18 Mar 2021 | 11:28 AM UTC
Uzbekistan: Health officials amend COVID-19-related entry requirements as of March 18 /update 25
Uzbekistan amends COVID-19 testing requirements as of March 18; other international restrictions remain in effect.
Event
Authorities have amended COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of March 18. All arrivals must now present evidence of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. This requirement replaces the mandatory PCR testing at air and land points of entry. All international arrivals will likely still be screened for COVID-19 and could face mandatory isolation in a government facility if they display symptoms.
Flight suspensions and travel bans targeting several countries, including Austria, Australia, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the UK, remain in place due to locally identified new variants of the virus; nationals and residents of these countries are barred from entering Uzbekistan. Any international travelers, including Uzbek nationals and residents, who have visited one of these countries within 14 days of their arrival in Uzbekistan will be placed in a government quarantine facility.
Other international entry restrictions remain in effect. Authorities have designated countries Green, Yellow, or Red, depending on their assessment of the epidemiological threat in each. As of the most recent review, the designations are as follows:
Arrivals from Green locations - including Japan, South Korea, China, and Israel - are permitted to enter without restriction.
Travelers who have visited any Yellow location - including Azerbaijan and EU member states - within the previous 10 days must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
Nonresidents who have visited any Red location, in other words, all remaining countries, within the previous 10 days are prohibited from entry. Uzbek nationals returning from a Red country will be quarantined in a state facility for 14 days.
Most nonessential businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and houses of worship, are operating with sanitization and social distancing protocols in place. Private gatherings of up to 30 persons are permitted. All persons must comply with social distancing guidelines of 2 meters (6.5 feet) and wear facemasks while in public. Medical screenings may be conducted before entering grocery stores and markets. Authorities have warned that they may move to tighten domestic restrictions from April 1 in response to the deteriorating local epidemiological situation.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
