30 Dec 2021 | 10:35 AM UTC
Ukraine: Authorities update and extend COVID-19-related adaptive quarantine as of Dec. 30 /update 42
Ukraine updates and extends COVID-19-related adaptive quarantine as of Dec. 30; international entry restrictions remain in effect.
Event
Ukraine has extended the effective duration of the adaptive quarantine regime used for tracking domestic COVID-19 activity as of Dec. 30. The adaptive quarantine regime will now remain in effect until March 31, 2022. Additionally, authorities have updated the classification of regions under this system.
Domestic Measures
A COVID-19-related nationwide state of emergency remains in effect, and authorities maintain an "adaptive quarantine" system for tracking disease activity. Under this system, each region is classified as being at either the green, yellow, orange, or red level in order of increasing transmission risk as determined by the volume of COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, local morbidity rates, and the capacity of local hospitals.
As of Dec. 30, all regions of the country are classified as yellow. No regions are currently classified as green, orange, or red.
Restrictions in orange and yellow zones include capacity limits for mass events, cultural institutions, and fitness centers, among other measures. Yellow- and orange-level restrictions do not apply if all individuals at an event or facility and at least 80 percent of staff are vaccinated against or recovered from COVID-19 or have recently tested negative for the disease. Restrictions in red zones generally include the closure of nonessential businesses and a prohibition on public gatherings. Authorities, however, allow for nonessential businesses to operate provided both personnel and customers are either fully vaccinated, recovered, or can provide a negative PCR or antigen test result no older than 72 hours.
Proof of vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative test result is required for all interregional transportation, including via buses, trains, and airplanes; such requirements do not apply for travel within a region unless specifically mandated by local authorities, as is the case in Kyiv city. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transport across Ukraine.
International Travel Restrictions
Ukraine maintains tightened international entry restrictions for certain travelers. All travelers who have spent more than seven days in the last 14 days in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Mozambique must self-isolate for 14 days upon entry.
All non-resident foreign nationals traveling to Ukraine must have health insurance covering COVID-19 treatment and must generally present documentation indicating vaccination against or recovery from COVID-19 or proof of a negative result from a PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Unvaccinated travelers must also take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival or subsequently begin up to 10 days of self-isolation, which can end early after receiving a negative result. All unvaccinated foreign nationals entering Ukraine must download and install the "Vdoma" COVID-19 mobile application, which authorities use to monitor self-isolation.
Unvaccinated travelers arriving from Russia and India must undergo self-isolation for at least 14 days. There are no provisions for such travelers to end their quarantine period early.
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.
