01 Dec 2021 | 06:06 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities tighten entry restrictions for travelers from several African nations as of Dec. 1 /update 49
Iran tightens entry restrictions for travelers from several African nations as of Dec. 1. Domestic restrictions remain in place.
Event
Iranian authorities have tightened entry restrictions for travelers arriving from six African nations as of Dec. 1 due to concerns over the Omicron variant of COVID-19. All foreign nationals arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are banned from entering Iran until further notice. Iranian nationals returning from these countries can enter but must undergo two negative PCR tests or quarantine for up to 14 days.
Fully vaccinated travelers from other countries must present a negative PCR test result taken within 96 hours before departure to gain entry. Iranian nationals, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iran. Unvaccinated citizens or those who do not have a negative PCR test must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are maintaining the nightly 22:00-03:00 traffic curfew nationwide to curb the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, 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.
Officials have designated cities as blue, yellow, orange, or red zones in increasing order of virus transmission threat. As of Dec. 1, there are no cities at the red level, 22 at orange, 207 at yellow, and 219 at blue. 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.
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.
