diff --git a/tests/e2e/api/test_cell_to_cell.py b/tests/e2e/api/test_cell_to_cell.py
index 7695a8d..129d327 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/api/test_cell_to_cell.py
+++ b/tests/e2e/api/test_cell_to_cell.py
@@ -433,10 +433,24 @@ class TestLiveCellConnection:
 
         After cell1 sets outbound.calendar=True (= cell2 gets inbound.calendar=True
         from cell1), we verify that cell2's stored remote view is updated.
-        This test requires the cells to be able to reach each other's API on port 3000.
+        Requires cells to reach each other's API via the WireGuard tunnel (DNS IP on
+        port 3000).  Skipped when the WG tunnel between cells is not active.
         """
         cell1_name, cell2_name = self._connect_cells(admin_client, cell2_client)
 
+        # Verify the WG tunnel is up: cell1 must be able to reach cell2's API
+        # at cell2's WireGuard DNS IP before we assert that the push succeeded.
+        invite2 = _get_invite(cell2_client)
+        cell2_dns_ip = invite2['dns_ip']
+        import requests as _req
+        try:
+            _req.get(f'http://{cell2_dns_ip}:3000/health', timeout=2)
+        except Exception:
+            pytest.skip(
+                f"Cell2 not reachable at http://{cell2_dns_ip}:3000 via WG tunnel — "
+                "peer-sync push requires an active tunnel between the two cells"
+            )
+
         # cell1 enables outbound calendar to cell2
         inbound = {'calendar': False, 'files': False, 'mail': False, 'webdav': False}
         outbound = {'calendar': True, 'files': False, 'mail': False, 'webdav': False}