Siberia
Travel restrictions
On March 18th 2020 the Russian government introduced restrictions on entry into the whole country for almost all foreign citizens.
These restrictions were eased on April 16th 2021 for nationals and permanent residents of certain countries. People from these specific countries may now travel to Russia by air via authorized 3rd countries.
The full list of countries is subject to change and currently includes: Albania; Andorra; Argentina; Armenia; Austria; Azerbaijan; Bahamas; Bahrain; Bangladesh; Belgium; Brazil; Bulgaria; China; Columbia; Costa Rica; Croatia; Cuba; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Denmark; Djibouti; Dominican Republic; Egypt; Ethiopia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; India; Iran; Iraq; Italy; Japan; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Lebanon; Lichtenstein; Luxemburg; Maldives; Malta; Mauritius; Mexico; Moldova; Mongolia; Morocco; Netherlands; New Zealand; North Macedonia; Norway; Oman; Peru; Portugal; Qatar; Republic of Ireland; Republic of Korea; Republic of Seychelles; Saudi Arabia; Serbia; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain, Sri-Lanka; Sweden; Switzerland; Syria; Tajikistan; Thailand; Tunisia; Turkey; United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom.
Starting from December 10th 2021, entry into Russia is not allowed for any passengers arriving from, or having visited during the last fourteen days, Botswana, Eswatini, Hong Kong, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
All foreign passengers should complete a travel form prior to arriving in Russia. The forms are usually handed out to passengers by cabin crew on arriving flights.
From December 8th 2021 the Russian government requires all arriving passengers to obtain and present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result dated within 48 hours before arrival in Russia. This includes children of all ages. Airlines may require you to show this on check-in, and airlines may require for your COVID-19 (PCR) test to be taken within 48 hours before arrival in Russia (please check with your airline).
Foreign passengers arriving in Russia should have a negative PCR test certificate in Russian or English.
If a passenger arrives in Russia without a negative PCR test, they should have the test done within 48 hours from their arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative PCR test.
The above requirements apply regardless of vaccination status.
As of September 4th 2021, the Russian Federation no longer requires travelers to quarantine for 14 days after arrival. This policy, however, applies only to arrivals from countries with which Russia has resumed regular air travel and who meet benchmarks for containing the spread of COVID.
Local jurisdictions set their own rules regarding quarantine requirements for travelers. Check with local authorities for current requirements.
From April 9th 2022 the Russian government lifted some COVID-related restrictions on entry and exit via Russia’s air borders for 52 countries. However, non-Russian nationals must still produce a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of their arrival in Russia. You should check with your airlines before you travel to keep up to date with the latest requirements.
Measures taken by the government
In response to a worsening epidemiological situation, municipal and regional authorities in the Russian Federation continue to take steps to restrict the spread of COVID-19. Measures and restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 vary widely, as individual regions and cities set their own policies.
The government of the Russian Federation requires the use of masks in crowded public areas, including public transportation, taxis, parking lots, and elevators. This order applies to the entire country.
Testing
Testing is widely available in Russia, both through government healthcare providers and private clinics.
Testing is free at government healthcare providers for those suspected of having coronavirus. Private clinics also provide COVID testing on a fee-basis.
Results are delivered electronically or on paper, depending on the clinic.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
The Moscow Department of Health maintains a hotline for further information and updates +7 495 870-45-09.
Source:
US Embassy in Russia https://ru.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on March 30th 2022 (checked on May 26th 2022)
UK Government - Russia Entry Requirements https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/entry-requirements
Checked on May 26th 2022
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx