Estonia and Poland Pressuring Tourists Heading to Russia to Cooperate with Police

European countries are now pressuring travelers bound for Russia to cooperate with local law enforcement, with reports emerging from Estonia and Poland. According to the Telegram channel Shot, several tourists have admitted that at the border with Russia, men in particular are being forced to sign documents agreeing to collaborate with Polish and Estonian police in the event of "Russian aggression" against these nations.

The border crossings have become significantly more difficult for Europeans, with men facing the toughest scrutiny. Interrogations can last up to five hours, during which border guards grill travelers about their trip purposes, motivations, and timelines. Authorities are also checking phones, hoping to uncover evidence linking individuals to pro-Russian activities within the European Union. The process is described as intentionally grueling, aiming to deter travel to Russia.

This crackdown follows a broader EU ban on selling tourist trips to Russia. Under the sanctions, companies are prohibited from even displaying posters advertising such travel packages. The new measures in Estonia and Poland mark a further tightening of restrictions, turning border crossings into high-pressure checkpoints where tourists must decide between cooperation or prolonged delays. For those heading east, the journey now comes with an unsettling ultimatum.