COVID-19 Information

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COVID-19 Information

Last updated:   13 June, 2022

***  As of 12:01 a.m. EDT June 12, 2022, the CDC order requiring all persons aged two and above to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, is rescinded.  Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on June 12, 2022, the CDC will no longer order air passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States.  Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect.  For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Country-Specific Information:

  • U.S. Embassy Moscow advises U.S. citizens NOT to travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the arbitrary enforcement of local law, limited flights into and out of Russia, COVID-19 and related entry restrictions, and terrorism.  U.S. citizens residing or travelling in Russia should depart Russia immediately. The U.S. Embassy in the Russian Federation has limited capacity to assist U.S. citizens in the event of an emergency. Click on the following link to read our full Russia Travel Advisory.
  • The Russian Federation is one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 30, 2022 the Government of the Russian Federation has reported 17,823,648 cumulative cases of coronavirus and 368,377 attributed fatalities. Medical services have generally been able to provide adequate care for serious cases of COVID-19. The healthcare system in Russia faces limitations and adequate care may not be available everywhere. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Russia due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.
  • Measures and restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 vary widely, as individual regions and cities set their own policies. Travelers should check with the local government in their region for current restrictions. Travelers should comply with all government restrictions/requirements regarding the spread of COVID-19.
  • U.S. citizens should note that U.S. credit and debit cards no longer work in Russia, and options to electronically transfer funds from the United States are extremely limited as a result of sanctions imposed on Russian banks.  There are reports of cash shortages within Russia. This may affect your ability to access medical care while in Russia as prepayment is typically required before provision of medical services to foreigners.

COVID-19 Testing:

  • Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Russia? Yes
  • If so, are test results reliably available within 24 hours? Testing with under 24-hour turnaround may be difficult to find outside of major urban centers.
  • For information on limited humanitarian exemptions, please review the following page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#faq-exceptions
  • 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. In Moscow, residents of Russia who have mandatory medical insurance may schedule a free test at any time at one of 207 government healthcare providers in Moscow that provide testing. Private clinics also provide COVID testing on a fee-basis. Results are delivered electronically or on paper, depending on the clinic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

  • Has the Government of the Russian Federation approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
  • The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
  • The Russian government has approved three domestically developed and produced vaccines for use in the country including Sputnik V, EpiVacCorona, and CoviVac. The government is currently undertaking a program of mass vaccinations for Russian citizens, starting with priority groups and gradually expanding access. Information about the vaccine and availability is here.
  • Click here for information from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
    • According to the Decree of the Russian Federation No. 1745-r U.S. citizens are now permitted to travel to the Russian Federation under certain conditions. For more information, please see the website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the United States.
    • The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has received reports that U.S. citizens transiting through certain third countries to the Russian Federation have been denied entry. It appears that U.S. citizens are permitted to enter the Russian Federation only from countries with which the Russian Federation has officially resumed flight connections. To review the list of countries, please see the following website.
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
    • The Russian government requires that all foreign travelers present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result upon arrival, dated no later than two days prior to arrival in Russia. The results can be in English and/or digital. Foreign travelers must also complete the attached form (PDF, 210Kb), print, and present to customs upon arrival in Russia
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
    • Mandatory temperature screenings and other diagnostic and protective measures are being implemented at international airports and other major transit hubs.
  • On June 15, 2021, President Putin signed a decree extending the temporary stay or permanent residency of some foreigners and stateless persons in the Russian Federation. This decree applies to immigration documents, including visas, residence permits, and migration registration, for citizens of those countries with which Russia has not officially resumed direct flight traffic.
    • The official text of the decree may be found here. (Russian only)
    • A further explanation of the presidential decree is available in English here.
    • Mission Russia is unable to predict if further extensions will be granted. All U.S. citizens seeking clarification on their immigration status should contact their local Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) office. U.S. Mission Russia does not have the authority to intervene on migration overstays, and individuals who overstay their visas or admission periods, even by less than one day, are subject to a fine, deportation, and a five-year ban on reentry to the Russian Federation.

Movement Restrictions:

  • Is a curfew in place? No
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Yes, some regions may require tourists to show evidence of vaccination. Generally, Russian authorities will only accept evidence of vaccination with one of the vaccines registered in the Russian Federation. The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not currently registered in the Russian Federation. 

Quarantine Information:

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
    • Anyone testing positive for COVID in Russia is required to quarantine at their place of residence. We strongly recommend that all U.S. citizens in Russia comply with all requested measures.
    • The Russian Federation no longer requires all travelers to quarantine for 7 days directly after arrival in Russia. Local jurisdictions set their own rules regarding quarantine requirements for travelers arriving in the country. Check with local authorities for current requirements.
  • The threat of COVID-19 infection and spread remains serious and prevalent. We encourage all U.S. citizens to continue practices that help protect against and slow the spread of COVID-19. Wear masks at all times in public places, and anywhere you cannot maintain more than six feet of distance from others. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid crowded places and crowded means of transport. For a more comprehensive lists of practices to keep yourself and others safe, please visit www.cdc.gov.
  • The Moscow Department of Health maintains a hotline for further information and updates: +7 495 870-45-09.

Transportation Options:

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes, but options are extremely limited.
    • The CDC recommends that you do not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated. International travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants. Delay travel and stay home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you do travel, follow all CDC recommendations before, during, and after travel. See the CDC website for further details on international travel for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons: International Travel During COVID-19 | CDC .
      • Limited commercial flight options and overland routes by car and bus are still open and available.  If you wish to depart Russia, you should make arrangements on your own as soon as possible.  The U.S. Embassy has severe limitations on its ability to assist U.S. citizens, and conditions, including transportation options, may suddenly become even more limited.  U.S. citizens who are able to depart Russia for another country and are in need of emergency assistance upon arrival may contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in that country.
      • Click here for updated Information for U.S. Citizens in Russia – Travel Options Out of Russia.
      • Due to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine, an increasing number of airlines are cancelling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines.  In addition, airspace around southern Russia is restricted, and a number of airports in the area have closed.  U.S. citizens located in, or considering travel to, the districts of the Russian Federation immediately bordering Ukraine should be aware that the situation along the border is dangerous and unpredictable.  Given the ongoing armed conflict, U.S. citizens are strongly advised against traveling by land from Russia to Ukraine.  In addition, there is the potential throughout Russia of harassment of foreigners, including through regulations targeted specifically against foreigners.
  • Passengers arriving to the US via air are required to comply with CDC guidelines for self-quarantine after arrival. The CDC currently recommends getting tested 3-5 days after arrival. If you are not fully vaccinated, in addition to the testing recommendations above, the CDC also recommends that you stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel, even if you test negative at 3-5 days.
    • If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes

Global Air Travel Policy:

  • On October 25, 2021 President Biden announced the United States will adopt a global air travel policy. This policy prioritizes public health, protecting U.S. citizens and residents as well as those who come to visit us. Effective November 8, 2021 all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa) airline passengers traveling to the United States, must demonstrate proof of vaccination as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Order prior to boarding a U.S. bound aircraft. More details regarding what constitutes full vaccination are available on this page of the CDC website.
  • On December 6, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented a one-day COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers over age two coming to the United States. Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual coming to the United States must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight.
  • If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country, and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).
  • These requirements are for all air passengers two years of age or older boarding a flight from a foreign country to the United States. Children under 2 years old do not need to test. Additional information may be found on CDC’s website.
  • Passengers will need to show their vaccination status, and airlines will need to:
  • Match the name and date of birth to confirm the passenger is the same person reflected on the proof of vaccination.
  • Determine that the record was issued by an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency) in the country where the vaccine was given.
  • Review the essential information for determining if the passenger meets CDC’s definition for fully vaccinated such as vaccine product, number of vaccine doses received, date(s) of administration, site (e.g., vaccination clinic, healthcare facility) of vaccination.
  • Airlines must deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements or those who test positive for COVID-19.
  • For additional information or if you have specific questions, please contact your airline and visit the CDC’s website.

NOTE: U.S. citizens in countries where adequate COVID-19 testing is not available or who may not be able to satisfy the requirements, should be prepared to remain in place until such time as they can meet the requirements.

Actions to Take:

  • Monitor the CDC website for the latest guidance regarding testing requirements.
  • Check with your air carriers or travel representative prior to departure for the United States.
  • Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
  • Check our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for updated information on conditions in Russia and the availability of testing.
  • Visit state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
  • Click here for our Travel to the U.S. FAQs.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Violation of an order to self-isolate may result in a fine of 4,000-5,000 rubles. If the violation leads to mass spread of disease or death, the violator may be prosecuted under Russian law and sentenced to up to seven years in prison. A smartphone app automatically monitors compliance with these orders. Regions and cities set their own fines for violating rules on social distancing, wearing masks, etc. In Moscow, individuals not wearing masks and gloves on public transportation or in stores may be fined 5,000 rubles

Consular Operations:

Effective July 19 until further notice, U.S. Embassy Moscow is suspending all routine U.S. citizen services, including passports, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and notarial services.The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel, the number of U.S. staff, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates. U.S. Embassy Moscow will continue to provide only emergency passport appointments. All emergency appointments must be scheduled via email.

We encourage U.S. citizens seeking routine citizenship services to schedule appointments with neighboring U.S. embassies and consulates and regret the inconvenience that this reduction in service will cause.

Local Resources:

Continued Communication:

By | 16 July, 2021 | Topics: Alert, News, U.S. Citizen Services

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