Austria's Borders: Open Or Closed?

Austria's border control policies have fluctuated over the years, with the country implementing various restrictions and relaxations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, Austria reopened its borders to neighbouring countries except Italy, which prompted criticism from Italy and speculation about potential violations of EU treaties on the free movement of persons. Austria eventually lifted border restrictions for Italy and over 20 other European countries in June 2021. During the pandemic, Austria imposed specific entry requirements, such as proof of vaccination, recovery certificates, or negative COVID-19 test results, with rules varying for different countries. As of June 26, 2021, Austria's borders were fully open to 51/32 countries and partially open to none, with bars, restaurants, and public events operating with restrictions.

Austria's borders are open to tourists from the EU, the Schengen zone and the UK

Austria's borders are open to tourists from the EU, the Schengen zone, and the UK. However, it is important to note that there may still be some travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 2021, Austria's borders were fully open to 51/32 countries and partially open to 0/32 countries.

Before the pandemic, Austria maintained open borders with its neighbouring countries. In 2020, Austria imposed border restrictions due to the coronavirus, lifting them for all neighbouring countries except Italy. This prompted criticism from Italy, which argued that such "individualist" solutions risked damaging the image of the European Union. In response, Austria announced that it would reopen its borders to Italy and lift quarantine requirements for travellers from over 20 other European countries.

During the pandemic, Austria implemented various measures to control the spread of COVID-19. At one point, foreigners could only enter Austria if it was absolutely necessary, such as for study, employment, or with a residence permit. PCR tests and quarantine periods were also required for some countries. As of June 2021, Austria's bars and restaurants were operating with restrictions, and only essential shops were open. Public events were allowed but with restrictions.

It is important for travellers to stay up to date with the latest information on travel restrictions and requirements, as the situation can change rapidly.

Austria's neighbours, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, maintained entry restrictions in 2020

Austria's response to the Coronavirus pandemic has involved implementing border restrictions and enforcing various entry requirements. As of June 2021, Austria had made its borders fully open to 51 out of 32 countries, with partial openings to others. However, this was not the case for all of Austria's neighbours.

In 2020, Austria's neighbours, Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, maintained entry restrictions. Austria opened its borders to its neighbouring countries on June 4, 2020, except for Italy. This relaxation of entry restrictions applied to land, sea, and air travel. Travellers from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia were allowed entry if they had not visited any other country besides Austria or the mentioned neighbouring nations in the preceding 14 days.

Despite Austria's move to ease border controls, some of its western neighbours, including Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, did not reciprocate at the time. These countries kept their entry restrictions in place, with full freedom of entry from Austria planned for June 15, 2020.

Austria's decision to open its borders was influenced by the stable epidemiological situation, while Italy's infection rate led to the continuation of entry restrictions for Italian nationals. Travellers entering Austria from neighbouring countries were required to present a negative COVID-19 test or undergo a 14-day self-isolation period.

Austria closed four checkpoints on the border with Slovenia in April 2020

In April 2020, Austria implemented new restrictions on its border with Slovenia, closing four checkpoints. As of 2 April 2020, the checkpoints at Holmec, Jurij, Šentilj (on the main road), and Korensko sedlo were closed down, leaving nine border points open for crossing between the two countries. This change in the border regime was enacted by Austrian police, who also limited the operating hours of some former border control points.

The closures were part of a series of measures introduced by Slovenia and other European countries to contain the spread of COVID-19. Slovenia, located at the crossroads of Western, Southern, and Eastern Europe, is a significant transit country. In response to the growing number of coronavirus cases, the country declared an epidemic on 12 March 2020 and imposed restrictions on internal and external EU borders. These restrictions impacted not only the border with Croatia but also internal Schengen borders with Italy, Austria, and Hungary.

The checkpoints that remained operational between Slovenia and Austria following the closures in April 2020 included Trate – Mureck, Radlje – Radlpaß, Gederovci – Sicheldorf, Šentilj (Motorway) – Spielfeld (Autobahn), Gornja Radgona – Bad Radkersburg, Karavanke – Karawankentunnel, Vič – Lavamünd, and Ljubelj – Loibltunnel.

In addition to the border restrictions, Slovenia implemented other measures to manage the COVID-19 epidemic. For example, foreign nationals were allowed to enter Slovenia if they presented a health certificate in Slovenian, English, or German, no older than three days, indicating a negative molecular laboratory test for SARS-CoV-2. Alternatively, they could enter if their body temperature was below 37.5 °C and they showed no signs of upper respiratory tract infection.

Austria lifted controls on travel from Greece and Croatia in June 2020

Austria has had various restrictions on its borders since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, Austria's borders were fully open to 51/32 countries, and partially open to 0/32 countries. However, this data is from 2021, and things may have changed since then.

In June 2020, Austria lifted controls on travel from Greece and Croatia. This occurred around the same time as Austria's opening towards the East: Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Neither coronavirus tests nor quarantine were required for travel to these four countries. However, there were still formal requirements for transit journeys, such as to Poland through the Czech Republic.

In 2020, Austria's borders were open but only for essential travel during a lockdown period that lasted until at least January 17.

Austria's borders were fully open to 51/32 countries and partially open to 0/32 countries in June 2021

Austria's border situation in June 2021 was the result of the country's efforts to balance the health and safety of its citizens with the resumption of international travel. The country had previously imposed border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Austria's statistics for 26 June 2021 showing 650,016 total cases, 10,700 deaths, and 2,265 currently sick.

Austria's border openings in June 2021 were part of a broader trend among European countries to ease travel restrictions as vaccination rates increased and infection rates decreased. However, it is important to note that the situation could change depending on the evolution of the pandemic and the decisions of the Austrian government.

In addition to the border openings, Austria had other travel-related guidelines in place during that time. For example, travellers from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea could enter Austria without quarantine if they were tested, vaccinated, or had recovered from COVID-19. Additionally, bars and restaurants were operating with restrictions, and only essential shops were open. Public events like exhibitions, concerts, and museums were permitted but with restrictions in place.

Overall, Austria's borders being fully open to 51/32 countries and partially open to 0/32 countries in June 2021 represented a step towards normalcy and the resumption of international travel, while still prioritising the health and safety of its citizens.

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