Which Countries Require Vaccination and Accept PCR Test Results: Mediahub

The coronavirus pandemic has brought serious changes to the tourism sector. Previously, citizens of Armenia could freely travel to any country with a visa, but now they must adapt to the circumstances imposed by the pandemic.

MediaHub.am outlines the entry and exit requirements for foreign countries, including for Armenian citizens, related to the pandemic.

Russian Federation
It is not mandatory for those traveling from Armenia to Russia to be vaccinated. Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 test result as reflected in the 'Travel Without COVID-19' mobile application. This means that no earlier than 3 calendar days before arriving in Russia, a COVID-19 PCR test must be taken, and if the result is negative, a certificate in Russian or English must be obtained from the traveler’s home country.

United States of America
Foreign nationals cannot enter the U.S. if they have been in any of the following countries in the 14 days prior to travel, even if only in transit: Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iran, China, Brazil, and South Africa. Travelers must include a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 calendar days before their flight and documentation proving recovery from COVID-19 within the last 90 days in their entry requirements. These documents are mandatory for all passengers over 2 years old (U.S. and foreign citizens), and airlines will verify them before departure. Travelers without this documentation, or those with a positive COVID-19 test, will not be allowed to travel.

Georgia
Unvaccinated Armenian citizens or those who have not completed the full vaccination course can enter Georgia by presenting a paper certificate with a negative PCR test result, no older than 72 hours, at the border crossing. However, after crossing the Georgian border, citizens must take another PCR test within 72 hours; otherwise, they will face a fine of 2000 Georgian Lari (approximately 290,000 AMD). Armenian citizens who have received both doses of the vaccine must also present a negative test result taken within 72 hours before entering Georgia. It should be noted that in this case, they are exempt from the requirement to take another PCR test in Georgia. All vaccines available in Armenia are accepted in Georgia.

Islamic Republic of Iran
Only air borders are open for Armenian citizens traveling to Iran. Citizens must present a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 96 hours. Vaccination is not a mandatory requirement.

Egypt
Armenians arriving in Egypt must have the original certificate confirming they are not infected (negative PCR test result) issued no later than 72 hours before departing for the country. Children under 6 years old are not required to take the PCR test. Armenians flying directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam may take the test at the airport in Egypt (30 USD) if they do not have a certificate. Subsequently, these foreigners must quarantine in their booked hotel rooms until they receive a negative PCR test result. The PCR certificate must be completed in English or Arabic, and the test type should be 'RT-PCR'. Citizens who have received Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinopharma, Sinovac, or Sputnik vaccines can travel to Egypt 14 days after receiving their second vaccine dose. For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they can travel 14 days after receiving the first dose.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)
To enter Dubai, it is necessary to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result certificate, valid for a maximum of 72 hours. Children under 12 years old, as well as individuals with moderate to severe disabilities, are exempt from this requirement.

Greece
To enter Greece, travelers must present a document detailing a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted over the last 72 hours or a negative antigen rapid test conducted within the last 48 hours (excluding children under 12 years). Citizens who have completed their vaccination phases (i.e., 14 days have passed since the last vaccine depending on the required doses) and have a vaccination certificate are not required to provide a negative test document.

Acceptable vaccines include: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, Astra Zeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, Sinopharm. A negative test document is not required for citizens who have had a positive COVID-19 result in the last 2-9 months and have the relevant documentation.