COVID-19: Inbound foreign travel suspension extended

IMPACT – HIGH

Russia recently extended the suspension of inbound travel for foreign nationals to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

• The suspension of inbound travel for foreign nationals has been extended until further notice.
• The extension keeps various travel restrictions in place such as banning the entry of most foreign nationals, with exceptions for: transit air travelers, employees at diplomatic missions and consular establishments in Russia, official delegation members, ship, air and rail crews, motor vehicle drivers on international routes, and diplomatic and service visa holders, as well as private visa holders traveling in Russia because of the death of a close relative. Those who have close relatives in Russia are also allowed to enter the country.
• The suspension declared in March also halted the issuance of all types of visas and permits for foreign nationals. (The migration authorities continue accepting applications for permit and visa renewal and amendment for those foreign employees who are currently staying in Russia.) An exception exists for foreign nationals securing a visa and entering the country to provide technical support for foreign equipment and who are on a list approved by a ministry or federal entity that oversees the organization using the equipment. Those who have appropriate documents are also allowed to postpone the renewal of their work permits, patents, visas, immigration registration, residence permits, and other similar documents that expire between March 15 and June 15. These documents are automatically prolonged for up to three months.

Additional information: On March 18, Russia suspended inbound travel for most foreign nationals until May 1. The issuance of visas and permits for foreign nationals was also suspended at that time.

Analysis & Comments: The travel suspension extension will impact the movement of people into Russia. Employers should be aware that their foreign employees outside of Russia, with some exceptions, will not be allowed to enter until further notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.