06 Apr 2021 | 06:25 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities increase Tehran's COVID-19 status to red as of April 6 /update 35
Authorities in Iran increase Tehran's COVID-19 status to red as of April 6; stricter measures put in place.
Event
The Iranian Ministry of Health has increased the COVID-19 status of Tehran and more than 40 other cities to red as of April 6 following a surge in cases. Authorities have 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. In red cities, only essential services such as food providers and medical centers are allowed to open. Travel in and out of these cities is banned. In orange and yellow cities, most shopping malls are open, and employees in government workplaces can operate with reduced capacity. Educational institutions and places of worship, however, remain closed. As of April 6, there are 88 red cities, 139 orange cities, 198 yellow cities, and 23 blue cities.
A nightly 21:00-03:00 traffic ban remains in place nationwide. Iran's land border crossings with Iraq, including the Mehran border crossing in Ilam Province, as well as all crossings in Kermanshah, Khuzestan, and West Azerbaijan provinces, remain closed. The land border closures do not apply to commercial traffic.
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.
Additionally, travelers from Europe will be tested again upon arrival and have to quarantine for 14 days even if they have 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.
