COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Russia (20 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Citizens and residents are allowed to enter.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • No with exceptions

  • Nationals and residents of the following countries are allowed to enter: Armenia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, Greece, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Maldives, Qatar, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Entry from the UK is currently suspended due to the new COVID-19 virus strain. Travellers must arrive directly from the listed country and not via a third-party country.

  • The following categories of travellers are authorized to enter the Russian Federation from countries with which regular air traffic has not been resumed:

  • Accredited or appointed employees of diplomatic missions and consular posts of foreign states in the Russian Federation, as well as their family members;

  • Citizens of countries with which the Russian Federation has entered into international agreements on visa-free entry for citizens entering the Russian Federation with valid diplomatic and service passports, as well as diplomatic couriers;

  • Employees of international organisations and their representative offices, other official foreign representative offices located in the Russian Federation, as well as their family members;

  • Members of official foreign delegations entering the Russian Federation provided that they can present a visa (or through a visa-free regime as stipulated by international agreements with the Russian Federation);

  • Permanent residents of the Russian Federation who have a residence permit for a foreign/stateless person;

  • Family members (spouses, parents, children, adoptive parents, adopted children), legal guardians, and caregivers of Russian citizens provided that they can present printed documentation confirming their relationship and a visa (or through a visa-free regime as stipulated by international agreements with the Russian Federation);

  • Individuals travelling visa-free due to the death of a close relative provided that they can present documentation confirming the death and relationship to the deceased;

  • Individuals with a diplomatic visa, service visa, or standard travel visa issued due to the death of a close relative, as well as a standard private visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation;

  • Individuals travelling for medical treatment provided that they can present documentation from the medical institution indicating the period of treatment and a visa (or through a visa-free regime as stipulated by international agreements with the Russian Federation);

  • Foreign citizens and stateless persons employed in the Russian Federation as highly qualified specialists;

  • Individuals who were voluntarily resettled in the Russian Federation provided that they can present a visa (or through a visa-free regime as stipulated by international agreements with the Russian Federation);

  • Passengers travelling for the rotation of crew on sea and river vessels in Russian ports provided that they have a visa (or through a visa-free regime as stipulated by international agreements with the Russian Federation), a seafarer's identity document, a crew list record, or a crew list extract.

Is transit allowed through the country?

  • Foreign citizens may transit visa-free through Moscow (Sheremetyevo) to third countries with a confirmed onward ticket and a medical certificate (in Russian or English) confirming a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a test conducted no earlier than 72 hours before the scheduled departure.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • No

  • A test is not required on arrival. Passengers will have their temperature checked on arrival.

Is a test certificate accepted?

  • Yes

  • A COVID-19 test certificate issued in another country in Russian or English is accepted.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes

  • Foreign nationals must have a certificate for a negative COVID-19 PCR test in Russian or English issued not more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Any traveller without this certificate will not be allowed to board a flight to Russia. With this certificate, the traveller will not be required to quarantine.

  • Russian citizens arriving in the Russian Federation on international flights must complete a special form on the Unified Public Services Portal before departure, and then, within three days of their arrival in the Russian Federation, upload the results of the COVID-19 PCR test to the previously filled in form. While waiting for the results of the COVID-19 PCR test, passengers must self-isolate at their place of residence/temporary stay.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • No with exceptions

  • Travellers arriving with a valid negative PCR certificate will not need to quarantine.

  • Russia has imposed a 14-day self-isolation on individuals arriving from the U.K. This includes passengers arriving for permanent work purposes including Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) visa holders, who also have to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in Russia.

  • Russian nationals who test positive on their mandatory PCR test must quarantine at home for 14 days.

Entry Form Required?

  • Yes

  • Travellers must complete a registration form. The form is available here.

Vaccination Required

  • No

  • The COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory to enter Russia.

Insurance required?

  • Yes

  • All foreign nationals must obtain medical insurance before travel, regardless of the purpose of their visit. Details regarding insurance policy are available here.

Recommended App

  • Yes

  • People arriving in Russia are advised to download and install COVID Treker APP available at Google Play Store for Android and App Store

Airline restrictions

  • Minimal

  • International and domestic flights are operating on a limited basis.

  • Russia has extended the suspension of flights with the United Kingdom until 1 June.

Border restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Russia has restricted the entry of most foreign nationals.

  • Cruise or ferry passengers can stay in Russia for 72 hours in certain cities without a visa if they have booked tours through officially licensed companies. Any authorised travel agency can be used and not just cruise ship tour companies.

  • Russia has cancelled its electronic visa system until further notice.

Curfew restrictions

  • Significant

  • There is no national curfew. The Russian government has delegated responsibility for a gradual lifting of restrictions to regional authorities. Follow regional advice as each region may have a different set of restrictions.

Social distancing restrictions

  • Moderate

  • People are advised to stay 1.5 meters apart.

  • Large public gatherings are banned across the country.

  • All establishments must close between 23:00 to 06:00.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Masks are required.

  • Public transportation is operating.

  • Internal rail services are running normally.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Most businesses and services are open.

Accommodations open?

  • Yes

  • Many hotels are open.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants are open but must close between 23:00 and 06:00.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes

  • Bars are open but must close between 23:00 and 06:00.

Personal care services open?

  • Yes

  • Gyms and saunas are open.

Places of worship open?

  • Yes

  • Churches are open with social distancing protocols.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • The government of Russia has imposed a nationwide mask mandate which requires everyone to wear masks in crowded public areas, including public transportation, taxis, parking lots, and elevators.

Others

  • Swimming pools, libraries, daycares, playgrounds, social welfare offices, medical services, and sports facilities are open with social distancing rules and regulations.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.