Latest News: Russia will increase regular flights to, from South Korea (KBS WR, 17.05.2021). Authorities will resume regular flights to several countries from 25 May (Reuters, 14.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Russia: On 18 March 2020 the Russian government introduced restrictions on entry into the whole country for almost all foreign citizens. On 30 March 2020, temporary restrictions on entry and exit via Russia’s land borders were enforced. The duration of these remains unspecified.
Certain groups may be exempt from these restrictions, including people who are resident in Russia, those whose close family members are Russian citizens, members of diplomatic missions and highly qualified specialists. Further guidance was issued on Friday 16 April to nationals of various countries including the UK, that they could now travel to Russia via a 3rd country as long as that country featured in the published list. The full list is United Kingdom (direct flights suspended until 1 June 2021); Tanzania (suspended until 1 June 2021); Turkey (suspended until 1 June 2021); Switzerland; Egypt; Maldives; United Arab Emirates; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyzstan; Republic of Korea; Cuba; Serbia; Japan; Republic of Seychelles; Ethiopia; Vietnam; India; Qatar; Finland; Azerbaijan; Armenia; Greece; Singapore; Venezuela; Germany; Syria; Tajikistan; Uzbekistan; Sri-Lanka.
You should check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance to see if you qualify and consult your airline before travel. Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance also includes detailed guidance on the approvals and documentation you will need to have in place before you commence your journey.
On 21 December 2020 the Russian government announced the suspension of direct flights between the UK and Russia. On 15 April 2021 the Russian authorities announced that the suspension would be in force until 1 June 2021 inclusive. Check with your travel company for the latest information.
You should check the specific COVID-19 test requirements airlines have in place in advance of your flight. Different airlines have different requirements and may refuse boarding if they are not met.
In Moscow, express PCR COVID-19 tests are available in Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports as well as in a number of state and private clinics. A full list of certified clinics and laboratories certified to perform PCR COVID-19 tests is available online (only in Russian).
On 15 December the Russian President extended the temporary measures to regulate the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Russia in connection with the threat of the spread of a new coronavirus infection. The grace period for Russian visas which have expired or will expire between 15 March 2020 - 15 June 2021 was extended until 15 June 2021. However, for nationals or permanent residence holders of those countries with which Russia had regular travel links on 15 December, including the UK, the grace period was only extended for 90 days, until 14 March 2021.
As the grace period has now passed, British Nationals who entered on visas need to ensure that they have not overstayed. If the overstay is no more than 72 hours on a business or tourist visa then please contact the British Embassy Consular section. If over 72 hours, you will need to approach your local migration office for further information as soon as possible. It should be noted that the local authorities do not always speak English, so if necessary, please refer to the list of local translators and interpreters and lawyers.
*Testing / screening on arrival: Anyone arriving into airports will be temperature-checked.
*Quarantine requirements: The Russian government requires all arriving passengers to obtain and present a negative COVID-19 test certificate dated less than 72 hours before travel. Airlines may require you to show this on check-in and some airlines require the certificate to be no more than 72 hours before arrival in your destination (please check with your airline). You should arrange to take a private test.
On 24 December 2020 the Russian authorities adopted a 14 day quarantine period for any travellers arriving from the UK. 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.
You will be required to self-isolate if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if you test positive for COVID-19. You will be required to self-isolate until you have recovered and tested negative for COVID-19 on a PCR test. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities.
Internal Restrictions:
*Accommodation: Many hotels in Russia remain open.
*Public places and services: The Federal Government has delegated responsibility for a gradual, phased relaxation of restrictions to the regional authorities. It is therefore possible different restrictions will be in force in different regions. You should follow regional advice. The latest advice for Moscow is available on the Mayor’s website.
*Travel in Russia: For information on entering Russia, see Entry requirements. The Federal Government has delegated responsibility for a gradual, phased relaxation of restrictions to the regional authorities. It is therefore possible different restrictions will be in force in different regions. You should follow regional advice. The latest advice for Moscow is available on the Mayor’s website.
Social distancing of 1.5 metres is to be followed everywhere except in taxis.