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Ban on exporting EU currencies to Russia

Updated: August 2026

Export restrictions on EU currencies to Russia

A complete ban on the export of cash banknotes of European Union currencies is in effect at border crossing points between Estonia and Russia. The sanctions restrictions apply to euros, Polish złoty, Hungarian forints, Bulgarian leva, Romanian lei, as well as Czech, Danish, and Swedish kronor.

The formal exception for personal use is not applied in practice by Estonian customs authorities, as EU currencies are not legal tender within the territory of the Russian Federation. Any attempt to carry any amount in paper banknotes (even in denominations of 5 or 10 euros) may lead to administrative proceedings, confiscation of funds, or a heavy fine.

Passengers must completely avoid carrying paper banknotes of EU member state currencies. At the same time, according to established practice, Estonian border guards take a lenient approach towards small amounts of coins carried by travellers that may be needed while travelling through EU territory to pay for toilets, luggage storage lockers, or vending machine purchases.

For travel to Russia, passengers should purchase Russian roubles in advance or carry non-sanctioned cash currencies of third countries (such as US dollars, Swiss francs, or British pounds) for subsequent exchange in Russia. The export of any currencies from Russia to the European Union is permitted up to an amount not exceeding the equivalent of 10,000 US dollars per person. In addition, upon returning from Russia to the European Union, the necessary cash can be withdrawn from an ATM.

Currency Exchange points

Cash roubles can be purchased before crossing the border at specialised exchange offices in Narva and Tallinn. Travellers may also bring any currencies permitted for export from the EU into Russia and exchange them for roubles.

Please note that not all currency exchange offices in Tallinn exchange Russian roubles, and where they do, large amounts of roubles may not always be available in stock.

Currency Exchange in Tallinn

  • Tavid near the central bus station in the Sikupilli shopping centre (Tartu mnt 87) next to Prisma.
  • Eurex, including branches at the airport and the Viru Keskus shopping centre.
  • Money Express, including the branch in Mustakivi Keskus next to the Baltic Shuttle bus stop.
  • Avex Change — exchange offices located in Tallinn Old Town.

Currency Exchange in Narva

In Narva, currency exchange offices are located near the Narva-1 border crossing point: Malmi 2 (24/7), Malmi 6 (09:00 to 18:00), Tuleviku 6A (08:00 to 17:00, Sun until 15:00).

Currency Exchange in Saint Petersburg

In Saint Petersburg, Avangard Bank currency exchange centres offering competitive rates include:

Banknote quality requirements

When bringing US dollars or other permitted foreign currencies into Russia for exchange, close attention should be paid to their physical condition. Russian banks apply very strict standards to the condition of cash: banknotes with wear and tear, tears, stains, foreign stamps, or markings are either rejected entirely or exchanged at a substantial commission fee.

This is because banks in the Russian Federation are no longer able to freely export worn or damaged banknotes for replacement at foreign issuing banks. It is recommended to carry banknotes in pristine condition (free of creases and signs of wear) and to choose banknotes from the latest series.

Author: Baltic Shuttle team

Ban on Exporting EU Currencies to Russia