Russia: Direct flights with France and the Czech Republic to resume July 24 following COVID-19-related suspension /update 53

Event

Authorities in Russia will implement a number of changes to the nation's existing COVID-19-related international travel policies over the coming days. Effective July 24, Russia will resume direct flights with France and the Czech Republic. At the same time, the government will increase the frequency of regular flights serving Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Ethiopia, Greece, Hungary, and Lebanon. Moreover, Arkhangelsk Talagi (ARH), Novokuznetsk Spichenkovo (NOZ), and Orsk (OSW) airports will be allowed to resume international flights.

Beginning July 25, citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member nations - i.e. Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan - arriving in Russia will be required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination certificates and/or test results to authorities using the "I Travel without COVID-19" mobile application; the same requirement will go into force for citizens of other Commonwealth of Independent States nations starting Sept. 1.

Russia has resumed international flights with more than 50 countries, including the US, Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Finland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Switzerland, the UAE, and the UK. 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, including those who have been vaccinated, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Russia and take a second such test within five days after entering the country. Foreign travelers must also fill out an arrival application form provided by their airline or upon arrival in Russia. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes.

Returning Russian citizens must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours after their arrival. Citizens must self-isolate until their results are known. COVID-19 test results must be uploaded to the Public Services website within three days after arrival, with a second such test being required within five days of arrival but no less than 24 hours after the initial test. Those testing positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate until a negative result is returned. Vaccinated citizens and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months are exempt from this requirement.

Some special restrictions apply to individuals arriving from certain countries. 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 entering Russia from the UK, including those who have transited a third country, must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival; aircrews are exempt from this restriction.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities in Russia have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures; however, 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 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.

In Saint Petersburg, gatherings of more than 75 people are banned. Authorities require staff in education, social services, healthcare, retail, public transport, daycare, museums, libraries, theaters, and the civil service to reach an 80 percent vaccination rate by Sept. 1. Restrictions on public events, catering establishments, contact businesses, and cultural venues in Saint Petersburg and the wider Leningrad Oblast can be lifted provided all employees and participants can present vaccination certificates or a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.

Authorities in Moscow have implemented a mandatory vaccination program. Entities required to ensure that at least 60 percent of employees are vaccinated by Aug. 15 include public service agencies, retailers, catering companies, delivery services, health and fitness clubs, public transport operators, educational institutions, and social services. Businesses in the service sector, including bars and restaurants, are required to ensure staff are vaccinated by July 26. Employers are obliged to suspend workers who refuse vaccination without a valid medical reason.

Bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues in Moscow may operate provided they adhere to epidemiological guidelines. Only residents who have been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months, or received a negative result from a COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours will be permitted entry. Nonresident foreign nationals may present proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within the past 72 hours.

Public events with more than 500 attendees are prohibited in Moscow. Where possible, businesses that continue to operate should have 30 percent of their staff working remotely. In addition, nonessential businesses that do not normally operate on weekends also remain closed.

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.

Resources

Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Russian)
Official Website of the Mayor of Moscow
Public Services Portal
World Health Organization (WHO)