25 Dec 2021 | 10:33 PM UTC
Iran: Authorities close all land borders as of Dec. 25 for two weeks to combat the rise in COVID-19 Omicron variant /update 50
Iran closes all land borders for 15 days as of Dec. 25 to combat Omicron variant of COVID-19; other restrictions remain in place.
Event
Authorities in Iran have closed all land borders as part of the nation's efforts to combat the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The measure entered into force on Dec. 25 and will remain in effect for two weeks. The directive will not impact cargo transport. Individuals who travel to Iran for trade and health purposes are exempt from the measure.
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. In red cities, only essential services, such as food providers and medical centers, are allowed to open. 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
All foreign nationals arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe are banned from entering Iran until further notice due to concerns over the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Iranian nationals returning from these countries can enter but must take two PCR tests and produce a negative result on both or quarantine for up to 14 days.
Travelers over the age of two must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure in order to gain entry; the result document must be in English. Iranian nationals, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iran. Foreign nationals who do not have a negative PCR test will be denied entry.
Moreover, foreign travelers must provide a double-vaccination certificate issued at least two weeks prior to 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.
