Ukraine: Authorities tighten domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Sept. 23 /update 37

Ukraine tightens domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Sept. 23; international entry restrictions unchanged.

Event

Authorities in Ukraine have extended the COVID-19 related nationwide state of emergency until Dec. 31 and will tighten domestic restrictions by raising the entire country to yellow (second-lowest risk) level on Ukraine's "adaptive quarantine" system for tracking disease activity.

Under this system, each region is classified as being at either the green, yellow, orange, or red level in order of increasing transmission risk as determined by the volume of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, local morbidity rates, and the capacity of local hospitals. Restrictions in yellow zones include capacity limits for mass events, cultural institutions, and fitness centers, in addition to a maximum of four people per table at a catering establishment. Yellow level restrictions will not apply if all individuals at an event or facility and at least 80 percent of staff are vaccinated against or recently tested negative for COVID-19.

Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces nationwide.

International Entry Restrictions
All non-resident foreign nationals must have health insurance covering COVID-19 treatment and present a certificate showing completion of a full course of a WHO-recognized vaccine or proof of a negative PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. All unvaccinated travelers must take a test within 72 hours of arrival or subsequently begin up to 10 days of self-isolation, which can be ended early with a negative result from a second COVID-19 test. All unvaccinated persons entering Ukraine must download and install the "Vdoma" COVID-19 mobile application, which authorities use to monitor self-isolation.

All travelers arriving from Russia and India and all travelers who have spent at least seven days out of the previous 14 in either of these two countries must undergo self-isolation for at least 14 days. There are no provisions under which such travelers may end their quarantine period early.

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.