Azerbaijan: Government to ease certain COVID-19-related restrictions effective Oct. 1 /update 38

Event

The government of Azerbaijan has issued orders further easing certain COVID-19-related restrictions, citing increased vaccination levels and a drop in disease activity. Effective Oct. 1, public transportation, including the Baku Metro system, will be allowed to resume running seven days a week; the existing suspension of weekend operations will be lifted. Additionally, various types of recreational and amusement establishments, including clubs, will be allowed to reopen. Cultural facilities, such as concert halls, cinemas, and theaters, may also resume operation, albeit with a 50 percent capacity limit.

Regardless of this most recent move, Azerbaijan's existing special quarantine regime is slated to remain in force through at least 06:00 Nov. 1. 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.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan continues to expand its COVID passport program, under which persons who have been fully immunized against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the virus receive documentation allowing them access to certain facilities and events that remain closed to unvaccinated individuals without natural immunity. 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 patronize many indoor facilities, such as gymnasiums, fitness centers, and physical therapy or restorative health establishments, as well as to make use of indoor areas at public catering establishments, hotels, and shopping malls. Moreover, in order to resume operation, such businesses and facilities must ensure that at least 80 percent of their employees possess COVID passports. Persons who cannot be vaccinated due to legitimate medical reasons may obtain a Vaccination Contraindication Certificate in lieu of a COVID passport.

Effective Oct. 1, all passengers aged 18 or older using public rail or road transport to travel to Baku or Sumqayit from other cities or districts in Azerbaijan must show proof of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or possess a COVID-19 immunity certificate; starting Nov. 1, such individuals will be required to possess an immunity certificate or show proof of having received two vaccine doses. Vaccination verification must be provided using Azerbaijan's "Check App" mobile application. The regulation does not apply to public transport passengers traveling to Baku or Sumqayit from other locations within the Absheron Peninsula region; persons traveling by taxi are also exempt.

All persons 18 years of age or older attending certain types of organized private gatherings must possess a COVID passport or a certificate of recovery from the virus; protective face coverings are not mandatory at such gatherings, however. Gatherings of more than 150 persons remain prohibited until further notice.

International 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)