Coronavirus in Iran

General information

The pandemic of novel coronavirus COVID-19 is officially acknowledged by the Iranian government with cases being registered from February 19, 2020.

National restrictions

In connection with the stabilization of the situation with COVID-19, the Iranian government submitted a “smart social distance” plan, which provides:

— depending on the epidemiological situation, Iranian towns are divided into white, yellow and red risk groups (less than 1, 1 to 3, more than 3 infected daily for the past 2 weeks, respectively). Depending on the classification of a town as one of the risk groups, the authorities may take targeted measures; the decision to classify a town as a particular risk group is reviewed once every 5 days;

— the Ministry of Health and Medical Education has developed mandatory medical protocol requirements at workplaces;

— all organizations are divided into three risk groups: low (trading in essential goods, medical facilities, utility providers, gas stations), medium (transport, banks, currency exchange, police, public services) and high (educational institutions, shopping and entertainment centers cinemas, markets, gyms, parks, cafes, restaurants, etc.). The assignment of organizations to risk groups is carried out by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education;

— in order to obtain a permit for operation, the organization must submit an application on the special website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and receive a permit code, which must be placed in plain sight at customer service points;

— monitoring compliance with medical protocols and restrictions is carried out by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education with the support of Basij (Iranian paramilitary militia);

— since April 11, the work of organizations of low and medium risk groups was resumed, from May 25 — organizations of high risk groups was also resumed. At the same time, there is a ban on the operation of massage centers, saunas, swimming pools, sports complexes in towns referred to the red risk group;

— since May 24, museums and historical sights resumed;

— the ban on visiting mosques and holy places has been lifted with the condition of compliance of medical protocols (the distance between the worshipers, the ritual of washing is carried out at home, the ritual things necessary for prayers are brought by the worshipers, the prayer does not exceed half an hour);

— state bodies and organizations work from 07.30 to 14.30;

— weddings and funerals are banned;

— the ban on smoking hookah in public catering facilities remains;

— since May 16, schools across the country have resumed their work. School exams will be conducted in compliance with the requirements of medical protocols;

— since June 6, universities returned to work. The annual introductory company to Iranian universities will be held as usual, subject to the requirements of medical protocols;

— since July 6, it is planned to open student dormitories;

— since June 6, a ban on sporting events is lifted. At the same time, sporting events will be held without fans;

— since June 22, the national football championship will resume;

— since May 18, public libraries have opened;

— the ban on visiting crowded places has been partially lifted – visits to parks and sports facilities are permitted subject to the requirements of medical protocols;

— the ban on organizing public events will continue until further orders are received;

— there are a number of restrictions on public transport (restrictions on the maximum number of passengers, disinfection of vehicles at the beginning and end of the route, drivers are required to use personal protective equipment, the implementation of personal protective equipment at state prices at the entrances to the subway and at bus stations).

Traveling from Iran

Most airlines conducting passenger flights from Iran (Azerbaijan Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines etc.) have shutdown its flights.

Starting from March 28, 2020, Russian government temporarily banned scheduled and charter flights in and out of national airports. This measure makes transit flights from Iran to Belarus operated by Aeroflot (SU513, rout Tehran-Moscow-Minsk) and Qatar Airways (QR0491, rout Tehran-Doha-Moscow-Minsk) inaccessible.

Routes Tehran-Doha-Amsterdam-Minsk, operated by Qatar Airways are still accessible for return to Belarus.

During departure from Iran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport all passengers are required to undertake an epidemiological examination to detect possible coronavirus symptoms. 10 minutes’ examination is free of charge and carried out by English-speaking staff. Passengers with external symptoms of the coronavirus or body temperature above 37.5 °C could be removed from the flight and placed in quarantine. After the epidemiological examination a passenger can receive a medical certificate valid for one day, which is a prerequisite for air travel to European cities.

Departure from Iran by land is limited as all the neighboring countries except Iraq have closed its land borders with Iran for an indefinite period.

Entering Belarus

Starting from March 25, 2020, Belarusian government have ordered all persons entering Belarus from countries with COVID-19 cases (including Iran) to self-isolate at home for 14 days. During 14 days’ period from entering the country it is not permitted to leave the state border of Belarus.

More information can be found on the website of Belarusian Government (in Russian only).

COVID-19 precaution recommendations

To limit the risk of coronavirus infection:

— regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for min. 20 seconds or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub;

— minimize, but better exclude handshakes, hugs and kisses;

— avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;

— maintain at least 1-2 metres distance between yourself and other people;

— do not leave your house without strong necessity;

— when coughing or sneezing cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a bent elbow, immediately dispose of the used tissue;

— use a face mask if you are at the crowded place or feel unwell.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing.

Older persons, pregnant women and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) and low immune system are at the high risk of developing a severe illness.

Citizens of Belarus staying in Iran during quarantine with COVID-19 symptoms must immediately contact following numbers for further guidance:

— For English-speaking non-residents – call 1480 or 09992 158 2247;

— For Persian-speakers – call 4030 or 1666;

— Answerphone with prerecorded info on COVID-19 – call 190.

For additional information please contact the Embassy by phone +98 21 227 52 229 or e-mail ir.consul@mfa.gov.by.