latvia border on the Riga/Moscow road sometimes has 10 kilometers of queuing trucks and a kilometer of cars. Even riding to the top of queues it has always taken me at least 4 hours to enter RUS. Coming out is far quicker.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: almere,holland
Posts: 51
thanks

hello guys,
thank you for your quick replies.
I guess the 10 hour waiting stories were more "bears on the road" than true.
so the Narva border it will be,
regards,
Mark
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Border Procedure Update

Since posting above, I have again crossed into Russia from Narva and noted two new changes in procedure -

1. In July the town of Narva introduced a compulsory Queue/Line Ticket system (and charge!) before getting to the border. On entering the town follow the signed route, turning right just after a filling station (the straight on direct route is no good as you miss the Ticket issuing place). 300m after turning right there is a concrete fenced compound on the left - just inside an office sells the Queue Ticket. They copy the Vehicle Registration Document and your Passport and give you a Ticket. 30EEK plus a photocopy charge of 5EEK. Then follow the signed route to the border where you present the Ticket at the first barrier, queueing on the right beforehand if necessary.

2. Russian Customs no longer issue Temporary Import Certificates (the small pink form with a green border). Instead they just stamp one of the Customs Declartion forms, affix a sticker printed with vehicle details and a bar-code.
That is all. You keep this Declaration Form with the vehicle at all times and surrender it to Russian Customs on exiting Russia.
They assured me the Declaration Form is acceptable to the ДПС (Roads Police) although I have not had to put it to the test. YET!!

Insurance can be easily bought once inside Russia from several shops in the first few 100metres - look for 'Страхоьая' on signs. Cars cost is based on HP - for 3 months my 1798cc Ford cost 2,850 rouble about GBP50. Any driver covered who has my written permission.

Last Thursday, late on a miserable wet and windy afternoon the whole process took under an hour.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Sep 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
They assured me the Declaration Form is acceptable to the ДПС (Roads Police) although I have not had to put it to the test. YET!!

It's fine with them!

Routine documents stop. A very brief look, and he said 'Good Luck'. In English.
That seemed a strange wish, as I was only going home from shopping at the local supermarket!
But to him I was a foreigner in foreign registered car with an unusually short 'personal' registration number. So he was just being curious and polite.
It's good to note last years edict to ДПС to stop harassing foreigners has finally reached street level.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Border crossing to Russia dorongs Route Planning 20 20 Apr 2023 09:24
Tashanta Border Russia to Mongolia danielsprague Northern and Central Asia 35 14 Jun 2019 12:47
Russia - Georgia Border colebatch Europe 50 20 May 2017 10:12
Russia Kazakhstan border (Altay Region) Tom Horovitch Route Planning 4 9 Jan 2006 21:40
Russia - Finland Border Crossing 4wheels Europe 3 20 Apr 2005 15:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:29.