Covid-19 Travel Advice – 16 March 2020

News

Please monitor the situation in Bulgaria, Georgia and Armenia through the Embassy’s Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as local media and contact the Embassy at sofiaconsular@dfa.ie if you have specific concerns. If you register your contact details through our Citizens’ Registration system, the Embassy will be able to contact you quickly in the event of any major developments.

Bulgaria

As of 13^th March, Bulgaria has declared a state of emergency due to Covid-19 for a period initially up to 29^th March, during which travel to and from certain countries may be restricted, both in terms of air travel and crossings at land borders. This is an initial period, which may well be extended.

At the moment there is no ban on air travel between Bulgaria and Ireland but the list of restricted countries is subject to change depending upon the assessment of the Bulgarian authorities. The list may be expanded to include Ireland without warning. Equally important is that airlines, for their own reasons, are cancelling and suspending flights with little notice given.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises its own citizens to refrain from travelling abroad unless absolutely necessary.

Advice:

• Irish citizens living in Bulgaria who wish to remain in Bulgaria during the coming period are advised to avoid travelling abroad.

• Irish citizens visiting Bulgaria who wish to return to Ireland (or another place of residence) over the coming period are advised to do so now.

Under Bulgaria’s state of emergency, only food shops, pharmacies and petrol stations may remain open, with some provision also for banking and insurance services. All entertainment and sports events have been cancelled and venues, including gyms, closed. Restaurants and bars are also closed, with only some limited takeaway facilities allowed to operate.

Georgia

In connection with the spread of Covid-19, the government of Georgia has announced that from 18^th March for two weeks foreign citizens will not be permitted to enter Georgia. This measure will not apply to individuals with a spouse or child who is a Georgian citizen.

It is as yet unclear whether the closure of borders will apply also to those exiting Georgia. However, several airlines have already suspended services to and from the country and the situation is evolving rapidly.

In light of this:

• Irish citizens living in Georgia who wish to remain there during the coming period are advised to avoid travelling abroad.

• Irish citizens visiting Georgia who wish to return to Ireland (or another place of residence) over the coming period are advised to do so now.

Further measures implemented in Georgia due to Covid-19 include:

• Temporary closures of Georgian ski resorts.

• Cafes, restaurants and bars are recommended to temporarily restrict direct service to citizens and to operate only take-away services.

• Citizens over the age of 70 are advised to avoid public places as much as possible and to remain in isolation as far as possible to avoid a potential threat to their health.

Armenia

In connection with the spread of Covid-19, the government of the Republic of Armenia has declared a state of emergency from 16^th March to 16^th April.  

Measures to be taken include restrictions on travel into the country from a number of countries affected by Covid-19 outbreaks, as well as restrictions on travel out of the country by Armenian citizens. Restrictions apply to both land borders and air travel. Several airlines have already suspended services to and from the country and the situation is evolving rapidly.

In light of this:

• Irish citizens living in Armenia who wish to remain there during the coming period are advised to refrain from travelling abroad.

• Irish citizens visiting Armenia who wish to return to Ireland (or another place of residence) over the coming period are advised to do so now. 

Further measures implemented in Armenia due to Covid-19 include:

• Closure of schools, universities and other educational institutions.

• Prohibition on public events with the participation of 20 or more persons: religious events, concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances and other sports, cultural, and educational events, entertainment, festive and commemorative events including, but not limited to, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, funerals.

• Prohibition on all rallies and strikes.

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