Middle East: COVID-19 Trip Support Updates

AFGHANISTAN

Date:          06 JULY 2022
Subject:       Latest Country Restrictions, OPEN UFN
 

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

No restrictions

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST:

No restrictions

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

No restrictions

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

N/A

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American citizens with questions related to COVID-19 can contact the Overseas Citizens Services call center at +1 202-501-4444 (overseas) or 1-888-407-4747 (in the U.S. and Canada).  Detailed information can be found at the State Department’s COVID-19 web page at:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

LATEST NOTAMS

No Covid Related Notams

Bahrain

Date:           4 Nov 2022
Subject:       Latest Country Restrictions, Next Review 5 Dec 2022

Status:           Open with NO restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• All passengers arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway are not required to present a PCR test for entry.
• All passengers arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain do not need to conduct a PCR test upon arrival.
• Cancellation of the precautionary quarantine for all passengers arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Crew on above mentioned flights may enter Bahrain. 
• Technical stops are permitted.

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• Green Shield holders (Quarantine for 7 days from the date of infection)
• Non-Green Shield holders (Quarantine for 10 days from the date of infection)
• No Quarantine on arrival is required for negative COVID 19 travelers 

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

• 5 Dec 2022

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• N/A

LATEST NOTAMS

• No Covid related NOTAMS

IRAN

Date:               Mar 02, 2023
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions

Status:           Open with Restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• Passengers must provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
• Vaccinated arrivals must show proof of vaccination instead.
• Arrivals who tested positive may be required to quarantine.
• All passengers arriving into Iran need to wear a mask on the plane and in the airport at all times.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

Technical Refueling – OK

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

Passengers may have to quarantine at government facilities if symptoms present.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

Unknown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LATEST NOTAMS

No covid related NOTAMS

IRAQ

Date:               Mar 02, 2023
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions, 31st May 2023

Status:           Open

Health advice due to COVID-19 is continually changing. Rules and restrictions to prevent outbreaks can change quickly. Many countries are implementing COVID-19 measures for people travelling from China, including Hong Kong and Macau. It’s important to regularly check the rules in the destinations you’re travelling to and transiting through.

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• All arrivals to Iraq must present a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours.
• Fully vaccinated arrivals are exempt.
• Arrivals to the Iraqi Kurdistan region must present a negative PCR test, no older than 48 hours or proof of vaccination.
• The Iraqi CAA have medical teams deployed to all civil airports to screen travelers coming from affected countries when flights are in operation. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the Iraqi authorities.
• From 1 April 2022, if you cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you must evidence this with a medical report, as well as with proof of a PCR test conducted in the previous 72 hours. You should note that a PCR test certificate issued in KRI would not be accepted at Baghdad, Basra and Najaf airports.

Fines for Non-Compliance

• Individuals not complying with curfew, social distancing, and/or masking requirements may be subject to fines.  Those not complying may be denied entry to the airport and/or boarding.
• Public hospitals throughout Iraq are offering COVID-19 testing.  In addition, private labs can do same-day PCR testing results and are authorized by the Government of Iraq to provide tests to those intending to travel

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Technical Refueling OK
• Crew Rest OK

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• Quarantine not required unless COVID-19 symptoms are present.
• Official delegations, business travelers and tourists on short stay trips to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region are not required to self-isolate if their PCR test is negative. All others will be required to sign a pledge form stating they will self-quarantine for 14 days.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

Until Further NOTICE.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

N/A

LATEST NOTAMS

No Covid related Notams

ISRAEL

Date:               March 01, 2023
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions through to Permanent

Status:           Open with Restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• All arriving general aviation international PAX flights may only land at LLBG
• Currently there is no need to fill out the Israel Entry Form, and there is no need to present a recovery or vaccination certificate in order to enter Israel. However, these are the standards set by the Israeli Ministry of Health, you should also check the instructions of the relevant airline or cruise line. Masks are no longer required on international flights.
• Information on entry can be found at the following websites which is regularly updated - https://corona.health.gov.il/en/country-status/ and https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad
• Confirmed COVID cases will not be permitted to board a flight to Israel. If you were confirmed with COVID and have not yet recovered according to the required protocol in Israel and in the state from which the flight departs – do not board the flight.
• Due to the COVID-19 situation in China, we recommend that all those entering Israel perform a PCR test. The test can be done free of charge at Ben Gurion Airport, between 7:00-21:00 every day on the ground floor (G), in the walkway to "Hapardes" parking lot (after exiting Gate 03).

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Technical Refueling SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY AUTHORITIES
• CREW MEMBERS REST WILL BE PERMITTED BASED ON PORT HEALTH AND CAA APPROVAL

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

Currently there is no legal requirement of isolation after entering Israel.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

Permanent

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Air Travel Restrictions and information:
  • https://corona.health.gov.il/en/abroad
  • https://corona.health.gov.il/en/directives/air-travel-covid19-israel/
  • https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/border_closing_coronavirus_14062020

LATEST NOTAMS

N/A

JORDAN

Date:               October 21, 2022
Subject:           Latest Country Restriction, Next Review 28th October 2022.

Status:           Open with Restrictions

COVID 19 Protocol Summary

• US aircraft: Allowed to enter
• Vaccinated passengers (US):
  • Allowed to enter for all travel reasons.
• Un-vaccinated passengers (US):
  • Allowed to enter for all travel reasons.
• Traveler Entry Form – NON-JORDANIAN PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.VISITJORDAN.GOV.JO PORTAL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FORM, AND OBTAIN THE QR CODE WHICH IS MANDATORY TO BE PRESENTED TO AIRLINE PERSONNEL PRIOR TO BOARDING AND UPON ARRIVAL.

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULED FLIGHTS ARE ALLOWED TO OPERATE FROM/TO JORDANIAN AIRPORTS.THE FOLLOWING TO BE APPLIED TO ALL INBOUND FLIGHTS:

1- AIRLINES ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET BY ALL NON-JORDANIAN PASSENGERS PRIOR TO BOARDING:

1. NON-JORDANIAN PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.VISITJORDAN.GOV.JO PORTAL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FORM, AND OBTAIN THE QR CODE WHICH IS MANDATORY TO BE PRESENTED TO AIRLINE PERSONNEL PRIOR TO BOARDING AND UPON ARRIVAL.

EXEMPTIONS INCLUDE:

- JORDANIAN PASSENGERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, WIVES AND CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF THEIR NATIONALITY.

- TRANSIT PASSENGERS

2- DIPLOMATIC QR HOLDERS (DIPLOMATS AND EMPLOYEES OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (AND THEIR DEPENDENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS HOLDING DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS, SPECIAL PASSPORTS, OR REGULAR PASSPORTS) HAVE A PERMANENT DIPLOMATIC QR CODE THAT ITS VALIDITY DOES NOT EXPIRE, AND IT IS POSSIBLE TO RETURN WITH THIS CODE TO JORDAN FOR SEVERAL TRIPS.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

Crew: are exempted from any COVID restriction

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

If you test positive while in Jordan, you will be required to quarantine at your place of residence for a period of 5 days. After this 5-day period there is no requirement for a further PCR test. No isolation is required for those who are exposed to a confirmed case.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

21 Oct 2022

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Form to be completed - https://www.visitjordan.gov.jo/form/

LATEST NOTAMS

A0278/22 - COVID-19: INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULED FLIGHTS ARE ALLOWED TO OPERATE FROM/TO JORDANIAN AIRPORTS.THE FOLLOWING TO BE APPLIED TO ALL INBOUND FLIGHTS:

1- AIRLINES ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ENSURE THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE MET BY ALL NON-JORDANIAN PASSENGERS PRIOR TO BOARDING: A) NON-JORDANIAN PASSENGERS ARE REQUIRED TO VISIT: HTTPS://WWW.VISITJORDAN.GOV.JO PORTAL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, COMPLETE THE REQUIRED FORM, AND OBTAIN THE QR CODE WHICH IS MANDATORY TO BE

PRESENTED TO AIRLINE PERSONNEL PRIOR TO BOARDING AND UPON ARRIVAL.  -EXEMPTIONS INCLUDE: JORDANIAN PASSENGERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, WIVES AND CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF THEIR NATIONALITY. TRANSIT PASSENGERS.  2- DIPLOMATIC QR HOLDERS (DIPLOMATS AND EMPLOYEES OF REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (AND THEIR DEPENDENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS HOLDING DIPLOMATIC PASSPORTS, SPECIAL PASSPORTS, OR REGULAR

PASSPORTS) HAVE A PERMANENT DIPLOMATIC QR CODE THAT ITS VALIDITY DOES NOT EXPIRE, AND IT IS POSSIBLE TO RETURN WITH THIS CODE TO JORDAN FOR SEVERAL TRIPS. 26 JUL 09:10 2022 UNTIL 28 OCT 20:59 2022 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 26 JUL 09:10 2022

Crew: are exempted from any COVID restriction.

KUWAIT

Date:               December 23, 2022
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions

Status:           Open with NO Restrictions – Permanently.

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• Testing is no longer required for entry into public spaces, including workplaces and education institutions. Sports facilities are fully open to the public.
• Persons traveling to Kuwait do not need to take any form of test prior to arrival, regardless of vaccination status.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Tech stops allowed
• Crew rest allowed.

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

Quarantine is not required under any circumstances.  Individuals who are infected with or have been exposed to COVID-19 must wear masks for a 14-day period.  If symptoms develop during the 14 days, individuals must take a PCR test.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

Unknown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Airport operations have resumed at full capacity.
• Face masks are not required in public or private places. Infected or exposed persons should wear a face mask for 14 days after the date of infection or exposure.

LATEST NOTAMS

No COVID related NOTAM available.

LEBANON

Date:               02 NOV 2022
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions, Next Review, Until Further Notice

Status:           Open without Restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

•    As at 28 September 2022, currently, there are no more testing restrictions.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

No restrictions known

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

Quarantine no longer required.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

N/A

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more detailed information email: [email protected]

LATEST NOTAMS: None

SUTANATE OF OMAN

Date:               February 02, 2023
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions, next Review 01st Mar 2023

Status:           Open with Restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• Effective May 23, 2022, Oman’s Supreme Committee on COVID-19 announced the lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in the Sultanate of Oman effective immediately. The Omani Ministry of Health last published daily case numbers on May 19, 2022: no new case numbers have been reported to date.
• Oxford-AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca-Covshield, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, and Sputnik V vaccines are approved for administration in the Sultanate for those eligible to receive vaccines. Currently, vaccines are available for individuals over 12 years of age and older. Omani health clinics make the final determination on recipients of vaccine administration.

Travelers coming to the Sultanate may be required to:

• Present a vaccination certificate indicating they have received at least 2 doses of a Sultanate approved COVID19 vaccine. The last dose is required to be taken at least fourteen (14) days ahead of the estimated arrival time.
• As of March 23, 2022 The Sultanate has approved the following vaccines for use in and entry to the Sultanate: Oxford-AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca-Covshield, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Sputnik V, Novovax, CanSinoBio, Covaxin and Sputnik Lite.

• Specific to GA/Private flights
  • Non-schedule/Private jets passenger flights with Omani pax are allowed to operate at OOMS & OOSA. Subject to PACA approval.
  • Non-schedule/Private jets passenger flights with GCC nationals pax are allowed to operate at OOMS & OOSA. Subject to PACA approval.
  • Non-schedule/Private jets passenger flights with Non-Omani pax with resident permit are allowed to operate at OOMS & OOSA. Subject to PACA approval.
  • Non-schedule/Private jets passenger flights with Non-Omani pax without resident permit are allowed to operate at OOMS & OOSA. Subject to PACA approval.
• Specific to Diplomatic/Military flights
  • Diplomatic/Military flights are allowed to operate at OOMS & OOSA, provided diplomatic landing permit is obtained by operator thru MOFA.
• Specific to Cargo flights
  • Cargo flights are allowed to operate at OOMS and OOSA. Subject to PACA approval.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Technical Refueling OK
  • Tech stop flights for refueling are allowed to operate at OOMS & OOSA. Subject to PACA approval.
• Crew Rest OK
  • Crew are allowed to go to hotel outside the airport, as long as the crew will be entering Oman on Gendec.
  • Crew are allowed to enter Oman as a passenger via commercial flight and join private jet upon their departure.
  • Visit visa or tourist visa upon arrival at Oman are available for certain nationalities, provided crew have valid passport expiry not less than 06 months.
  • Crew are allowed to enter Oman on Gendec via private jet and join commercial flight upon their departure as a passenger.
  • Crew are exempted from the 14 days quarantine.  

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• N/A

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

• Until further notice

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• WWW.CAA.GOV.OM/AIM-PUBLICATIONS
• https://covid19.emushrif.om/traveler/travel
• https://covid19.moh.gov.om/ 

LATEST NOTAMS

•  No Covid Related Notams

QATAR

Last Updated:  March 02, 2023
Subject: Latest Country Restrictions

Status:    OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• Qatar is open for travel.
• Vaccination is not required to enter Qatar.
• All travelers (Qatar citizens, residents and visitors) entering Qatar who are coming from China (regardless of vaccination/immunity status) are required to submit a negative PCR test result at the check-in counter taken within 48 hours of the time of departure to the State of Qatar.   
• Please note that transit passengers from China are required to bring a negative COVID-19 PCR test only if they leave the airport and enter Qatar. The same precautionary measures will be applied on passengers coming from Hong Kong

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Technical refueling is allowed.
• Crew rest is allowed. 

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• Quarantine is no longer mandatory for all travelers arriving from abroad, however, travelers who test positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Qatar must undergo quarantine measures in accordance with the procedures followed in the State of Qatar.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

• Unknown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• N/A

LATEST NOTAMS

• None

SAUDI ARABIA

Date:               December 23, 2022
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions

Status:           Open with Restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• Saudi Arabia will allow travelers from all other countries to enter the Kingdom if they are fully vaccinated (with booster for vaccines for which it is required) with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, including: Pfizer, Moderna, Oxford AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Covaxin, Sputnik and Covovax.
• No negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry to Saudi Arabia.
• Visitors must download and register on the Tawakkalna application and assign a home location through the app.  Travelers are instructed to not disable or disconnect the application, not turn off their phone or the app’s GPS, and keep their phone connected to the internet.
• All non-resident travelers coming to Saudi Arabia are required to have insurance covering the risks of coronavirus infection.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Tech stops allowed
• Crew rest allowed

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

Visitors are not required to quarantine upon arrival. If an individual tests positive for COVID, they are required to isolate for 7 days.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

Unknown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

No additional information available.

LATEST NOTAMS

No COVID related NOTAM available.

SYRIA

Last Updated: 12/14/2022
Subject: Latest Country Restrictions

OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• All flights are allowed if prior approval is obtained from the CAA
• If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Syria without needing to test but you may be required to isolate.
• If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry) when entering Syria.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Tech Stop Allowed 

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• N/A

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

• Until further notice

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• N/A

LATEST NOTAMS

• NIL

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DUBAI

Date:                March 01, 2023
Subject:            Latest Country Restrictions – Permanent

Status: Open with Restrictions

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• All passengers travelling to Dubai are no longer required to present a COVID‑19 vaccination certificate or perform PCR tests. 
• Passengers travelling from or through Dubai are only required to comply with the transit requirements and travel requirements their final destination.
• Transit passengers 
  • All transiting passengers are not required to present a COVID 19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by their final destination.
• Departing from DXB to all countries
  • All passengers are required to follow final destination requirements.
• Additional information:
  •  All Passengers regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not, do not need to quarantine on arrival in Abu Dhabi. 
  • No PCR test is required on arrival into Abu Dhabi regardless of vaccination status. 
  • A vaccination certificate is valid if it contains a QR code.
  • US vaccination certificates without a QR Code will be accepted. 
  • On arrival a test is not mandatory even for unvaccinated PAX.
  • No entry form is required for pax/crew before arrival or after arrival.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• No restrictions against technical stops and crew rest

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• N/A

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

• Permanent

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Please note that COVID19 restrictions change regularly in the UAE depending on new variants and case increases globally therefore it is imperative that all operators check with trip support before planning flights.

LATEST NOTAMS

• N/A

YEMEN

Date:               March 02, 2023
Subject:           Latest Country Restrictions, Next Review 02 May 2023

Status: Open, restricted and recommended to avoid if possible

BUSINESS FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS

• Do not travel to Yemen due to COVID-19, terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.
• Valid PCR test is a must for non-vaccinated passengers or crew member arriving to the country. If crew is not entering the country, then no PCR test required.

RESTRICTIONS FOR TECHNICAL REFUELING/CREW REST

• Tech Stop may be allowed. CAA Approval would be required.
• Crew may undergo strict Quarantine under the supervision of the state.

QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

• Non-vaccinated passengers must hold negative PCR test, and it should be dated for 48 hours before arrival date.
• Non-vaccinated Crew doesn't need PCR unless they'll stay overnight, no Quarantine is required.
• Authorities across Yemen have introduced a range of measures. These include curfews, movement restrictions, closures of businesses and limitations on public and private gatherings. Implementation may vary and restrictions can change at short notice.
• Some areas have designated quarantine camps. These can vary in both quality and access to medical provision.

DATE THE RESTRICTION IS CURRENTLY EXPECTED TO END OR BE RE-EVALUATED

Review 02 May 2023

ADDTIONAL INFORMATION

LATEST NOTAMS

N/A