Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Mission Russia - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia

Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Mission Russia (March 30, 2020)

Location: Russia, country-wide

Event: Implementation of Citywide Self-Isolation Order in Moscow

The mayor of Moscow announced a citywide self-isolation order, effective March 30, meant to slow the spread of COVID-19. Visit the website of the Mayor of Moscow and the local government COVID-19 website for updated information. This order mandates all individuals present in Moscow, regardless of age, self-isolate in their place of residence until further notice.

According to the published decree, leaving one’s place of residence is permitted only for the following:

Seeking emergency medical care or other direct threats to life and health
Traveling to and from work if required to do so
Shopping at the nearest existing store or pharmacy
Walking pets at a distance not to exceed 100 meters from one’s residence
Taking out household garbage

The mayor of Moscow further stated compliance will be monitored systemically. A pass system will reportedly be deployed by the Moscow City government in the coming days. Authorities require all those outside their residences to observe social distancing of 1.5 meters, with taxis being the only exception. Individuals within Moscow found to be infected with COVID-19 but who display only mild symptoms are to be treated under the supervision of doctors at home and will receive antiviral drugs.

U.S. citizens currently located in Moscow are encouraged to follow all official Moscow City government guidance and minimize nonessential movements through the city. Travelers should be prepared for increased travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with airline companies to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. All land borders remain closed to passenger transport until further notice, and international flights into and out of the Russian Federation have been severely curtailed or cancelled. See the Health and Travel Alert from March 29, 2020 for additional information.

Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of private charter flights should commercial flights be suspended. Further information about these flights, should they become necessary, will be disseminated through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Please encourage your friends and family members abroad to register.

If you are unable to arrange a commercial flight home to the United States from the Russian Federation and wish to register your interest in a possible charter flight in the future, please follow the steps below. Please keep in mind that charter flights are generally more expensive than commercial options, and each traveler is responsible for the cost of their ticket.

1) Ensure you are enrolled in STEP and that your information is accurate and up to date; AND

2) Send an email to MoscowCharter@state.gov with the following information for each member of your party:

Full name:

Passport number:

Passport expiration date:

Russian visa expiration date:

Citizenship (only for Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S.):

Date of birth:

Gender:

Email address:

Phone number:

Current location in Russia:

Destination:

Earliest time you can arrive in Moscow:

Current medical issues or conditions:

U.S. citizens who need urgent assistance or who have been ordered into quarantine should contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or U.S. Consulate General Yekaterinburg at the information provided below.

Please read the most recent alerts issued by U.S. Mission Russia for more information.

Additional Actions to Take:

Consult the  CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit our embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Russia.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States