Iran and South Korea travel restrictions issued

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The Russian government has issued new restrictions regarding Iranian passport holders and inbound travel from Iran and South Korea.

What does the change mean? Iranian passport holders are banned from entering Russia. Travelers from Iran who do not have Iranian passports may enter the country, but only from planes landing at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport and using terminal F for arrival. Travelers from South Korea are also only allowed to enter the country by plane using the same airport and terminal.

• Implementation time frame: For Iran-related travel, ongoing from Feb. 28, and for South Korea travel, from March 1 onward.
• Visas/permits affected: Iranian nationals with Russian tourist, transit, student and work visas.
• Who is affected: Iranian passport holders and other travelers from Iran and South Korea.
• Business impact: The entry ban for Iranian passport holders will impact all travel, including for business. Travelers from Iran who are non-Iranian passport holders may enter the country, but may experience delays due to the restricted entry. The same may be true for travelers from South Korea.
• Next steps: The restrictions are in force until further notice. Employers should expect that any of their employees with Iranian passports will not be allowed to enter Russia. Future travel restrictions may be forthcoming for other countries impacted by COVID-19.

Background: The majority of Iranian nationals are banned from entering Russia. Additionally, the issuance of private, tourist, transit, student and work visas for Iranian nationals by local migration offices has been suspended. Transit visas already approved for Iranian passport holders will be canceled accordingly.

Analysis & Comments: Iranian passport holders and foreign nationals in Iran planning travel to Russia may wish to reconsider their plans. The response to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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