Russia: Authorities resume flights to Malta, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Portugal, May 25 /update 44

Event

Russia has resumed international flights with Malta, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Portugal, May 25, due to the improving epidemiological situation in those countries. Russia is also increasing the frequency of flights with South Korea, Finland, and Japan. Additionally, flights with Bulgaria are set to resume, June 1. Authorities suspended most international flights in March 2021 in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Authorities previously tightened entry restrictions for all travelers arriving from India. All travelers from India must self-isolate upon arrival until they test negative for the virus, at which point they may exit quarantine. All travelers will be tested immediately upon arrival.

International flights are operating between Russia and more than 20 countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, and the UAE. However, the availability of flights is still dependent on COVID-19 restrictions in destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled services. Foreign air passengers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their departure for Russia; Russian citizens must produce a negative COVID-19 test result within three days upon arrival or self-isolate for 14 days. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes.

Authorities have extended a suspension of all commercial flights with the UK until June 1 to prevent the spread of a variant strain of COVID-19 originating in that country. Most categories of travelers from the UK may not enter Russia except for diplomats and persons holding special visas, such as those denoting a Highly Qualified Specialist. Qualifying travelers from the UK must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Russia; aircrews are exempt from this restriction.

The Russian government has also indefinitely limited flights with Turkey. Authorities permit two commercial flights per week between Moscow and Istanbul, repatriation flights, charter flights, and flights carrying workers for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project in Turkey's Mersin Province. Russia has also suspended flights with Tanzania through June 1. Only repatriation flights are permitted with Tanzania.

Domestic Restrictions
Although authorities have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures, several COVID-19 restrictions apply nationwide. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events and public gatherings remain suspended. Citizens over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases are strongly advised to avoid public places and temporarily suspend personal contact with any persons from outside their immediate households.

Residents are encouraged to work from home whenever possible. However, nonessential businesses, retailers, theaters and cinemas, leisure facilities, educational institutions, and cultural venues have resumed operations in many regions, subject to social distancing mandates. Public transportation is also operating in most cities, though with reduced services. Public sector offices are open.

Authorities in Moscow have installed more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; passengers presenting high temperatures are denied entry. Cinemas, theaters, museums, and other cultural and leisure venues are limited to 50 percent capacity.

Any restrictions may be extended or amended with little advance notice. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a fine and/or imprisonment.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all 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. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.