The spokesman for the Iranian Customs, Rouhollah Latifi, explained that those who arrive in the country for health, study or business reasons or with residence permits will be exempt from these restrictions.

The ban on arrivals coincides with the government’s efforts to combat a surge in Omicron infections and to vaccinate more people.

According to Health Minister Bahram Einollahi, the rapid spread of the Omicron variant represents a threat, although only a few cases have been identified so far.

The authorities intend to reinforce immunization against Covid-19 over the next two weeks, with a third dose of the vaccines used in the country.

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