On May 1, the holiday season started in the Republic of Crimea and more than half a million people arrived during the long May holidays. And closer to the summer season, the question of possibility of recreation in the region becomes more topical. We shall tell you about the COVID-19 restrictions in force in Crimea today. 

Entry to Crimea for Russians and foreigners 

At the moment, there are no restrictions on arrival in the Republic for residents of other regions of Russia. You can get to the peninsula by any transport. 

Quite recently the Russian government eased restrictions on the entry of foreign citizens into the country. In particular, the authorities have expanded the category of close relatives who have the right to come. From now on, parents, children, siblings, grandfathers, grandmothers, grandchildren, adoptive parents and adopted children, and some others can come to Russia from the territories of other states. Citizens of Abkhazia, Belarus and South Ossetia can also freely enter the territory of our country. However, on entering Crimea, foreigners will have to provide a test done not earlier than 3 calendar days before the arrival.

Russians returning from other countries, in accordance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor (Russian Consumer Protection Authority), have to pass the PCR test for coronavirus infection twice within 5 days from the date of arrival. The interval between the first and repeated laboratory tests for COVID-19 should be at least one day. Information about the test result must be posted on the State Services portal.  

Quarantine is envisaged for travelers from the UK and Northern Ireland. They must comply with a strict isolation regime for 14 days from the date of arrival. 

COVID-19 restrictions in Crimea 

The high alert state continues in Crimea. In all public places and transport individual masks are obligatory; social distancing must be maintained indoors. All mass events, including public gatherings, business, sports, cultural and entertainment are prohibited. Exceptions are made for the events permitted by the Decree of the Head of the Republic of Crimea.

Work of hotels and health resorts 

The facilities of the health resort complex work and receive guests. On the territory of hotels, guest houses and health resorts, the principle of social distancing is maintained, crowding of people is not allowed in common areas and it is recommended to wear masks. All measures for disinfection to prevent the spread of coronavirus still apply. 

On check-in to a hotel or health resort, a COVID-19 infection-free certificate may be required, so it is better to clarify this in advance. 

Hostels are still banned. 

Besides, the health-resort sector staff undergoes centralized vaccination. More than 5 thousand employees in the tourism sector from more than 200 accommodation facilities throughout Crimea have already been vaccinated, not counting those who have done it privately. 

Work of cafés, restaurants and canteens 

Catering facilities work as usual. However, according to the Decree of the Head of the Republic of Crimea, the number of seats is limited ― only half of the tables can be occupied. The distance between the tables must be at least two meters. The staff works in masks, disinfectants are available to visitors. 

The working hours of cafés and restaurants are not limited, that is, they can receive guests by day and night. 

Work of museums, theaters and cinemas 

Cultural and leisure outlets in the Republic (museums, theaters, cinemas, philharmonics and others) are open to the public. However, their halls can be occupied no more than 75% of their sitting capacity. According to the current edition of the Decree on high alert, this measure was retained until June 1. 

Premises should be regularly cleaned and washed with disinfectants, common areas should be ventilated. In accordance with the recommendation of Rospotrebnadzor, antiseptics should be available for visitors.

Guided tours are permitted, but the groups must be no more than 10 persons. The use of audio guides is recommended.

Parks, zoos, aquariums 

Zoological parks, children's and city parks work as usual according to the established schedule. 

Residents and guests of the peninsula are asked to follow the recommendations for the prevention of the coronavirus infection spreading: to wear masks in public and avoid crowded places. 

You can clarify the rules for visiting the region on the website and on the hotline of the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of the Republic of Crimea.

Hotline of the Ministry of Resorts of the Republic of Crimea: 8 800 511-80-18

Rospotrebnadzor (Russian Consumer Protection Authority) hotline: 8 800 733-33-12 

Upload your test certificate to the State Services Portal: https://www.gosuslugi.ru/400705/1 

Recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19: https://rk.gov.ru/koronavirus