27 Dec 2021 | 05:11 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities ban travelers from four additional countries through Jan. 8 due to COVID-19 Omicron variant /update 51
Authorities in Iran ban travelers from four additional countries through Jan. 8 due to Omicron variant. Other measures remain in place.
Event
Iranian authorities have banned foreign nationals from Denmark, France, Norway, and the UK from entering the country through at least Jan. 8 due to concerns over the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Officials have also extended the ban on travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe through Jan. 8. Iranian nationals returning from these countries can enter but must take two PCR tests and produce negative results on both or quarantine for up to 14 days.
Domestic Measures
The Iranian government uses a color-coded system for classifying cities by local virus transmission risk and imposing restrictions accordingly; the risk levels are blue, yellow, orange, and red in increasing order of potential for COVID-19 transmission. Only essential services, such as food providers and medical centers, can open in red cities. In cities at yellow and orange levels, most shopping malls can open, and government offices may operate at reduced capacity. Travel in and out of high-risk red and orange cities remains banned until further notice.
Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transportation. Individuals who violate the restrictions will face fines.
International Travel Restrictions
Authorities have closed all land borders through at least Jan. 8. The directive will not impact cargo transport. Individuals who travel to Iran for trade and health purposes are exempt from the measure.
Travelers over the age of two must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure to gain entry; the result document must be in English. Iranian nationals, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iran. Authorities will deny entry to foreign nationals who do not have a negative PCR test.
Moreover, foreign travelers must provide a double-vaccination certificate issued at least two weeks before travel to Iran. Iranian nationals without a vaccine certificate must undergo a PCR test and quarantine at designated isolation centers. Travelers who exhibit symptoms of the disease will be subject to a two-week quarantine period at government-approved centers. Additionally, travelers who receive a negative PCR test result before leaving Iran are not required to provide a new one if they return within two weeks.
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.
