Azerbaijan: Government updates certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions in effect as of mid-July /update 34

Event

The government of Azerbaijan has made a number of updates to some of its domestic COVID-19-related restrictions as of July 17. The nation is continuing to gradually roll out its 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. Under an order issued by the country's Cabinet of Ministers, persons aged 18 or older must possess a COVID passport or an immunity certificate in order to use gymnasiums, fitness centers, and physical therapy or restorative health establishments. Moreover, at least 80 percent of employees working at such facilities have been required to possess a COVID passport since July 1, although a grace period allows for a COVID immunity certificate or proof of having received the first dose of a vaccine to serve as acceptable alternatives until Aug. 1.

As part of the implementation, authorities have also published new rules governing certain types of gatherings - primarily celebratory functions, such as weddings, engagement or birthday parties, etc. Per the new regulations, all persons 18 years of age or older attending any such function hosting between 50-150 people must possess a COVID passport or a certificate of recovery from the virus; protective face coverings are no longer mandatory at these types of gatherings, however. The passport or certificate is not required to attend events having 50 or fewer attendees, but these functions must comply with the same health and sanitation standards imposed on restaurants and other public catering establishments, including facemask mandates. Gatherings of more than 150 persons remain prohibited until further notice. Additional restrictions related to the COVID passport program will probably be imposed over the coming weeks.

Public transportation, including the Baku Metro system, is running normally Mondays through Fridays; however, authorities have extended an existing ban on weekend public transport operations until at least Aug. 1. 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 are running. 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 existing 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.

International Travel Restrictions
Azerbaijan's international travel controls remain unchanged by comparison with those in effect during the third week of June. Citizens of a limited number of countries - specifically, Bahrain, Hungary, Israel, Qatar, Russia, Turkey, the UAE, UK, and the US - are 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.

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. For further details on requirements for entering Azerbaijan, click here.

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.

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.