Russia health pass requirement пропуск здоровья

Russian lawmakers approved legislation in a first reading that will require people to show health passes to access public places like bars and restaurants, as the country gears up for a winter Covid wave.

Health passes will not be required to visit pharmacies and essential shops.

From Feb. 1 Russians wishing to travel by airplanes and trains will also have to present QR-codes, according to a second bill submitted to parliament. Foreign travellers will also have to present health passes.

A number of Russian regions have already introduced a requirement for proof of vaccination to visit restaurants, cafes and shopping centres. 

Moscow, the epicenter of the pandemic in Russia, still does not require proof of vaccination for most public activities.

The Russian government said that individual regions will have the authority to determine a list of places that will require the presentation of health passes.