Azerbaijan: Government continuing to ease COVID-19 international travel restrictions; travel from seven additional countries permitted starting June 21 /update 33

Event

The government of Azerbaijan is continuing to gradually ease certain COVID-19-related restrictions on international entry in response to declines in disease activity, as well as increased rates of immunization. Effective June 21, citizens of seven additional countries - specifically, Bahrain, Hungary, Israel, Qatar, the UAE, UK, and the US - will be allowed to travel to Azerbaijan by air without the previously required special permission provided they meet the following conditions:

All passengers over the age of 18 years must possess official documentation (i.e. COVID Passport) issued by the relevant country demonstrating that they have either been fully vaccinated against or have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight.
All passengers between the ages of 1-18 years must possess a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight.

There are no such document requirements for infants aged less than one year.

Citizens of Russia and Turkey have been allowed to enter Azerbaijan under the same conditions as part of an initial round of eased travel controls that entered into effect on June 10. According to an official statement released by the Cabinet of Ministers, authorities plan to perform periodic assessments and ease entry restrictions for travelers from other nations with stabilizing epidemiological situations in the future. Returning Azerbaijani nationals require only a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight to enter the country.

Land and maritime borders remain closed. The only option for entry and exit is via air on a limited number of commercial and charter flights operating to and from selected destinations. Passengers on domestic flights are no longer required to produce documentation of having been tested for COVID-19; however, those flying into Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) will undergo PCR tests upon arrival.

The government has also been gradually easing a number of domestic travel and business restrictions. The Baku Metro is operating on its normal 06:00-23:59 schedule Mondays through Fridays; however, through at least the end of June, metro trains will not run on Saturdays and Sundays. Although protective facemasks are no longer be required in outdoor public areas, they remain mandatory at metro stations, onboard trains, and in indoor public spaces such as restaurants. Domestic flights and intercity/interdistrict ground transportation services have also begun running again. Moreover, houses of worship, malls, beaches, gyms, and fitness clubs have been allowed to reopen, albeit with capacity restrictions and other health-related requirements in place.

The Azerbaijani government has launched a COVID passport program under which persons who have been fully immunized against COVID-19 or who have recovered from the virus will receive documentation allowing them access to certain facilities and events that remain closed to unimmunized individuals. However, it remains unclear as of June 19 which stage of implementation the program is in.

Regardless of the easing of restrictions, a nationwide special quarantine regime will remain in place until at least 06:00 Aug. 1. Nonessential businesses and services, including catering establishments, are permitted to operate in accordance with strict hygiene and social distancing mandates. Specific requirements can vary by location and type of business.

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.