01 Feb 2021 | 06:43 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities issue new restrictions for travelers into the country as of Feb. 1 /update 30
Authorities in Iran require all travelers to test negative for COVID-19 as of Feb. 1; mandatory 14-day quarantine for those from Europe.
Event
Iranian authorities have announced new restrictions for travelers into the country as of Feb. 1 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). All travelers, including those from neighboring countries, have to test negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival. Additionally, travelers from Europe will be tested again upon arrival and have to quarantine for 14 days even if they test negative.
Authorities continue to impose heightened COVID-19 restrictions on high-risk 'orange' and 'yellow' cities, denoted as areas with high infection rates, to curb the spread of the disease. All intercity travel and traffic within these areas from 2100-0400 is banned. Employees in government workplaces can operate with up to 50-percent capacity. Educational institutions and places of worship, however, remain closed.
The Ministry of Health has divided the country into blue, yellow, orange, and red zones depending on the COVID-19 fatality rate and extent of the outbreak, with blue being the lowest threat. As of Jan. 31, there are no red cities, 18 orange cities, 124 yellow cities, and 306 blue cities.
Travel Restrictions
The passenger capacity of domestic airlines is limited to 60 percent per safe-distancing guidelines.
International flights remain operational; however, authorities have halted issuing tourist visas since Aug. 1, 2020, effectively banning all leisure travel to the country. Travelers to Iran - both citizens and foreign nationals - must submit a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 96 hours before boarding. Citizens who have not taken the test will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival at a government-designated site at their own cost. Authorities will deny entry to foreign nationals arriving without a negative COVID-19 test.
Iranian authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
