Russia has completely closed the entry from nine countries in Africa and Hong Kong

Russian government due to the spread of coronavirus, as well as the emergence of a new dangerous strain «Omikron», completely banned foreigners from entering the Russian Federation from nine African countries and Hong Kong. This removes the pre-existing exceptions. The corresponding order, signed by the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, published by On Friday.

The document amends the order of March 16, 2020, which introduced a temporary restriction on the entry of foreign citizens and stateless persons into the Russian Federation, but also determined the circle of persons who did not fall under these restrictions. Reliefs were in effect, in particular, for holders of diplomatic and service passports, the same visas; crews of air, sea and river vessels, train and locomotive crews.

According to the new document, these exceptions no longer apply when entering from a number of countries. Botswana, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Eswatini, South Africa are listed at the disposal of the government.

Since November 28, Russia has restricted entry from these countries. And since December 2, everyone arriving in Russia from South Africa and neighboring countries is sent to a two-week quarantine due to the spread of a new strain of infection.

On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the strain of coronavirus B.1.1.529, found in southern Africa, with the Greek letter omicron. The WHO said in a statement that the species “has a large number of mutations, some of which are of concern.” The global epicenter of the omicron-strain distribution is southern Africa. The largest number of those infected with it was detected in South Africa.

The new strain has already been found in more than 50 countries. It was also detected in two Russian tourists who returned from abroad, told RBC in Rospotrebnadzor. At the same time, not a single death case has yet been recorded among those infected with the “omicron” strain, notes TASS.