Russia: Authorities ease international entry restrictions with multiple countries Nov. 9 /update 64

Event

As of Nov. 9, Russia has eased COVID-19-related international entry restrictions with several nations. Direct flights are now permitted for all travelers from the Bahamas, Iran, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Slovenia, Tunisia, and Sweden. Direct flights with Thailand are permitted for fully vaccinated travelers only.

Entry restrictions continue to apply to all arrivals. All travelers arriving by air, including those who are 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. Nonresident foreign nationals must also possess valid medical insurance that covers COVID-19.

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 four days after arrival. 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.

Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states or the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination certificates and/or test results to authorities using the "Traveling without COVID-19" mobile application. The EAEU and CIS include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

As of Nov. 9, nonessential travel is permitted for citizens and residents of over 60 countries, including those of the EAEU and CIS, as well as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the U.S. The full list of countries is available by clicking here. However, the availability of flights remains limited due to COVID-19 restrictions in some destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled services with little warning. Entry via land borders is generally restricted to essential travel only; international rail services with most countries other than Belarus are suspended.

Some special restrictions apply to 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. Aircrews are exempt from this restriction.

Domestic Measures
As of Nov. 9, authorities in several regions of Russia have extended the “non-working week" period in an effort to combat rapidly rising COVID-19 case numbers. As part of the measure, nonessential workers are encouraged to remain at home. The Novgorod and Tomsk regions have extended the non-working week until Nov. 15, while the Chelyabinsk and Kursk regions have extended the period until Nov. 12, and the Smolensk region until Nov. 10. Specific restrictions may vary slightly from region to region. Generally, nonessential shops and businesses are closed, while catering facilities may offer delivery or takeout only.

The non-working week has concluded in Moscow. However, the city has introduced additional measures. A digital COVID pass confirming vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 will be required to enter entertainment and sporting events with more than 500 attendees. As of Nov. 9, bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues can operate provided they adhere to epidemiological guidelines. While most nonessential businesses had resumed operations, many must still close over weekends. Authorities have installed more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; passengers presenting high temperatures are denied entry.

The non-working week has also concluded in Saint Petersburg. However, city authorities previously announced a gradual tightening of measures. A digital COVID pass is required to enter many venues, including shopping malls, hotels, and public events with over 40 attendees. Starting Nov. 15, such codes will also be required for sports and cultural facilities; from Dec. 1, they will be required for catering establishments and nonessential retail businesses.

Authorities in Russia have been using a largely localized approach to containing the virus, with each region responsible for its own measures; however, several COVID-19 restrictions apply nationwide as of Nov. 9. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events and public gatherings remain suspended, though there are some local exceptions for vaccinated persons. Several regions require residents to present digital COVID passes to access various facilities and venues.

Officials strongly advise citizens over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases to avoid public places and 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.

Any restrictions may be extended or amended with little advance notice. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a fine 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