Russia - Q&A from the press briefing (29 July 2020)

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Q: Is France negotiating with Russia on the reciprocal opening of borders? When will it be possible to resume travel between the two countries? Will the decision on opening borders after the health crisis be based on recommendations from Brussels, or will France make that decision?

A: Based on the recommendations adopted by the European Union Council on June 30 and July 16, France has decided to lift restrictions at its external EU borders for people arriving from several non-EU countries determined according to health criteria. This list will be reevaluated regularly in coordination with our European partners, taking into account developments in these countries’ individual health situations and conditions of reciprocity.

Since March 18, no foreign nationals have been authorized to enter Russia, following a sovereign decision by that country, including foreigners with temporary residence permits, and Russia’s external borders are closed until July 31 (this measure may be renewed). Commercial air links with the EU therefore remain suspended and are limited to special flights between Moscow and certain EU airports including Paris CDG and Nice.