Russia: Authorities ease COVID-19-related domestic measures and international entry restrictions as of July 4 /update 71

Event

Russia has eased COVID-19-related domestic measures as of July 4. The nationwide mask mandate has been lifted, and catering establishments are permitted to open after hours and without additional health restrictions. Authorities will also further ease international entry restrictions from July 15. From that date, all international travelers will be permitted to cross land borders without additional restrictions. Additionally, Russia will lift all entry and exit restrictions on the land border with China; however, China still maintains some restrictions which may continue to hamper cross-border travel.

Domestic Measures
Authorities have lifted all COVID-19-related domestic measures.

International Travel Restrictions
Pandemic-related restrictions on international travel remain in effect. All foreign travelers to Russia by air, sea, and land must present a negative result to a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Travelers need not show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. As of June 14, travelers from any country may enter Russia via air or sea; however, land borders still remain restricted until July 15. Flights have resumed with 67 countries, including Algeria, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Hong Kong, Egypt, Israel, India, Indonesia, Kenya, China, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Moldova, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Tanzania, Turkey, Ethiopia, and South Africa.

Foreign air 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 48 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 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, as well as sanctions related to the Russian offensive against Ukraine. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled services with little warning. Entry via land borders is currently restricted to essential travel only; however, international road and rail connections with Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine have reopened.

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