January 31, 2020 Russian Government has issued an Order № 66 «On amendment of the list of illnesses, which are dangerous to the public»[1] adding coronovirus infection 2019-nCoV to the list.  What is more the Government has agreed on the national plan for coronovirus infection anti-prolifiration campaign.  

Starting the January 31st, 2020 due to the spread of the virus the Russia-Chinese border at the Far East has been closed in 5 Russia Regions.

Russian Federal Railway company has suspended passenger traffic with China up until March.  

Air traffic between the two countries has also been considerably restricted. Regular flights are still performed by 4 China airlines and Aeroflot. All these flights are restricted to the F terminal of the Sheremetyevo international airport. Charter flights are planned to be suspended starting the February 14th, 2020.[2]   

Russian Agricultural Agency (Rosselkhoznadzor) has been given a task to limit import and transit through Russia of exotic animals and insects from China starting the March 1st, 2020.

According to the State Chief Sanitary Doctor infrastructure has to be prepared for a 14-days medical observation of Chinese citizens, who have permanent residence permits in Russia and who came from China recently. (sec. 1.4 of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor Order from 31.01.2020, № 3 «On additional sanitary anti-epidemic measures (preventive measures) to prevent the import and spread of the new coronavirus infection caused by 2019-nCoV»[3].

ISSUANCE OF MIGRATION DOCUMENTS

Starting February 03, 2020 documents processing for the following procedures has been suspended:[4]

  • Issuance, extension and correction of the work permits for Chinese citizens at the Moscow Internal Affairs Ministry Migration department (Migration center in Sakharovo); (sec. 3 of the Government Order from  31.01.2020, № 153-р);
  • Issuance of work visas at the Russian consulates in China; (sec. 4 of the Government Order from  31.01.2020, № 153-р);
  • Issuance of invitation letters for Chinese citizens at the Moscow Internal Affairs Ministry Migration department;
  • Issuance of e-visas: Chinese citizens previously could use e-visas for entry to Saint-Petersburg, Kaliningradskaya and Leningradskaya regions, through entry points at the free port Vladivostok, as well as Far Eastern Federal District (this limitation was introduced starting January 30, 2020);
  • Issuance of tourist visas for organized tourist groups from China (sec. 1 of the Government Order from  31.01.2020, № 153-р);

In Moscow starting February 03, 2020 already issued work permits are not being handed over to Chinese citizens. Though, at the moment documents for the transfer and extension of the work visas are being still processed by the Moscow Internal Affairs Ministry Migration department.

If epidemiological situation will worsen it is possible that additional measures will be introduced.

Official documents:

  1. Government Order from 31.01.2020, № 66 «On amendment of the list of illnesses, which are dangerous to the public»;
  2. Government Order from  31.01.2020, № 153-р; 
  3. Government Order from 03.02.2020, № 194-р; 
  4. Chief State Sanitary Doctor Order from 31.01.2020, № 3 «On additional sanitary anti-epidemic measures (preventive measures) to prevent the import and spread of the new coronavirus infection caused by 2019-nCoV».

We will keep you posted on the developments. Meanwhile, should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.    

Best Regards,

VFBS

Migration Law Department

[1] Government Order from 31.01.2020, № 66 «On amendment of the list of illnesses, which are dangerous to the public»;

[2] Government Order from 03.02.2020, № 194-р;  

[3] Chief State Sanitary Doctor Order from 31.01.2020, № 3 «On additional sanitary anti-epidemic measures (preventive measures) to prevent the import and spread of the new coronavirus infection caused by 2019-nCoV»;

[4] Government Order from  31.01.2020, № 153-р;