Azerbaijan: Government to begin gradually easing COVID-19-related international travel restrictions starting June 10 /update 32

Event

The government of Azerbaijan plans to begin gradually easing certain COVID-19-related restrictions on international entry in response to declines in disease activity. An initial phase will enter into effect on June 10, under which citizens of Russia and Turkey will be allowed to travel to Azerbaijan by air without the previously required special permission provided they meet the following conditions:

All passengers over the age of 18 years must possess official documentation demonstrating that they have either been fully vaccinated against or have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight.
All passengers between the ages of 1-18 years must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight.

Also, effective the same date, the period of time within which passengers must take their pre-flight PCR tests will be extended from the current 48 hours before boarding to 72 hours for all travelers permitted to enter Azerbaijan.

According to an official statement released by the Cabinet of Ministers, authorities plan to perform periodic assessments and ease entry restrictions for travelers from other nations with stabilizing epidemiological situations in the future.

Land borders remain closed. Until the new directives on international entry officially go into effect, most passenger flights are suspended with some limited flights operating to and from selected destinations for citizens and legal residents, their immediate families, and individuals with work or study permits. All travelers entering or leaving Azerbaijan must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous 48 hours and arrivals displaying symptoms may be required to quarantine for 14 days at government-operated facilities. All other arrivals will still need to self-isolate for 14 days, though they can end self-isolation after six days on confirmation of a further negative test result. Border restrictions do not apply to freight traffic.

The government has also been gradually easing a number of domestic travel and business restrictions. The Baku Metro has resumed operating on its normal 06:00-23:59 schedule Mondays through Fridays; however, through at least the end of June, metro trains will not run on Saturdays and Sundays. Although protective facemasks will no longer be required in outdoor public areas, they will remain mandatory at metro stations, onboard trains, and in indoor public spaces such as restaurants. Domestic flights and intercity/interdistrict ground transportation services have also begun running again. Passengers on domestic flights are no longer required to produce documentation of having been tested for COVID-19; however, those flying into Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) will undergo PCR tests upon arrival. Additional domestic restrictions will also be eased starting June 10 when authorities will allow houses of worship, malls, beaches, gyms, and fitness clubs to reopen, albeit with capacity restrictions and other health-related requirements in place.

The Azerbaijani government will also be implementing a COVID passport program under which persons who have been fully immunized against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the virus will receive documentation allowing them access to certain facilities and events that remain closed to unimmunized individuals. Authorities have not announced the specific date on which the new COVID passport system will go into effect; however, the program will likely officially begin prior to June 10.

Regardless of the planned easing of restrictions, a nationwide special quarantine regime will remain in place until at least 06:00 Aug. 1. Nonessential businesses and services, including catering establishments, are permitted to operate in accordance with strict hygiene and social distancing mandates. Specific requirements can vary by location and type of business.

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 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.