On Temporary Restrictions on Entry to Russia of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons

In order to ensure security of state, public health protection and prevent new coronavirus infection from spreading in the territory of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Russian Federation decided to impose temporary restrictions (Order of 16 March 2020 № 635-р) on entry to the Russian Federation of foreign citizens and stateless persons including those arriving from the Republic of Belarus and Belarusian citizens from 18 March 2020 to 1 May 2020.

The aforesaid restrictions shall not be applied to accredited or appointed representatives of diplomatic missions and consular posts of foreign states in the Russian Federation, international organizations and their offices, other official missions in the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as their family members. The restrictions also shall not affect drivers traveling via international routes, operating personnel of airliners, sea and river vessels, trains on international railways, members of official delegations and holders of diplomatic, official and regular private visas, issued due to a close relative’s death, as well as Russia’s permanent residents and visa-free transit air passengers.

In this respect, the consular department of the Embassy of Russia in Pretoria and Consulate General of Russia in Cape Town temporary suspend acceptance of documents and issue of visas (including e-visas) of all categories with the exception for visas to individuals referred to above.

The said restrictions should be regarded as strictly provisional measures arising from extraordinary circumstances.