Azerbaijan: Government extends special quarantine regime through at least Nov. 1 /update 37

Event

The government of Azerbaijan has extended the nation's existing special quarantine regime through at least 06:00 Nov. 1 as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the directive, public transportation, including the Baku Metro system, can run normally Monday-Friday, though is suspended on weekends. Protective facemasks remain mandatory at metro stations, onboard trains, and in indoor public spaces such as restaurants. 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.

Officials continue to roll out Azerbaijan's 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. Under a set of orders issued by the country's Cabinet of Ministers, persons aged 18 or older must possess a COVID passport or an immunity certificate in order to use gymnasiums, fitness centers, and physical therapy or restorative health establishments; effective Sept. 1, this requirement extends to the use of indoor areas at public catering establishments, hotels, and shopping malls.

Moreover, at least 80 percent of employees of all government agencies, public and private medical facilities and pharmacies, and scientific and educational institutions have been required to receive their first dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 1 and the second dose by Oct. 1.

Authorities have also tightened some restrictions on gatherings. All persons 18 years of age or older attending certain types of organized private gatherings of up to 150 people must possess a COVID passport or a certificate of recovery from the virus; protective face coverings are not mandatory at such gatherings, however. Prior to Aug. 28, the passport or certificate was not required to attend events having 50 or fewer attendees. Gatherings of more than 150 persons remain prohibited until further notice. Additional restrictions related to the COVID passport program will probably be imposed over the coming weeks.

Travel Restrictions
Citizens and legal residents of Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, and the US are 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 (i.e., COVID Passport) issued by the relevant country demonstrating that they have either been fully vaccinated against or have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to a negative result from a 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.

There are no such document requirements for infants aged less than one year.

Authorities plan to perform periodic assessments and gradually ease entry restrictions for travelers from other locations. Returning Azerbaijani nationals require only a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight to enter the country. For further details on requirements for entering Azerbaijan, click here.

Land and maritime borders remain closed. The only option for entry and exit is via air on a limited number of commercial and charter flights operating to and from selected destinations. 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.

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.

Resources

Republic of Azerbaijan Cabinet of Ministers (in Azeri)
Republic of Azerbaijan Coronavirus Information Portal (in Azeri)