Russia: Flights will resume with Spain, Iraq, Kenya, Slovakia, and Belarus from Sept. 21 /update 57

Event

Russia is set to ease some COVID-19-related international entry restrictions from Sept. 21. Direct flights with Belarus, Spain, Iraq, Kenya, and Slovakia will be permitted to resume from this date. At the same time, authorities have allowed international airports in Chita (HTA), Pskov (PKV), Magadan (GDX), and Murmansk (MMK) to resume services to Turkey and Egypt.

Russia has resumed international flights with more than 30 countries, including the US, Turkey, France, Belgium, Austria, China, Azerbaijan, Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Czech Republic, South Korea, Jordan, Israel, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, 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 with little warning.

Authorities previously eased entry requirements for travelers from the UK. Such travelers are no longer required to undergo 14 days of self-isolation upon arrival. However, numerous entry restrictions continue to apply to all foreign air arrivals, including those from the UK. All foreign air arrivals, including those vaccinated, must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival in Russia and take a second such test within five days after entering the country. 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.

Returning Russian 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 four 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.

Citizens of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states or the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are required to submit their COVID-19 vaccination certificates and/or 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.

Some special restrictions apply to individuals arriving from certain countries. All travelers from India must self-isolate upon arrival until they test negative for the virus, at which point they may exit quarantine. Aircrews are exempt from this restriction.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities in Russia have been using a largely localized approach, with each region responsible for its own measures; however, 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.

In Saint Petersburg, gatherings of more than 75 people are banned. Restrictions on public events, catering establishments, contact businesses, and cultural venues in Saint Petersburg and the wider Leningrad Oblast can be lifted provided all employees and participants can present vaccination certificates or a negative result from a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.

Authorities in Moscow have slightly eased restrictions in recent weeks. Bars, restaurants, and other entertainment venues in Moscow may operate provided they adhere to epidemiological guidelines. Patrons are no longer required to present proof of their COVID-19 status to access these facilities. Public events with more than 500 attendees remain prohibited in Moscow. Additionally, while most nonessential businesses have resumed operations, many are still required to close over weekends.

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