06 May 2022 | 04:26 AM UTC
Iran: Authorities keep COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions largely unchanged as of May 6 /update 54
Iran keeps COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions largely unchanged as of May 6.
Event
Iranian authorities have largely maintained the country's preexisting COVID-19-related domestic measures and international travel restrictions as of May 6.
Domestic Measures
The Iranian government uses a color-coded system for classifying cities by local virus transmission risk and accordingly imposing restrictions; the risk levels are blue, yellow, orange, and red in increasing order of potential for COVID-19 transmission. Only establishments providing essential services, such as food providers and medical centers, can open in red cities. In cities at yellow and orange levels, most shopping malls can open and government offices may operate at reduced capacity.
Wearing a facemask is mandatory in enclosed public spaces and on public transportation. Individuals who violate the restrictions are subject to fines.
International Travel Restrictions
Authorities have banned foreign nationals from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe from entering the country until further notice.
Travelers over the age of two must present a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival to gain entry; the document must be in English. Authorities deny entry to foreign nationals who do not have a negative PCR test result. Iranian nationals, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Iran.
Moreover, foreign travelers must provide a double-vaccination certificate issued at least two weeks before arrival in Iran; Iranian nationals without a vaccination certificate must take a PCR test and quarantine at a designated isolation center. Travelers may be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival; those who test positive or exhibit symptoms of the disease are subject to a two-week quarantine period at a government-approved center at their own expense. Passengers traveling to Iran may be required to fill out a self-declaration form.
Additionally, travelers who receive a negative PCR test result in Iran before leaving the country do not need to provide a new one if they return within two weeks.
Iranian 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 business appointments and travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted local contacts for further information on area-specific restrictions. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.
