How do borders open up for Russian tourists in a pandemic?

Despite the current focus of the Russian authorities on the development of domestic tourism, the desire of Russian citizens to travel abroad and participate in business trips is not weakening. For those who have citizenship or permanent residence outside the country, the closure of borders was not a serious obstacle - at the height of the pandemic outbreak, many foreign countries continued to open their doors if people had all the necessary documents. Air travel, albeit with a reduced number of flights, remained available for both return home and regular travel.

Discussing the opening of borders in Europe

European Union foreign ministers held a videoconference on June 5 to discuss possible steps to open up Europe's interior by the end of the month. Ylva Johansson, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, noted her confidence that the Schengen area would regain its full scope of work, saying:“I am confident that free movement of citizens will be restored no later than the end of June.”She added that the external borders will only be opened once the internal restrictions are lifted.

Plans to resume flights

The next day, June 7, it became known from a source from one of the largest airlines that Rosaviatsia plans to apply to Rospotrebnadzor with a proposal to partially resume international flights starting July 15. This proposal emphasizes the expansion of air communication with:

• by European countries,
• Turkey,
• China,
• South Korea.

It is important to note that the decision to restore transit will depend on the readiness of other states to accept flights from Russia.

Information from air carriers

In addition, according to the Interfax source, several major air carriers will develop plans to resume international flights from July 15, subject to positive statistics on the reduction of COVID-19 cases and compliance with strict sanitary norms on board. First of all, flights to the EAEU and CIS countries will be restored, and then, as the borders are opened, the resumption of air service will take place with other states on the basis of mutual agreements.

Travel authorization for Russians

On June 8, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a document that allows Russian citizens to freely travel outside the country for:

• jobs,
• studies,
• of caring for loved ones,
• medical needs,
• other work or educational reasons.

According to information received from the Austrian authorities, the country has opened its borders to all neighboring States except Italy, underscoring the general trend towards restoring international ties against the background of increasing control of the epidemiological situation. Thus, there is an active process to restore international mobility and travel opportunities in the new normal.

Crossing borders in Europe

Currently, citizens of several European nations, including Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, can cross borders freely without having to undergo coronavirus tests or comply with a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

However, the opening of the border between Austria and Italy is expected only when the epidemiological situation improves, and there are chances that this will happen in the coming days. At the moment, only citizens of Schengen countries can enter Austria, but they must provide a medical certificate confirming the absence of COVID-19. In the absence of this document, self-isolation for two weeks is possible.

The situation in Bulgaria

As for Bulgaria, it continues to have entry restrictions for citizens of non-Schengen countries. However, since June 1, Bulgaria has opened its borders to visitors from Serbia and Greece, despite the fact that these countries are not members of the Schengen Agreement. Tourists coming from almost all European countries may not have to comply with the 14-day quarantine.

• Restrictions remain in place for citizens from:
• Sweden
• Belgium
• Ireland
• Portugal
• Spain
• Italy
• Malta
• United Kingdom

It is important to note that Bulgaria remains closed for citizens of Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus and the UK for the time being.

The situation in the UK

As for the UK, the country has not closed its borders even during the most acute outbreaks of the pandemic, especially after leaving the European Union earlier this year. As of June 8, everyone traveling to the UK, except for citizens of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, must comply with a 14-day quarantine. Travelers are also required to provide information about their itinerary and contact details.

The situation in Greece

In Greece, only the airport in Athens is operational until June 15, and all arrivals are required to undergo a coronavirus test while waiting for the results in a specialized hotel complex. After June 15, the country's tourism industry will start operating and the airport in Thessaloniki will open, allowing passengers to reach the country from Albania, Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria with random testing.

From the beginning of July, the working condition will return to all airports in Greece, and ferry services to neighboring regions will be possible.

The situation in Spain

In Spain, all visitors from abroad are required to be in self-isolation for 14 days. The travel ban for tourists from France and Portugal will be in effect until June 22.

Italian approach to tourists

Italian ambassador to Moscow, Pasquale Terracciano, said that Italy has no plans to introduce mandatory medical certificates of coronavirus vaccination for foreign tourists. He stressed that the border crossing process will be conducted in compliance with all prescribed security measures, but it will not become more difficult for travelers to obtain a visa.

Republic of Cyprus and air travel

Regarding the situation in Cyprus, the Republic of Cyprus is going to resume air services with other countries starting June 9. The process will be divided into two phases:

• The first step will require passengers from certain countries to have a laboratory test certificate showing a negative result for COVID-19 issued no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure.
• Cypriot citizens and residents will be able to take the COVID-19 test on arrival, but will be required to be in self-isolation until they receive the result.

Beginning June 20, during the second phase, passengers arriving from Category A countries will not need to provide laboratory test results. However, for travelers from Category B countries, such a certificate will remain mandatory.

The situation in Malta

Malta will launch scheduled flights from 19 countries and regions from July 1. The list includes:

• Austria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Israel
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Norway
• Sardinia
• Sicily
• Slovakia
• Switzerland

Passengers arriving from these locations will not be required to comply with the 14-day quarantine if they have been in one of these countries for at least four weeks before flying to Malta.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has already launched flights from Dubai from May 21, covering eight countries including:

• London
• Frankfurt
• Paris
• Milan
• Madrid
• Chicago
• Toronto

Flights to 12 more countries are scheduled to be reinstated starting July 1.

Slovenia and the end of the pandemic

Slovenia became the first country in Europe to officially announce the end of the coronavirus pandemic. Already in May, the borders with Austria, Hungary, Italy and Croatia were opened. Since May 15, Slovenia has allowed entry to European Union citizens, however:

• Those with suspected COVID-19 are advised to remain in self-isolation for two weeks.

Opening Thailand to tourism

Thailand also plans to open international tourism from July 1, but this will be done with great caution and depending on the epidemiological situation in the countries where tourists come from. The implementation of the plan includes the phased opening of special zones where travelers will be able to stay in a special “quarantine” regime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can confidently say that the issue of opening borders and restoring international travel remains relevant and multifaceted. Despite the focus on domestic tourism, many Russian citizens are still eager to explore the world, whether for leisure or business purposes. Recent meetings and statements by senior officials from different countries, including Russia and EU states, emphasize the mutual desire to return to normalcy, where free movement of citizens would be an integral part of everyday life.

Prospects for recovery

Against this background, the opening of borders with a number of European countries, Turkey, China and South Korea looks promising.It's important to notethat all decisions will be made in a balanced manner, in compliance with sanitary norms and regulations, which is essential to ensure the safety of all travelers.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the restrictions that still apply in some countries,it's important to remain optimisticand ready for the changes that the future will bring. Yes, the world of travel as we knew it before the pandemic has undergone significant changes. There are new rules, new restrictions, but also new opportunities.

The importance of international communication

Russians, as well as residents of other countries, are increasingly aware of thethe importance of international communication and cultural exchange. We are all burning with the desire to see the world again, to feel its atmosphere and exchange experiences with people from different parts of the world.

Final thoughts

Thus, despite the temporary difficulties, I believe that soon we will all be able to return to international travel, which enriches us with new experiences and knowledge. The opening of borders will be an important step towards restoring the old rhythm of life that we all love so much and are eager to return to.

Thanks for listening, and I hope we all have many bright journeys and unforgettable moments ahead!