Russia: Authorities modify COVID-19 international entry test requirements starting Dec. 8 /update 67

Event

The Russian government has modified its COVID-19 international entry testing requirement. Effective Dec. 8, authorities will require passengers to present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival; travelers were previously required to submit a negative PCR test dated no earlier than 72 hours before arrival.

Domestic Measures
Domestic COVID-19 countermeasures are still in effect throughout Russia. Specific restrictions may vary slightly from region to region. In Moscow, a digital COVID pass confirming vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 is required to enter entertainment and sporting events with more than 500 attendees. Bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues can operate provided they adhere to epidemiological guidelines. While most nonessential businesses have 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. Authorities in Saint Petersburg have been gradually tightening measures. A digital COVID pass is required to enter catering establishments and nonessential retail businesses, as well as hotels, cultural facilities, and public events with over 40 attendees.

The Russian government has 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. 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, including public transportation.

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.

International Travel Restrictions
Aside from the recent change to testing requirements for entering Russia, other pandemic-related restrictions on international travel remain unchanged. Direct flights with Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Mongolia resumed on Dec. 1; rail service with Finland will begin operating again on Dec. 12.

An entry ban is in place for foreign nationals arriving from nine African countries, as well as China's Hong Kong SAR, as part of the nation's response to the newly discovered Omicron strain of COVID-19. The specific African countries subject to the ban are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. It remains unclear how long the new restrictions may remain in place; however, an existing suspension of flights with Tanzania has been extended through Feb. 1, 2022, as part of the measure. Russian nationals returning from the specified African countries, as well as from China, Israel, or the UK, must undergo express testing for COVID-19 upon arrival; this requirement also applies to foreigners arriving from China, Israel, or the UK.

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 48 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. Except as stipulated otherwise, 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.

Nonessential travel is permitted for citizens and residents of over 60 countries, including those of the EAEU and CIS, as well as around 60 other countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the US. 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.

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