Russia's Border Opening: What International Students Need To Know

when will russia open borders for international students

As of April 1, 2021, Russia has opened its borders to students from six additional countries: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Germany, and Venezuela. This comes after Russian universities resumed in-person courses in February 2021, following nearly three months of remote learning. International students from these countries must provide two negative Covid-19 test results no more than three days before and after entering Russia. While this is a positive development, it is unclear when Russia will fully open its borders to all international students. Currently, many international students continue to study remotely.

shunstudent

Russia re-opened its borders to foreign students in February 2021

To enter Russia, students were required to show two negative coronavirus tests and arrive from countries with flight resumption agreements in place. At least 16 countries had agreed to reopen flights with Russia, with formal agreements also reached with five others. Students also had to pass a second test upon arrival and remain in self-isolation until the results were ready.

The entry procedure for students from "epidemiologically safe countries" was simplified on March 16, 2021. Applicants, students, and PhD students from 31 countries could come and start their studies and research activities at Russian universities as usual. However, many international students continued to study remotely, even after the borders reopened.

Graduates of accredited Russian institutions can stay in the country after studying as temporary residents. From August 2020, foreign students from any country could apply for a permanent residence permit by graduating with honours.

shunstudent

Students must show two negative Covid-19 tests

As of April 1, 2021, Russia has opened its borders to students from six additional countries: Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Germany, and Venezuela. These countries have been added to the epidemiologically safe list, allowing students from these countries to enter Russia with a negative coronavirus test certificate. Students must also pass a second test upon arrival and remain in self-isolation until the results are ready.

To ensure the safety of its citizens and arriving international students, Russia has implemented specific requirements for entry. Students must show two negative Covid-19 test results to be permitted entry into the country. The first test must be taken no more than three days before entering Russia, and the second test must be taken promptly after entry. This measure helps reduce the risk of infected individuals entering the country and protects the health of both the students and the community.

It is important to note that the tests must be recent, and results from older tests may not be accepted. Students are responsible for ensuring they meet this requirement and should plan their testing accordingly. Obtaining these tests may vary depending on the student's country of origin and their local testing capabilities. It is recommended to verify the specific testing requirements with the Russian embassy or consulate in their home country.

The negative Covid-19 test results must be presented in either Russian or English. This ensures that the information can be easily understood and verified by the relevant authorities upon arrival in Russia. Students should carry their test results with them during travel and be prepared to present them as needed. This requirement is crucial for gaining entry into the country and beginning their studies in Russia.

Additionally, students should be aware of other entry procedures and requirements. For example, students may need to provide proof of vaccination or additional medical documentation. It is essential to stay informed about any updates or changes to the entry requirements, as they may evolve based on the pandemic situation in Russia and globally. Students should regularly check the official websites and seek guidance from their educational institutions in Russia.

shunstudent

Students must arrive from countries with flight resumption agreements

As of 16 February 2021, Russia has reopened its borders to international students arriving from countries with flight resumption agreements. This comes after Russian universities resumed in-person courses in February 2021, following nearly three months of remote learning during the fall semester.

Russia's consumer protection watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has stated that international students will be allowed to return for the spring semester if they fly from countries that have resumed flights with Russia. At least 16 countries have agreed to reopen flights with Russia, and formal agreements have been reached with five others, although these are not currently operating.

It is important to note that the processing of visa invitations for international students has been suspended due to international border restrictions. As soon as the borders open, educational institutions will be able to start preparing visa invitations for students. Once a student receives a visa invitation, they can apply for their student visa at the Russian embassy in their country.

shunstudent

The processing of visa invitations for international students is currently suspended

As of February 2021, Russia has reopened its borders to foreign students from certain countries. However, the processing of visa invitations for international students remains suspended. This means that educational institutions cannot send out visa invitations to accepted students, which is typically done a month before the start of their course.

The suspension is a result of ongoing international border restrictions. Once these restrictions are lifted, institutions will be able to resume sending visa invitations, allowing students to apply for their student visas at Russian embassies in their respective countries. It is important to note that the requirements for visa applications may vary depending on the country of origin.

To enter Russia, international students must provide two negative COVID-19 test results obtained no more than three days before and after entering the country. Additionally, they must arrive from countries with flight resumption agreements in place. Russia's consumer protection watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has stated that students must undergo a second test upon arrival and remain in self-isolation until the results are available.

While Russia has taken steps to reopen its borders to international students, the suspension of visa invitation processing remains an obstacle. It is unclear when this suspension will be lifted, but it is likely to happen once border restrictions are eased, allowing students to obtain the necessary visa invitations and commence their studies in Russia.

shunstudent

Offline classes have resumed, but many international students continue studying remotely

Russia has reopened its borders to foreign students, allowing international students to return to offline classes. However, due to ongoing international border restrictions, many international students continue to study remotely and are unable to enter the country.

International students who can provide two negative COVID-19 test results and are travelling from countries with flight resumption agreements in place can now enter Russia. This relaxation of the coronavirus travel ban has allowed more than 300,000 international students, previously unable to enter the country, to resume their studies.

Despite this, the processing of visa invitations for international students remains suspended. Students cannot apply for a visa until they have received an invitation, and as soon as the borders open, institutions will begin preparing these invitations. This means that, currently, many international students are still unable to enter Russia.

Students from 16 countries are now able to fly to Russia, with formal agreements in place with five more. Students from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Germany, and Venezuela were added to the epidemiologically safe countries list on April 1, 2021. However, there is still a ban on flights from the United Kingdom due to the spread of a more contagious strain of COVID-19.

Although offline classes have resumed, institutions are keen to stress that they are still supporting international students studying remotely. Yulia Dolgina, Head of the International Student Support Unit at HSE St. Petersburg, stated that they are:

> "...in touch with our students regardless of their current location. The fact that offline classes have resumed does not mean that we pay less attention to international students outside Russia."

Frequently asked questions

Russia reopened its borders to foreign students on February 16, 2021, after nearly three months of remote learning. International students must show two negative coronavirus tests and arrive from countries with flight resumption agreements in place.

Students must submit two negative Covid-19 test results no more than three days before and after entry. Upon arrival, foreign nationals must undergo a 14-day quarantine and pass a second test.

As of March 29, 2021, HSE students have returned to their classrooms, but many international students continue to study remotely. International students can stay updated through the International Office's website and social media.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment