ABSTRACT

The article considers the role of Russian border controls in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including its impacts on immigration and customs controls and on cross-border social and economic activities. Although in March 2020 Russian border controls proved to be insufficient, they still were used as one of the main tools for immobilizing people. The sanitary bordered order contributed to social exclusion of marginalized groups. Meanwhile, those who had money, access to decision-making, eligible immigration status, ability to make their voices heard, or access to advanced knowledge on travel logistics still had some options to move across the “closed border.”