CORONAVIRUS IN RUSSIA: GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS ENTRY OF FOREIGNERS INTO RUSSIA
Dear Clients and Partners!
In accordance with the governmental decree No. 635-р dated 16 March 2020, effective 18 March, Russia temporarily restricts entry of foreigners into Russia with few exceptions as well as suspends issue of letters of invitation, visas and work permits.
Measures are taken in connection with risks of spread of the coronavirus infection.
What are the changes?
1. Entry of foreign citizens into the Russian Federation will be restricted from 18 March, 12 AM local time until 1 May 2020,12 AM local time.
The restriction will apply to all foreigners, with the exception of the following categories:
- Employees of foreign embassies, consulates, international organizations and their family members
- Crews of sea and river vessels, aircraft and international trains
- Members of official delegations
- Persons who have diplomatic, official, or ordinary private visas issued in connection with the death of a close relative
- Foreigners permanently residing in the Russian Federation (holders of PRP)
- Persons who transit through air checkpoints
2. Effective 18 March, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia suspends filing of documents, as well as issue of invitations to enter the Russian Federation for work and study purposes, as well as work permits and permissions to employ foreign workers.
3. Russian consulates abroad suspend issue of all Russian visas effective 18 March, with the exception of visas for the above listed categories. Electronic visas will also be discontinued starting from 18 March.
Who is affected?
All foreign nationals and their employers.
Intermark comments
The decree does not restrict departure of foreigners from Russia, however should they exit, they will not be allowed back into Russia.
As of now, it is unclear if the availability of correction and extension applications in the territory of Russia will remain. Based on comments received from migration authority officials, Moscow office (“Sakharovo”) suspends filing of all work permit applications, including corrections and extensions. Migration officers in Moscow region (“Greenwood”) do not accept initial applications effective from today. Decision to accept a correction or extension application will be made on case-by-case basis
Best regards,
INTERMARK IMMIGRATION TEAM
Tel.: +7 495 502 95 53
e-mail: [email protected]