16 countries: where and how Petersburgers can fly for the New Year

The St. Petersburg Transport Committee has published a list of countries where residents of the Northern capital can fly from Pulkovo during the winter holidays. The list, which appeared on the agency's website on November 29, includes 16 destinations. 

In addition to Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Moldova, St. Petersburg residents still have the opportunity to visit Austria, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Serbia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Hungary. However, flying to these countries will be complicated by the need to comply with a number of "antique" restrictions.

The strictest rules apply in Israel and Qatar. So, in Israel, tourists are required not only to have a certificate of full vaccination (the last vaccination must be done no later than 6 months before arrival in the country), but also a PCR test (valid for 72 hours), as well as insurance covering the treatment of covid-19 . Israel, we recall, from December 1, accepts Russians vaccinated with Sputnik V. 24 hours before departure, the tourist will have to fill out an online form and obtain a preliminary entry permit. Upon arrival at Tel Aviv airport, guests will have to pass another PCR test, as well as undergo a serological test and be in self-isolation for at least a day.

Qatar also accepts tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V - but certificates are required from everyone, including children from 12 years old. The certificate is valid for one year after receiving the second dose. Documents must be translated into English and match the transliteration in the foreign passport.

Doha airport will also require a negative PCR test, an antibody test and a test for specific antibodies after vaccination. Comtrans notes that the test for antibodies after illness is not suitable in this case. Without testing, only tourists who have received two doses of Sputnik V and at least one dose of Pfizer or Moderna will enter Qatar. However, even vaccinated Russians must undergo a two-day quarantine in Qatar. From a tourist in Qatar, they will be required to fill out and sign an application, install an application on their phone. Unvaccinated travelers must serve a seven-day quarantine and undergo a PCR test. By the way, testing there is mandatory for children from 4 years old.