Uzbekistan: Authorities extend COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of Dec. 22 /update 20

Uzbekistan expands entry restrictions as of Dec. 22 due to reports of new variant of COVID-19; domestic restrictions in effect.

Event

Uzbekistan tightened entry restrictions Dec. 21 as part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) following the discovery of a new variant of the virus in the UK and elsewhere. International flights connecting with Austria, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the UK are suspended until at least Jan. 10. During this period, nationals and residents of these countries, or non-Uzbek travelers who have visited them in the previous 14 days, are prohibited from entry into Uzbekistan. Any Uzbekistan nationals or residents who have visited any of these countries within the previous 14 days must quarantine of 14 days on arrival.

Other international entry restrictions remain in effect. Authorities have designated countries Green, Yellow, or Red depending on their assessment of the epidemiological threat in each. As of the most recent review, the designations are as follows:

Arrivals from Green locations - including China, Israel, Japan, and South Korea - are permitted to enter without restriction.
Travelers who have visited any Yellow location - including Azerbaijan and EU member states (except Spain and those listed above) - within the previous 10 days must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Nonresidents who have visited any Red location - all remaining countries - within the previous 10 days are prohibited from entry. Uzbek nationals returning from a Red country will be quarantined in a state facility for 14 days.

All international arrivals are likely to be assessed for COVID-19 and could face mandatory isolation in a government facility if they display symptoms. All international arrivals will need to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 from Dec. 25; testing will take place at international airports, railway stations and land border checkpoints; those with negative test results will be quarantined in a government facility, likely for 14 days.

Most nonessential businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and houses of worship, have reopened with sanitization and social distancing protocols in place. Private gatherings of up to 30 persons are now permitted. Certain measures remain in place nationwide. All persons are required to comply with social-distancing guidelines of 2 meters (6.5 feet) and wear facemasks while in public. Medical screenings may be conducted before entering grocery stores and markets.

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

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. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for possible ground shipping and travel delays; seek alternative routes and shipping methods for time-sensitive cargo.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.