Issuer: Riigikogu Type: seadus In force from: 01.01.2023 In force until: 06.03.2023 Publication notation: RT V, 23.12.2022, 3 State Borders Act1 Passed 30.06.1994 RT I 1994, 54, 902 Entry into force 31.07.1994 Amended by the following acts Passed - Published - Entry into force 22.10.1997 - RT I 1997, 77, 1315 - 01.01.1998 15.02.1999 - RT I 1999, 25, 365 - 01.01.2000 08.11.2000 - RT I 2000, 86, 550 - 02.12.2000 14.02.2001 - RT I 2001, 23, 126 - 16.03.2001 19.06.2002 - RT I 2002, 58, 363 - 11.07.2002 19.06.2002 - RT I 2002, 63, 387 - 01.09.2002 15.10.2002 - RT I 2002, 90, 516 - 01.12.2002 20.11.2002 - RT I 2002, 102, 599 - 01.05.2004 12.02.2003 - RT I 2003, 23, 138 - 15.04.2003 12.02.2003 - RT I 2003, 26, 156 - 21.03.2003 11.06.2003 - RT I 2003, 51, 350 - 19.07.2003 17.12.2003 - RT I 2003, 88, 591 - 01.01.2004 17.12.2003 - RT I 2004, 2, 4 - 16.01.2004 24.03.2004 - RT I 2004, 24, 164 - 25.04.2004 14.04.2004 - RT I 2004, 28, 189 - 01.05.2004 14.04.2004 - RT I 2004, 30, 208 - 01.05.2004 10.11.2004 - RT I 2004, 81, 541 - 10.12.2004 14.12.2004 - RT I 2004, 89, 606 - 07.01.2005 22.02.2005 - RT I 2005, 15, 86 - 03.04.2005 14.12.2005 - RT I 2005, 71, 548 - 08.01.2006, in part 01.03.2006 14.12.2005 - RT I 2006, 2, 3 - 01.07.2006 17.05.2006 - RT I 2006, 26, 191 - 01.08.2006, entry into force upon full accession of Estonia to the common visa area of the European Union in part on 21.12.2007 and in part on 30.03.2008 21.12.2006 - RT I 2007, 3, 14 - 01.07.2007 04.12.2007 - RT I 2007, 68, 420 - entry into force in correspondence with the accession of Estonia to the common visa area of the European Union in part on 21.12.2007 and in part on 30.03.2008. Council Decision of 6 December 2007 on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Slovakia, Article 1(1) and (2) (OJ L 323, 8.12.2007) 27.02.2008 - RT I 2008, 13, 88 - 24.03.2008 16.04.2008 - RT I 2008, 19, 132 - 23.05.2008 26.11.2009 - RT I 2009, 62, 405 - 01.01.2010 22.04.2010 - RT I 2010, 22, 108 - 01.01.2011, enters into force on the date determined by the Decision of the Council of the European Union on abrogation of a derogation established in respect of the Republic of Estonia on the basis of Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Council Decision No 2010/416/EU of 13 July 2010 (OJ L 196, 28.07.2010, pp 24–26). 10.06.2010 - RT I 2010, 37, 222 - 30.06.2010, in part 01.01.2011, enters into force on the date determined by the Decision of the Council of the European Union on abrogation of a derogation established in respect of the Republic of Estonia on the basis of Article 140(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Council Decision No 2010/416/EU of 13 July 2010 (OJ L 196, 28.07.2010, pp 24–26). 25.11.2010 - RT I, 09.12.2010, 1 - 01.01.2011 08.12.2011 - RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 - 01.01.2012 13.06.2012 - RT I, 10.07.2012, 2 - 01.04.2013 19.02.2014 - RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 - 01.07.2014 27.02.2014 - RT I, 21.03.2014, 2 - 01.10.2014, in part 01.05.2014 and 01.01.2015 19.06.2014 - RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 - 01.01.2015 19.06.2014 - RT I, 29.06.2014, 109 - 01.07.2014, titles of ministers replaced on the basis of subsection 4 of § 107ˇ3 of the Government of the Republic Act 18.11.2014 - RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 - 12.12.2014; amendments due to enter into force in part on 01.01.2016 omitted [RT I, 31.12.2015, 9] 17.12.2014 - RT I, 31.12.2014, 4 - 01.01.2015 11.02.2015 - RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 - 01.01.2016 17.12.2015 - RT I, 31.12.2015, 9 - 01.01.2016 16.03.2016 - RT I, 06.04.2016, 1 - 01.05.2016 31.05.2017 - RT I, 16.06.2017, 1 - 01.07.2017 06.06.2018 - RT I, 29.06.2018, 1 - 01.07.2018 16.01.2019 - RT I, 05.02.2019, 1 - 15.02.2019 17.06.2020 - RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 - 01.08.2020 15.06.2021 - RT I, 08.07.2021, 1 - 15.07.2021 30.05.2022 - RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 - 01.01.2023 19.07.2022 - RT I, 06.08.2022, 1 - 16.08.2022 12.09.2022 - RT I, 20.09.2022, 1 - 30.09.2022; in part enters into force on the date that the European Commission designates in a decision adopted under Article 66(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council as the date from which the Entry/Exit System is to start operations 1. chapter GENERAL PROVISIONS § 1. Scope of regulation (1) This Act provides for the definition of the Estonian state border, the determination and marking of the location of the state border, the organisation of entry in land border crossing points, the border regime, and the liability for violation of the border regime and illegal crossing of the state border. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (2) Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code) (OJ L 77, 23.03.2016, pp 1–52) applies to crossing of the internal borders between the Member States of the European Union and the external borders of the European Union. This Act applies insofar as not governed by the Schengen Borders Code. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 2. Estonian state border (1) The Estonian state border (hereinafter state border) is an uninterrupted and closed imaginary line and the vertical area along the line which delimit the territory and the territorial sea of Estonia, the parts of transboundary water bodies that belong to Estonia, the earth’s crust and airspace. (1^1) The internal border is shared land border, including a river and lake border, of Estonia and a Member State of the European Union. [RT I 2007, 68, 420 – entry into force 21.12.2007 and in part 30.03.2008] (1^2) The external border is the sea border and air border of Estonia and a section of the land border, including a river and lake border, which is not the internal border. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (2) The land border of Estonia has been determined by the Tartu Peace Treaty of 2 February 1920 and by other international border agreements. (3) The Estonian air border and sea border are determined under international conventions by Acts of the Republic of Estonia and by international border agreements. (4) The Estonian sea border is the external border of the Estonian territorial sea. § 3. Estonian territorial waters and inland waters and airspace (1) The Estonian territorial sea is deemed to be the Estonian territorial waters. The sovereignty of the Republic of Estonia extends to the bottom of the territorial waters and the earth’s crust underneath it. (2) Estonian inland waters are: 1) the Estonian internal sea; 2) the waters of Estonian ports towards the shore from the imaginary line connecting the most seaward points of port facilities; 3) the waters of rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, all banks of which are located on the territory of Estonia. (3) The Estonian airspace is the airspace above the territory, territorial waters and inland waters of Estonia and above the parts of transboundary water bodies that belong to Estonia. (4) For the purposes of this Act, a transboundary water body is a river, lake or artificial body of water along which the state border runs. § 4. Running of state border () The state border runs: 1) on land as an imaginary line through the centres of border markers determined by international treaties of the Republic of Estonia (hereinafter international treaties); 2) at sea along the external border of the Estonian territorial sea; 3) on a river, crossing the state border, as a straight line which connects the imaginary points of the state border on the banks of the river; 4) on a lake and another natural body of water as a straight line through the centres of border markers determined by international treaties or along the centreline of the water mirror determined during average water level; 5) on an artificial body of water according to the running of the state border before the body of water is filled; 6) on an unnavigable transboundary river along the centreline determined during the average water level of the river, and on a navigable transboundary river along the centreline of the main shipping route; 7) on a bridge, dam or other civil engineering works located on a transboundary water body along the centreline or technological axis thereof, regardless of the running of the border line on the body of water. § 5. Marking of state border (1) The state border is marked: 1) on land with permanent border markers; 2) on a transboundary water body with floating border markers, and in winter with temporary border markers located on ice. (2) The shape, structures, elements and dimensions of border markers and the procedure for the installation thereof are established by the Government of the Republic, having regard to international treaties entered into. [RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] § 6. Border strip (1) On the external border, border strip is a territory in the direction of inland from the state border or from the bank of a border river or stream or from a border road, where it is only allowed to engage in activities related to the maintenance and monitoring of border markers and of the border strip and border control or repair and maintenance of communications that run across the state border. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (2) [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (2^1) There is no border strip on the bank of the River Narva. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (3) The width of the border strip is determined by a regulation of the Government of the Republic, having regard to the layout of the border strip and the need to set up its elements, the size of the territory necessary for infrastructure safety and natural conditions. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (3^1) The layout of the border strip and a description of its elements on the section of the external border on land are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic, having regard to international treaties entered into. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (4) [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (5) Repair and maintenance of communications on the border strip is to be co-ordinated with the Police and Border Guard Board at least 48 hours before the performance of work or in exceptional cases at the first opportunity. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 6^1. Frontier zone (1) Frontier zone is established on the external border on land for the purposes of border control and protection of the state border and ensuring of the border regime. (2) The frontier zone is an area of up to five kilometres in width, in the direction of inland, adjacent to the state border, shoreline or coastline of a transboundary water body, bank of a border stream, or a border road. The border strip is part of the frontier zone. (3) The width of the frontier zone is determined by a regulation of the Government of the Republic, having regard to the size of the area necessary for border control purposes and to natural conditions. (4) For marking the frontier zone, the police have the right to place signs and marks. Placing of signs and marks is to be co-ordinated with competent authorities, local authorities and owners of land. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 7. Maintenance of state border (1) The police are to monitor the state of the border strip and border markers, upkeep them and impede unlawful changing of the marking of the state border and border strip. The procedure for the maintenance of border markers and border constructions are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic pursuant to international treaties. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (2) In order to perform border control, the police have the right to install signs, signposts, marks and barriers, which facilitate border control, border checks and ensuring of the border regime and which restrict or direct traffic, on the territory of a border crossing point and to the immediate vicinity of the border, co-ordinating the installation thereof with competent authorities, and on roads and paths leading to the border and the bank of a transboundary water body, co-ordinating the installation thereof with competent authorities, local governments and owners of land. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (3) The shape, constructions, elements, dimensions and procedure for the installation of the signs, signposts and marks specified in subsection 2 of this section are established by the minister in charge of the policy sector. [RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] 1^1. chapter ORGANISATION OF ENTRY OF VEHICLES IN ROAD BORDER CROSSING POINT [ RT I 2020-07-08 1 108072020001 - pub. 01.08.2020] § 7^1. Organisation of entry of vehicles in road border crossing point (1) Organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point is an activity whereby a place in the queue is reserved for a vehicle, which is registered in the database of border crossing queue, and the vehicle is allowed to be parked in the border crossing waiting area until directed to the road border crossing point. (2) Organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point serves the purpose of ensuring road safety, decreasing harmful effect to the natural environment and ensuring public order. (3) The waiting area is an area for queuing vehicles for border crossing, for waiting to be directed to the road border crossing point and for being directed there. (4) Before a vehicle reaches a road border crossing point a place in the queue is to be reserved and the waiting area is to be passed through. A place in the queue need not be reserved for and the waiting area need not be passed through by a vehicle that is not a power-driven vehicle for the purposes of the Traffic Act or a bus used for the provision of regular services for the purposes of the Public Transport Act. (5) The police may allow a vehicle into a road border crossing point without reserving a place in the queue and passing through the border crossing waiting area if: 1) it is necessary for the protection of public order, national security or public health; 2) there is a work-related need; 3) such an option is provided by law or an international treaty or it arises from international custom; or 4) there is another public interest. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 7^2. Transfer of task of organisation of entry of vehicles in road border crossing point (1) The minister in charge of the policy sector or the Police and Border Guard Board authorised thereby may transfer the task of organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point by an administrative contract to a local authority or a legal person in private law. (2) Where the minister in charge of the policy sector or the Police and Border Guard Board authorised thereby transfers the task of organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point by an administrative contract to a local authority or a legal person in private law, the requirements for the service offered are to be determined in the administrative contract. (3) When concluding an administrative contract or deciding on non-conclusion thereof and when determining the conditions of the contract, the minister in charge of the policy sector or the Police and Border Guard Board authorised thereby who transfers the task of organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point by an administrative contract to a local authority or a legal person in private law is to proceed from the need and expediency of organisation of a border crossing queue in a specific road border crossing point, from the estimated waiting time for border crossing, from the estimated number of vehicles leaving Estonia through the road border crossing point, from contracts already concluded in connection with the performance of the task of organisation of entry of vehicles in the road border crossing point, and from other circumstances relevant to the organisation of a queue. (4) Supervision over the performance of the task of organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point transferred by an administrative contract is performed by the Ministry of the Interior or the Police and Border Guard Board authorised thereby. Where the administrative contract is terminated prematurely or where there is any other reason preventing the local authority or legal person in private law from further performing the transferred task, entry of vehicles in the road border crossing point is to be organised by the police. (5) With the approval of the Ministry of the Interior or the Police and Border Guard Board authorised thereby, the body carrying out the administrative task is to establish rules for the entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point, setting out a procedure for reserving a place in the queue and for the entry in, exit from and stay in the waiting area. It is mandatory for a person and a vehicle to follow the rules for the entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 7^3. Charging for organisation of border crossing queue (1) A fee may be charged for the organisation of a border crossing queue, which may be no higher than 16 euros per vehicle. (2) The fee charged for the organisation of a border crossing queue for vehicles in category B, BE and B1 may be no higher than 9 euros per vehicle. (3) The fee charged for the organisation of a border crossing queue for motorcycles in category A, A1 and A2 may be no higher than 6 euros per vehicle. (4) If a place in the queue has not been reserved before for a vehicle specified in subsections 2 and 3 of this section and a place is given to it when it enters the waiting area to be directed to the border crossing point for border crossing, no fee is to be charged for the organisation of a border crossing queue. [RT I, 20.09.2022, 1 – entry into force 30.09.2022] (5) In determining the amount of the fee for the organisation of entry in a road border crossing point, the fee may include justified expenses related to the development and management of the database of border crossing queue and the establishment, maintenance and management of the border crossing waiting area. (6) Where the minister in charge of the policy sector or the Police and Border Guard Board authorised thereby has transferred the task of organisation of entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point by an administrative contract, the exact amount of the fee charged for the organisation of a border crossing queue on the conditions provided in subsections 1–3 of this section is to be determined in the administrative contract. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 7^4. Database of border crossing queue (1) For the purposes of organising entry of vehicles in a road border crossing point, a database of border crossing queue (hereinafter database) is to be maintained and it is to be established and its statutes are to be approved by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector. (2) The purpose of maintaining the database is to organise a border crossing queue and improve the ensuring of public order. The database is used for processing data concerning reserving a place in the border crossing queue, requesting border crossing with priority and grant thereof, customs declaration, a person and goods transported by a vehicle and the owner or user of the vehicle and the person who registered the vehicle for the queue as well as data necessary for ensuring public order. (3) The statutes of the database specified in subsection 1 of this section are to determine the official name of the database, the exact composition of data collected in the database, the processor of the database, data providers, periods of time for retaining data and, where necessary, other organisational matters related to maintaining the database. (4) The controller of the database is the Ministry of the Interior. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (5) The data contained in the database of border crossing queue are not public. [RT I, 20.09.2022, 1 – entry into force 30.09.2022] § 7^5. Maintenance of border crossing queue (1) A place in the queue is to be reserved for a vehicle. If a place in the queue has not been reserved for a vehicle or a place has been reserved on an incorrect basis, the police or the customs authorities may refer the vehicle to reserve a place in the queue. (2) A place in the border crossing queue with priority may be reserved: 1) for a vehicle used by a member of an international delegation or an employee of a foreign diplomatic representation or consular post; 2) for a vehicle the cargo of which is time-sensitive goods for the purposes of the Customs Act; 3) for a vehicle which has a right to cross the border with priority arising from an international treaty; 4) for a motorcycle in category A, A1 or A2; 5) for a vehicle with regard to which there is another good reason or urgent need for border crossing. (3) A border crossing queue may be maintained by categories of vehicles and reasons for border crossing, including by authorised economic operators specified in the Union Customs Code. A list of categories of vehicles and reasons for border crossing on the basis of which the border crossing queue is maintained is to be provided in the statutes of the database. (4) A place in a separate queue for border crossing may be reserved for a vehicle used to carry goods the exporter of which is also the owner of the goods if the exporter and the person who has entered into a contract of carriage with the exporter hold the status of an authorised economic operator and no goods not owned by the authorised economic operator are carried at the same time. (5) In order to make use of a place in the queue as specified in subsection 4 of this section, the person is required to have given the customs authorities their consent to present information set out in the customs declaration of export to the customs authorities of another country where this is a prerequisite for enabling expedited border crossing in the other country. (6) The customs authorities may suspend the right to make use of a place in the queue as specified in subsection 4 of this section for up to one year where the authorised economic operator has reserved a place in the queue on an incorrect basis or has violated the customs legislation. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] 2. chapter BORDER REGIME § 8. Border regime (1) The border regime specifies: 1) the procedure for the crossing of the state border by persons and means of transport; 2) the procedure for the conveyance of goods (property, including things, currency and securities, and also animals) across the state border; 3) the procedure for floating vessels (hereinafter vessels) to enter, navigate and stay on and exit the territorial sea and internal sea and also Estonian waters of transboundary water bodies; 4) the procedure for aircraft to enter, move in and exit the Estonian airspace; 5) the procedure for persons and means of transport to enter, be at and exit a border crossing point, and for goods to be brought to, be at and be removed from a border crossing point. (2) The border regime may restrict any activity that impedes border control or disturbs border peace, such as use of firearms and explosives, working in the immediate vicinity of the border strip, hunting and fishing, grazing of cattle, use of lighting and open fire, and operation of an unmanned aircraft. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (3) The rights, obligations and restrictions arising from the border regime, unless provided by law or an international treaty, are established by the Government of the Republic or an agency authorised thereby, unless otherwise provided by law. (4) [Repealed – RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] § 8^1. Organisation of entry of vehicles in road border crossing point () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^2. Transfer of task of organisation of entry of vehicles in road border crossing point () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^3. Charging for use of border crossing waiting area () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^4. Database of border crossing queue () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^5. Maintenance of border crossing queue () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^6. Transfer of task of administration of database () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^7. Charging for reserving place in queue () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 8^8. Performance of task assigned to administrative authority () [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 9. Crossing of state border (1) Persons and means of transport arriving in or leaving Estonia may cross the external border and goods to be brought into Estonia or goods to be exported out of Estonia may be conveyed across the external border through border crossing points open for international traffic during the operating hours thereof. (2) Authorisation for the crossing of the external border is granted by the police or the customs authorities to a person who has passed border checks, with regard to whom there are no circumstances excluding the crossing of the external border, and who meets the requirements set for entry into, stay in and departure from Estonia. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (3) Persons may cross the internal border at any place without passing border checks. Crossing of the internal border is also deemed to be: 1) crossing of the air border of Estonia when arriving from an airport of a Member State of the European Union for internal flights or when going there; 2) crossing of the sea border when arriving by way of regular ferry connection directly from a sea, river or lake port of a Member State of the European Union or when going there. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (4) Exceptions to the procedure provided in subsection 1 of this section are allowed in cases provided by legislation of the European Union, an international treaty, this or another Act. Said procedure does also not extend to aircraft which cross the Estonian airspace without stopping and to foreign vessels which are conducting innocent passage through the territorial sea or proceeding from the Gulf of Finland to the Gulf of Riga and vice versa. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (5) Vessels and aircraft arriving in Estonia which have crossed the Estonian state border are to navigate to a port or airport open for international traffic pursuant to the established procedure. (6) In the area between a border crossing point and the state border, without the permission of the Defence Forces and the customs authorities, the loading and unloading of goods and disembarkation of persons from a vessel that has crossed the external border are prohibited, except upon: [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] 1) pilotage; 2) replenishment of motor fuel or motor oil of a vessel; 3) delivery of bilge water, tank washing water and waste oil; 4) saving of human lives and in the event of accidents. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (7) In the area between a border crossing point and the state border, without the permission of the police and the customs authorities, the loading and unloading of goods and disembarkation of persons from a train or an aircraft that has crossed the external border are prohibited, except upon saving of human lives and in the event of accidents. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] § 9^1. Return from border (1) Persons, means of transport and goods which have not been permitted to cross the border and persons who have illegally crossed the external border are detained and returned, pursuant to the procedure prescribed by the legislation of the European Union, international treaties and the law, into the state from or through which they arrived in or were conveyed into Estonia, taking into account the specifications provided in the Citizen of the European Union Act. [RT I 2007, 68, 420 – entry into force 21.12.2007 and in part 30.03.2008] (1^1) [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2021, 1 – entry into force 15.07.2021] (1^2) [Repealed – RT I, 08.07.2021, 1 – entry into force 15.07.2021] (2) The carrier who transported or whose representative transported to a border crossing point a person, means of transport or goods who or which are not permitted to cross the border is to organise and cover the expenses for their return from the border. [RT I 2005, 71, 548 – entry into force 08.01.2006; 1.03.2006] § 9^2. Entry of alien into Estonia () [Repealed – RT I 2007, 68, 420 – entry into force 21.12.2007 and in part 30.03.2008] § 9^3. Processing of data communicated to Police and Border Guard Board concerning passengers and travels () [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (1) A carrier who carries passengers arriving in and leaving Estonia across the external border by air, railway or waterway is to communicate to the Police and Border Guard Board data concerning the travel, the passengers’ personal details entered in their travel document and data concerning the passengers’ travel document (hereinafter passenger data). [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (2) The list of data concerning passengers carried by air and railway, and the procedure and form for communicating such data are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (3) A carrier who carries passengers arriving in Estonia and leaving Estonia across the Estonian border by waterway is to communicate the data specified in subsection 1 of this section to the Police and Border Guard Board in accordance with the rules provided on the basis of clause 1 of subsection 2 of § 14 of this Act. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (4) The data specified in subsection 1 of this section may be processed by an authority competent to perform this task for the purposes of ensuring public order and national security, preventing illegal immigration and improving border checks. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (5) The carrier is to inform the passengers in a clear and understandable manner of the communication of the data specified in subsection 1 of this section to the Police and Border Guard Board, the time limit for retaining the data, the processing of the data for the purposes specified in subsection 4 of this section, and the rights related to the protection of personal data. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (6) The carrier is to delete the passenger data communicated to the Police and Border Guard Board within 24 hours. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (7) The Police and Border Guard Board may retain the data specified in subsection 1 of this section for up to 24 hours, unless the data must be retained longer for performing tasks related to the purposes provided in subsection 4 of this section. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] § 9^4. Border control (1) Border control means border surveillance on land, at sea and on transboundary water bodies for the purposes of preventing, detecting and hindering border crossing taking place at a place and time not prescribed therefor and cross-border crime, including illegal conveyance of persons and goods from a non-Community country to Estonia and from Estonia to a non-Community country at the territorial sea and internal sea and on transboundary water bodies, and verification of legal grounds for stay in the country. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (2) Border control at sea and on transboundary water bodies includes the ensuring of the legal regime of the exclusive economic zone, checking on passage of vessels through the territorial sea, and entry and departure thereof in and from the internal sea, a port and the Estonian waters of transboundary water bodies. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (2^1) Border control on land and on transboundary water bodies is performed by the police. Border control at sea is performed by the Defence Forces. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (3) When performing border control, the police participate in guarding of the sea border and the airspace. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (4) For the purposes of border control the Defence Forces and the police may, without the consent of the owner or possessor, travel without hindrance on foot and by vehicles on temporary or private roads, shore paths and private land adjacent to the state border and transboundary water bodies or leading there, and on a temporary basis install on the above sites technical, including electronic devices set out in subsection 1 of § 9^5 of this Act. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] § 9^5. Border control with technical devices (1) In performing border control and ensuring the border regime, the Defence Forces and the police may use relevant technical, including electronic devices for the purposes of detecting an illegal border crossing, identifying objects, ensuring safety in border crossing points and combating cross-border crime. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (2) Recordings made with technical and electronic devices specified in this section are to be kept for no longer than one year, unless otherwise provided by law. Information collected and analysed by technical and electronic devices is for internal use. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] § 9^6. Restrictions on movement and stay of persons on border strip and transboundary water body () [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (1) The police have the right to restrict the movement and stay of persons on the border strip and on a transboundary water body. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (2) Due to dangerous weather conditions, a police officer appointed by the Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board has the right to prohibit, on a temporary basis, persons from going on transboundary water bodies and to the internal sea or on the ice thereof for navigation or traffic. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (3) Stay on the dry riverbed of the River Narva from the dam of the reservoir to the railway bridge is prohibited. Stay on the River Narva, in the Narva reservoir, on Lake Vaniku, Lake Pattina, Lake Kriiva and Lake Pabra as well as on the islets therein during the period of time from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise is prohibited without police permission. [RT I, 31.12.2015, 9 – entry into force 01.01.2016] (4) Going to and staying on the islands in the River Narva and Narva reservoir is permitted only with the approval of the police. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (5) Going by a water craft or other means of transport on the River Narva, Narva reservoir, Lake Lämmi and Lake Pihkva, Lake Vaniku, Lake Pattina, Lake Kriiva and Lake Pabra or on the ice thereof and return therefrom is to be registered at the border guard station. Going by a water craft or other means of transport on Lake Peipsi or on the ice thereof farther than one kilometre from the shore and return therefrom must be registered at the border guard station. [RT I, 31.12.2015, 9 – entry into force 01.01.2016] (6) Unless otherwise provided by this Act, all persons are to inform the Police and Border Guard Board of any activities carried out on the border strip and a transboundary water body if their activities may impede border control or disturb border peace. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (7) The Police and Border Guard Board need not be informed of activities carried out on the border strip and a transboundary water body where the activities are necessary for military defence of the state or its preparations or for ensuring the security of the state for the purposes of the National Defence Act. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (8) A list of activities impeding border control and disturbing border peace and the procedure for informing of such activities are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 9^7. Transfer of passenger name record data () [RT I, 05.02.2019, 1 – entry into force 15.02.2019] (1) A carrier who carries passengers arriving in and leaving Estonia, including persons in transit or transfer, through the Estonian airspace (hereinafter air carrier) is to transfer the passenger name record data of air passengers to the Police and Border Guard Board. (2) A list of data transferred as passenger name record data is provided in subsection 3 of § 25^2 of the Police and Border Guard Act. (3) When air passengers are booking a flight and purchasing a ticket, the air carrier or a person authorised thereby is to inform them in a clear and understandable manner of the air carrier’s obligation to transfer the passenger name record data to the Police and Border Guard Board, of the time limit for retaining the passenger name record data, of the processing of the passenger name record data for the purposes specified in subsection 1 of § 25^2 of the Police and Border Guard Act, and of the rights related to the protection of personal data. [RT I, 05.02.2019, 1 – entry into force 15.02.2019] § 9^8. Passenger Name Record Database () [Repealed – RT I, 05.02.2019, 1 – entry into force 15.02.2019] § 9^9. Person’s right to information on passenger name record collected regarding them () [Repealed – RT I, 05.02.2019, 1 – entry into force 15.02.2019] § 9^10. Return from border in emergency caused by mass immigration (1) In an emergency caused by mass immigration, in the event of a threat to public order or national security, the Police and Border Guard Board may return an alien who has illegally crossed the external border to the foreign state from where they arrived in Estonia without the issue of a precept to leave or without making a decision on prohibition on entry if it was possible for the alien to enter Estonia through a border crossing point open for crossing of the external border. (2) Upon the return of an alien the Police and Border Guard Board is to consider § 17^1 of the Obligation to Leave and Prohibition on Entry Act. (3) Where an alien cannot be returned immediately, the Police and Border Guard Board will organise compliance with the alien’s obligation to leave in accordance with the rules provided in the Obligation to Leave and Prohibition on Entry Act. (4) An alien may contest their return in accordance with the rules provided in the Code of Administrative Court Procedure. Contesting the return of an alien does not suspend the return of the alien nor does it provide grounds for admitting the alien to Estonia. (5) The Police and Border Guard Board may admit an alien to Estonia for humanitarian reasons. (6) In an emergency caused by mass immigration the Police and Border Guard Board may refuse the receipt of an application for international protection if the application was not filed at the location determined on the basis of subsection 1^2 of § 14 of the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens. [RT I, 06.08.2022, 1 – entry into force 16.08.2022] § 10. Border crossing point (1) A border crossing point is a delimited and marked part of a road section or water body, or of the facility and territory of a railway station, airport, river, lake or sea port which is open for international traffic and where border checks are performed. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (2) Construction, reconstruction and maintenance of border crossing points in ports, airports and railway stations are to be organised by the owner or possessor of the corresponding civil engineering works in co-ordination with the police and the customs authorities. Construction and management of border crossing points located on roads or a part of a water body are to be organised by the Ministry of Finance. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (3) The police have the right to obtain for use free of charge premises necessary for the operation of a border crossing point in compliance with occupational safety and health requirements in a port, airport and railway station from the possessor thereof, as well as a marked and delimited controlled area, and a berth for a police vessel. The management costs of a road border crossing point are to be covered by the Tax and Customs Board. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (4) A list of border crossing points open for international traffic is established by the Government of the Republic. § 11. Border checks (1) All persons, means of transport, goods and other tangible assets are subject to border checks upon crossing of the external border or conveyance across the external border. Border checks consist of checking of crossing of the state border by persons and means of transport, customs control and, where necessary, security control, sanitary, veterinary or plant health control and other types of control established by other legislation of the European Union, international treaties and Estonian legislation. (2) In border checks, upon checking of crossing of the state border, the police are to check persons and establish whether a person may be granted authorisation to cross the state border. Checking of persons includes checking of a person’s documents, bases for stay, baggage and means of transport. (3) For the checking of crossing of the state border, the police may enter a means of transport, including a water craft without the consent of the possessor. (4) Upon the crossing of the external border, all persons are required to give explanations concerning their identity at the request of a police officer. Furthermore, a third-country national is to give explanations concerning the circumstances of their entry and stay in and departure from a Member State of the European Union, and substantiate these, taking into account the specifications provided by the legislation of the European Union, international treaties or law. (5) At the request of a police officer, a third-country national is to present, upon crossing of the state border, a health insurance contract if the obligation to be in possession of it is provided by law or legislation of general application issued thereunder. (6) For the purposes of this Act, a third-country national means a third-country national within the meaning of the Schengen Borders Code. (7) The police are to assist within their competence the customs authorities and in accordance with the customs legislation are to carry out customs control in border crossing points where no permanent customs control exists. While carrying out customs control, the police may apply the state supervision measures provided in §§ 61–65 and in subsection 1 of § 67 of the Customs Act. [RT I, 20.09.2022, 1 – entry into force 30.09.2022] (8) Where, in case of increased defence readiness or mobilisation or during a state of emergency or state of war, a prohibition on leaving Estonia has been established with regard to a person liable to national defence obligation, the police have the authority to check whether a prohibition or a restriction on departure has been established with regard to a national leaving Estonia. The police are to apply the prohibition or restriction on the basis of the register of persons liable to national defence obligation. [RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016] (9) A police officer is to affix, according to the Schengen Borders Code, on the travel document of a third-country national a stamp authorising crossing of the border where such a national has been granted authorisation to cross the external border. (10) The stamp specified in subsection 9 of this section is not to be affixed on the travel document of a national of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation. No entry or exit stamp is to be affixed on the travel documents of family members who are accompanying or joining a national of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation where they present a residence permit or card issued by a competent authority of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation. (11) Upon crossing of the state border, the police have the right to prohibit the entry of persons in the country on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by the Obligation to Leave and Prohibition on Entry Act, the Citizen of the European Union Act and the Schengen Borders Code. (12) A simplified procedure for crossing the external border may be established by an international treaty or the law for persons of certain category. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (13) The rights and obligations of the police, listed in this section, related to checking the crossing of the state border by persons and means of transport extend to the customs authorities. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] § 11^1. Document requirement upon crossing of state border (1) An Estonian citizen and a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation crossing the external border upon departure from Estonia or arrival in Estonia must carry a valid travel document or another document which is prescribed for crossing of the external border by an international treaty. The external border may be crossed with a valid identity card issued by the Republic of Estonia, a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation if the person departs to a country that recognises identity cards as a travel document. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (1^1) Upon crossing the internal border, an Estonian citizen and a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation has an obligation to carry a valid travel document or identity card issued by the Republic of Estonia, a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation. [RT I, 21.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 01.10.2014] (2) Upon arrival in Estonia, an Estonian citizen and a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation who are not in possession of a document specified in subsections 1 and 1^1 of this section are to be permitted to cross the state border if their identity and nationality are proved on the basis of other documents. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (3) A third-country national crossing the state border must be in possession of a valid travel document issued by a foreign state or an international organisation, or an alien’s travel document or a permit of return issued by the Republic of Estonia in which data concerning their visa has been entered, or they are to present upon checking, in addition to the travel document, a document in proof of the residence permit or right of residence, unless otherwise provided by legislation of the European Union, an international treaty or the law. [RT I, 21.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 01.10.2014] (3^1) A third-country national who lacks a legal basis or valid travel document for entry into Estonia and who wants to apply for international protection in Estonia or a residence permit on the basis of temporary protection is to be permitted to enter Estonia after the submission of an application for international protection or for a residence permit on the basis of temporary protection to the Police and Border Guard Board if no circumstances provided in clause 1 of § 20^1 and clauses 1–3 of subsection 1 of § 21 of the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens become evident. [RT I, 06.04.2016, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2016] (4) [Repealed – RT I, 21.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 01.10.2014] (5) Upon arrival in Estonia, a family member of a national of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation who is not a national of a Member State of the European Union, a Member State of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation must be in possession of a valid travel document and must have a legal basis for staying in Estonia as provided in the Citizen of the European Union Act. [RT I, 21.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 01.10.2014] (6) By way of derogation, the state border may be crossed without a document provided in this section by a person who is being extradited or handed over to Estonia or who is being extradited or handed over by Estonia by way of international cooperation in criminal proceedings. [RT I 2008, 19, 132 – entry into force 23.05.2008] § 11^2. Document requirement of minor who is third-country national upon crossing of state border () [RT I, 21.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 01.10.2014] (1) Upon crossing of the state border, a third-country national under 15 years of age need not be in possession of a travel document if their name, date of birth and data concerning their visa or residence permit or right of residence and photograph have been entered in the valid travel document of a person accompanying them, unless otherwise provided by law, legislation of the European Union or an international treaty. (2) A photograph need not be entered in the travel document of an accompanying person if the minor who is a third-country national is under seven years of age. (3) A third-country national who is a minor and who lacks a legal basis or a valid travel document for entry into Estonia and who wants to apply for international protection in Estonia or a residence permit on the basis of temporary protection must be permitted to enter Estonia after the submission of an application for international protection or for a residence permit on the basis of temporary protection to the Police and Border Guard Board if no circumstances provided in clause 1 of § 20^1 and clauses 1–3 of subsection 1 of § 21 of the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens become evident. [RT I, 06.04.2016, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2016] § 11^3. Introduction of border checks and border control at internal border (1) The Government of the Republic may introduce border checks and border control at the internal border for ensuring public order or national security or for preventing or solving a situation which may endanger public health. (2) In a situation which may endanger public order, national security or public health and which requires immediate actions against the threat, the minister in charge of the policy sector may decide the introduction of border checks and border control at the internal border until the decision of the Government of the Republic. (3) Upon introducing border checks and border control at the internal border, border checks and border control are to be performed and necessary measures are to be applied as upon crossing of the external border. (4) The border checks and border control at the internal border, the extent and duration of the border checks and border control, the open border crossing points, and the relevant notification of the public, the European Commission and the Member States are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic. The regulation of the Government of the Republic on the introduction of border checks and border control at the internal border may prescribe the entry into force of the regulation as of the publication thereof in the media. (5) After the termination of the border checks and border control introduced at the internal border, the Ministry of the Interior is to prepare a relevant report which is to be submitted, after the approval by the Government of the Republic, to the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. (6) Expenses related to introduction of border checks and border control at the internal border and incurred by state authorities who participated in the control are covered from the reserve of the Government of the Republic by a decision of the Government of the Republic. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] § 11^4. Measures of state supervision (1) In performing state supervision related to ensuring the border regime, including border control, and border checks, the police and, in performing state supervision related to border checks, the customs authorities may apply the special state supervision measures specified in §§ 30, 31, 32, 33, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by the Law Enforcement Act. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (1^1) In exercising state supervision related to sea border control and ensuring the border regime at the internal sea and territorial sea, the Defence Forces may apply the special state supervision measures specified in §§ 30–33 and 45–53 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by the Law Enforcement Act. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (1^2) In exercising state supervision related to sea border control and ensuring the border regime at the internal sea and territorial sea, an official of the Defence Forces with supervisory competence may apply direct coercion and use special equipment or a weapon on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by the Law Enforcement Act. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (2) In ensuring the border regime, the police, the customs authorities or the Defence Forces are to examine sensuously or by means of a technical device or a service animal a movable, including a water craft and other means of transport, in accordance with the rules provided by § 49 of the Law Enforcement Act. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (2^1) In performing state supervision related to border checks, the customs authorities may apply direct coercion on the grounds and in accordance with the rules provided by the Law Enforcement Act. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (3) In performing border control, the police and the Defence Forces have the right, with regard to a water craft, to demand the departure of the water craft from the internal sea or territorial sea and the territory of a transboundary water body within the jurisdiction of Estonia and from an area prohibited for seafaring, as well as a change of course in order to prevent entry into a prohibited area. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (4) If a person fails to comply with a signal for stopping a water craft, the water craft may be forced to stop by using a weapon or other special equipment in accordance with the rules provided in Chapter 5 of the Law Enforcement Act. (5) The police and the Defence Forces may pursue a water craft which has violated the law or failed to comply with an order of the police or the Defence Forces up to the border of the territorial sea of a foreign state if the pursuit has begun at the internal sea or the territorial sea or in the exclusive economic zone and has not been interrupted. Pursuit may begin after a visible or audible stop signal given within the visual range or earshot of the water craft being pursued. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (6) [Repealed – RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] § 12. Crossing of air border (1) Aircraft must cross the Estonian state border through international airways in accordance with international treaties and in accordance with the rules provided by the Government of the Republic. (2) An aircraft may cross the state border outside the established airway only with the permission of an agency authorised by the Government of the Republic. (3) Persons on board an aircraft which has made a forced landing are to be taken, where necessary, to the border crossing point for border checks or are to be checked at the place of landing. In such case, the aircraft may take off with the permission of an agency authorised by the Government of the Republic. (4) The crossing of the state border is not deemed to be a violation of the border regime where the aircraft crosses the state border due to a technical failure on the aircraft, an emergency, a natural disaster or another urgent situation. The aircraft captain is required to notify an agency authorised by the Government of the Republic of the deviation pursuant to the established procedure. [RT I 2004, 30, 208 – entry into force 01.05.2004] § 13. Innocent passage through territorial sea (1) Innocent passage through the territorial sea of Estonia is permitted. (1^1) Passage is deemed to be innocent where it does not endanger peace, public order or national security of Estonia. (1^2) The passage of a foreign vessel is deemed to endanger peace, public order or national security of Estonia if any of the following acts is related to the passage of the vessel through the territorial sea: 1) any threat or use of force directed against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of Estonia or use of force in any other manner in violation of the corresponding generally recognised principles of international law; 2) any manoeuvres or training exercises with any kind of weapons; 3) activity directed at the collection of information which harms Estonian national defence or national security; 4) an act of propaganda which harms Estonian national defence or national security; 5) launch or landing of aircraft or taking aircraft on board; 6) launch or landing of any military devices or taking any military devices on board; 7) loading or unloading of goods or currency or transport of persons in non-compliance with legislation regulating customs, tax, immigration or sanitary rules in Estonia; 8) intentional or significant pollution; 9) any fishing; 10) research or measurement activity; 11) any activity the purpose of which is to damage the operation of Estonian communication equipment or other plants and civil engineering works; 12) other activity not directly related to the passage. (2) A foreign military vessel or other foreign vessel used for national non-commercial purposes may innocently pass through the territorial sea if the foreign state notifies the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thereof through diplomatic channels at least 48 hours before the passage of the vessel. The notice is to set out the name, type and other required characteristics of the vessel, the time and place of the beginning and end of the passage. This requirement does not apply to a vessel engaged in saving human lives or emergency rescue work. (3) [Repealed – RT I 2001, 23, 126 – entry into force 16.03.2001] (4) [Repealed – RT I 2001, 23, 126 – entry into force 16.03.2001] (5) Upon innocent passage through the territorial sea, a vessel may stop in the case of a marine casualty, due to force majeure, in order to save human lives or provide assistance to vessels or aircraft in danger or in distress. The captain of the foreign vessel is required to notify the police of the deviation from the procedure for innocent passage. [RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2012] (6) A foreign submarine or another underwater vehicle is to pass through the Estonian territorial sea above water surface and hoist its flag. (7) Upon passage through the territorial sea, the deck armaments of a foreign vessel are to be fixed in the position for transport and covered, and fishing and other gear are to be placed at the storage facilities. (8) At the territorial sea where shipping routes and schemes for the separation of shipping traffic have been established, a foreign vessel is to navigate along these routes or use these schemes upon navigation. (8^1) The measures ensuring innocent passage may not in any way restrict the immunity guaranteed for a foreign military vessel or another foreign vessel used for national non-commercial purposes by international law. (9) The Government of the Republic has the right to restrict the entry and stay of a foreign civil or military vessel or prohibit it in some areas of the territorial sea and internal sea. [RT I 2001, 23, 126 – entry into force 16.03.2001] § 14. Entry in internal sea, port and transboundary water body () [RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] (1) A foreign civil vessel may cross, enter or exit the internal sea: 1) in order to proceed to an Estonian port; 2) in order to exit an Estonian port; 3) in order to sail from the Gulf of Finland to the Gulf of Riga and vice versa; 4) in order to save a human life, prevent an accident or reduce damage arising from an accident; 5) due to force majeure; 6) for bunkering. (1^1) In cases not specified in subsection 1 of this section, a foreign civil vessel may cross, enter or exit the internal sea with the approval of the Defence Forces. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (2) Pursuant to this Act and other legislation, the Government of the Republic or an agency authorised thereby is to establish: 1) a procedure for vessels and recreational craft to enter and exit the internal sea, ports, and Estonian waters of transboundary water bodies; 2) [repealed – RT I 1997, 77, 1315 – entry into force 01.01.1998] 3) [repealed – RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] 4) a procedure for permitting crew members to enter Estonia; 5) a list of those hazardous substances which are not allowed to be transported by internal sea through transit. (2^1) The provisions of subsection 2 of this section do not apply to the specific check procedure for cruise ships, pleasure boats, coastal fishing, inland waterways shipping and other such shipping regulated in the Schengen Borders Code. [RT I 2007, 68, 420 – entry into force 21.12.2007 and in part 30.03.2008] (3) A foreign vessel with a nuclear engine or which is carrying a nuclear weapon or radioactive substances on board may not enter the internal sea, except in the cases provided in § 14^1 of this Act. (3^1) A foreign vessel which has been entered by a relevant regulation of the Council of the European Union in a list of those vessels which have been confirmed to be in engaged in illegal, undisclosed and unregulated fishing may not enter the internal sea for entry in a port and for bunkering, except in case entry in a port or bunkering is necessary due to force majeure in order to prevent a greater threat or avoid a danger of pollution. [RT I 2008, 13, 88 – entry into force 24.03.2008] (3^2) If a vessel specified in subsection 3^1 of this section has entered an Estonian port due to force majeure in order to prevent a greater threat or avoid a danger of pollution, the vessel may not stay at the port longer than is minimally necessary in order to prevent the threat or avoid the danger of pollution. [RT I 2008, 13, 88 – entry into force 24.03.2008] (4) A foreign vessel may navigate in the internal sea only along the shipping route, if established, and by using a pilot upon pilotage. (4^1) The provisions of subsection 4 of this section do not apply: 1) to a vessel meeting the requirements established for a pleasure boat; 2) to vessels which enter the internal sea due to force majeure, in order to save a human life, in order to prevent an accident or reduce damage arising from an accident; 3) if a ship proceeds to the internal sea by the shortest route to take a pilot on board; 4) if a ship proceeds to the territorial sea by the shortest route after the pilot has disembarked; 5) in other cases provided by an Act regulating maritime safety. (5) [Repealed – RT I 2001, 23, 126 – entry into force 16.03.2001] § 14^1. Diplomatic clearance (1) If a foreign vessel carries a nuclear engine or a nuclear weapon or radioactive substances on board or it is another vessel used for national non-commercial purposes but not for marine scientific research, the foreign state must, for entry of the vessel in the internal sea, apply for a diplomatic clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic channels at least 14 calendar days before the planned entry. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (1^1) If a foreign vessel is sought to be used for marine scientific research for the purposes of the Water Act, the foreign state, foreign citizen or legal person or international organisation must, for entry of the vessel in the internal sea, apply for a diplomatic clearance from the Ministry of the Environment at least 14 calendar days before the planned entry. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (2) The procedure for the application for and grant of a diplomatic clearance and the form of application for diplomatic clearance are established by the Government of the Republic. (3) A vessel which is engaged in saving human lives or elimination of marine pollution need not apply for a diplomatic clearance. (4) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Environment or a foreign mission is to notify the foreign state of the decision on application for a diplomatic clearance seven calendar days before the planned entry. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] (5) The National Defence Act is applied to entry of a foreign military vessel in Estonian territorial waters or inland waters. [RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016] § 15. Navigation of foreign vessel on transboundary water body with crossing of state border () Navigation of a foreign vessel on a transboundary water body with the crossing of the state border is regulated by international treaties. [RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] § 16. [Repealed – RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] § 17. Temporary restriction on or suspension of crossing of state border (1) In the interests of national security, in order to ensure public order, prevent and solve a situation which may endanger public health, and also at the request of a foreign state, the Government of the Republic has the right to: 1) temporarily restrict or suspend the crossing of the state border; 2) establish quarantine for the crossing of the state border for persons and conveyance of domestic animals, poultry, and also livestock products, plant produce and other cargo across the state border. (2) In the interests of national security, in order to ensure public order, prevent and solve a situation which may endanger public health, and in a situation which requires immediate action with regard to a threat, and also at the request of a foreign state, the minister in charge of the policy sector may decide the closure of a border crossing point until the decision of the Government of the Republic. (3) The Government of the Republic is to notify the interested states and the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission of restriction on crossing of the state border or closure of the state border. [RT I 2007, 68, 420 – entry into force 21.12.2007 and in part 30.03.2008] 2^1. chapter LIABILITY § 17^1. Violation of border regime (1) Violation of the border regime is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units. [RT I 2003, 26, 156 – entry into force 21.03.2003] (2) The same act, if committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 32,000 euros. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 17^2. Illegal crossing of state border or temporary control line of Republic of Estonia (1) Illegal crossing of the state border or a temporary control line of the Republic of Estonia is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units or by detention. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (2) The same act, if committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 32,000 euros. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 17^3. Failure to communicate passenger data (1) Failure to communicate or incorrect communication or communication of false passenger data provided in § 9^3 of this Act is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units. [RT I 2007, 3, 14 – entry into force 01.07.2007] (2) The same act, if committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 32,000 euros. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 17^4. Illegal stay on border strip (1) Illegal stay on the border strip is punishable by a fine of up to 200 fine units. [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (2) The same act, if committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 32,000 euros. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 17^5. Failure to transfer passenger name record data (1) Failure to transfer or incorrect transfer or transfer of false passenger name record data provided in § 9^7 of this Act is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units. [RT I, 31.12.2015, 9 – entry into force 01.01.2016] (2) The same act, if committed by a legal person, is punishable by a fine of up to 32,000 euros. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 17^6. Proceedings () [RT I, 31.12.2015, 9 – entry into force 01.01.2016] (1) [Repealed – RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015] (2) The extra-judicial body conducting proceedings in matters of misdemeanours provided in §§ 17^1 –17^5 of this Act is the Police and Border Guard Board. [RT I, 31.12.2015, 9 – entry into force 01.01.2016] (3) The extra-judicial body conducting proceedings in matters of misdemeanours provided in § 17^1 of this Act is also the Defence Forces. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] 3. chapter FINAL PROVISIONS § 18. Protection of state border () [RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] (1) Border control is performed and the state border is protected by the police and the Defence Forces according to their competence. The Defence Forces guard and protect the Estonian airspace and sea border. [RT I, 20.06.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2023] (2) The armed forces of a state being a party to an agreement containing the principle of collective self-defence entered into with the Republic of Estonia may be involved in the performance of the task specified in subsection 1 of this section. [RT I 2004, 81, 541 – entry into force 10.12.2004] § 18^1. Restrictions on movement and stay of persons in area near border () [Repealed – RT I 2009, 62, 405 – entry into force 01.01.2010] § 19. Liability for violation of border regime () [Repealed – RT I 2003, 51, 350 – entry into force 19.07.2003] § 20. Settlement of border issues (1) The Republic of Estonia is to base the settlement of border issues with neighbouring states on the Constitution, international treaties and internationally recognised customary practices. (2) Border co-operation with neighbouring states is to be organised and border incidents are to be settled by Estonian border representatives appointed by the minister in charge of the policy sector. The bases of organisation of work of an Estonian border representative are established by a directive of the minister in charge of the policy sector. [RT I, 20.09.2022, 1 – entry into force 30.09.2022] (3) If issues of border co-operation or border incidents are not settled with the participation of an Estonian border representative, they are to be settled through diplomatic channels. § 21. Application of international treaty () If an international treaty ratified by the Riigikogu establishes standards which differ from this Act, the standards of the international treaty are to be applied. § 22. Status of temporary control line (1) A temporary control line is an uninterrupted imaginary line and the vertical area along the line which separate the territory of Estonia under the jurisdiction of Estonia from the part of Estonia not under the jurisdiction of Estonia. The co-ordinates of the temporary control line are determined by a regulation of the Government of the Republic on the basis of the boundaries of administrative units as of 1 November 2014 entered on the state land cadastre map on the basis of the Territory of Estonian Administrative Division Act. The temporary control line cannot be altered by proceedings for altering the boundaries of administrative units provided in the Territory of Estonian Administrative Division Act. [RT I, 02.12.2014, 1 – entry into force 12.12.2014] (2) The conditions and the procedure for the marking and maintenance of the state border and a border strip and for the guarding, protection and crossing of the external border, and the border regime and the liability for violation of the border regime provided in this Act and the provisions of the Acquisition of Immovables in Public Interest Act concerning the state border are extended to the temporary control line specified in subsection 1 of this section. [RT I, 29.06.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2018] § 22^1. Transitional provision for determining width of border strip () Until the width of the border strip has been determined on the basis of subsection 3 of § 6 of this Act, the border strip on land is a territory which is up to ten metres wide and runs parallel with the state border in the direction of inland from the border line. On a natural border line, the border strip is a territory which runs up to the start of a straight line connecting bends of a border river or stream or road, and a parallel strip of land up to ten metres wide in the direction of inland. [RT I, 08.07.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.08.2020] § 23. Repeal of previous legal instruments [Omitted from this text.] 1 Council Directive 2004/82/EC on the obligation of carriers to communicate passenger data (OJ L 261, 06.08.2004, pp 24–27). [RT I 2007, 3, 14 – entry into force 01.07.2007]