16 Aug 2021 | 07:25 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities impose nationwide lockdown through Aug. 21 /update 45
Authorities in Iran impose nationwide lockdown through Aug. 21 to limit spread of COVID-19; interprovincial travel banned through Aug. 27.
Event
Iranian authorities have imposed a nationwide lockdown through Aug. 21 following an increase in COVID-19 cases. All offices, markets, restaurants, and nonessential businesses must close during this period. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transportation. Additionally, authorities have banned all interprovincial travel through Aug. 27. Individuals who do not comply with the restrictions will face fines.
Officials may designate cities as blue, yellow, orange, or red zones in increasing order of virus transmission threat. As of Aug. 16, 359 cities, including Tehran, are at the red level following a continued surge in cases.
International Travel
The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization has tightened flight restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. All flights to and from Brazil and Uruguay are suspended until further notice. Additionally, travelers from 42 other high-risk countries (Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Fiji, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Oman, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can enter Iran but must take a PCR test upon arrival. Individuals who test positive upon arrival will have to quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Other measures include:
All travelers to Iran must submit a negative result from a PCR test taken within 96 hours before boarding.
Passengers coming from or transiting through European countries do not have to submit a PCR test if they provide proof of full vaccination against COVID‑19.
Citizens who have not taken the test are required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Restrictions are in place for travel to and from Iraq via land border crossings; commercial transport is exempt.
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
Liaise with trusted local contacts for further information on travel area-specific restrictions. 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.
