Russia: Officials tighten domestic COVID-19 countermeasures and ease international entry restrictions as of July 9 /update 52

Event

Russia has eased COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for returning Russian citizens as of July 9. Returning 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 three days after arrival. Those testing positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate until a negative result is returned. Vaccinated citizens and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months are exempt from this requirement.

Russia has resumed international flights with more than 30 countries, including the US, Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, South Korea, Finland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Switzerland, the UAE, and the UK. However, the availability of flights is still dependent on COVID-19 restrictions in destination countries. Additionally, flights with low demand could be canceled or merged with other scheduled services.

Foreign air passengers, including those that have been vaccinated, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Russia. Foreign travelers must also fill out an arrival application form provided by their airline or upon arrival in Russia. Foreigners are not allowed entry for tourism purposes.

All travelers from India must self-isolate upon arrival until they test negative for the virus, at which point they may exit quarantine. All travelers will be tested immediately upon arrival.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities in Saint Petersburg will ban gatherings of more than 75 people starting July 13. City authorities previously tightened COVID-19 countermeasures in Saint Petersburg and the wider Leningrad Region. Authorities require staff in education, social services, healthcare, retail, public transport, daycare, museums, libraries, theaters, and the civil service to reach an 80 percent vaccination rate by Sept. 1. Restrictions on public events, catering establishments, contact businesses, and cultural venues in the Leningrad Region can be lifted provided all employees and participants can present vaccination certificates or proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 72 hours.

Authorities previously amended COVID-19 countermeasures in Moscow and the wider Moscow Region. The mandatory vaccination program has been extended. Businesses and sectors required to ensure that at least 60-percent of employees are vaccinated by Aug. 15 include the public service, retailers, catering companies, delivery services, health and fitness clubs, public transport, education, and social services. Contact businesses, such as beauty salons, entertainment venues, theaters, and museums should also ensure their staff are vaccinated. Employers are obliged to suspend workers who refuse vaccination without a valid medical reason.

Authorities in Moscow also require residents to present a government-provided QR code displaying their COVID-19 status in order to access certain public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and other catering establishments. Only residents who have been fully vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months, or received a negative result in a COVID-19 test in the previous 72 hours will be permitted entry. Paper certificates will not be accepted. QR codes can be obtained from the official website of the Mayor of Moscow, the Public Services Portal, or the Public Services' Stop Coronavirus app. Nonresident foreign nationals may present a paper certificate proving they have received a negative result in a COVID-19 test in the past 72 hours. The measure will not be implemented in summer cafes and public outdoor verandas until Aug. 1.

Public events with more than 500 attendees are prohibited in Moscow. Food courts and children's play areas in shopping centers remain closed. Where possible, businesses that continue to operate should have 30 percent of their staff working remotely. Catering facilities are only permitted to operate takeout services 23:00-06:00. In addition, nonessential businesses that do not normally operate on weekends also remain closed.

Authorities in Russia have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures, several COVID-19 restrictions apply nationwide. Facemasks are compulsory on public transport and in enclosed public spaces. Mass events and public gatherings remain suspended. Citizens over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic diseases are strongly advised to avoid public places and temporarily 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.

Authorities in Moscow have installed more than 400 thermal cameras at metro stations; passengers presenting high temperatures are denied entry. Cinemas, theaters, museums, and other cultural and leisure venues are limited to 50 percent capacity.

Any restrictions may be extended or amended with little advance notice. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a fine and/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
World Health Organization (WHO)