Traveling To Austria: Covid Restrictions And Precautions

Austria has been one of the countries worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the nation imposing a full lockdown in November 2021. The country has also made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for its citizens, with the unvaccinated facing restrictions on entering indoor spaces such as shops, hotels, and restaurants. However, in a more recent development, Austria has lifted some restrictions on the unvaccinated.

Face masks and social distancing

Face masks are required in all indoor spaces, including shops, supermarkets, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. An FFP2 mask must be worn in these settings. Masks must also be worn outdoors where social distancing of 2 metres cannot be observed. This includes on ski lifts and cable cars.

In accommodation, an FFP2 mask must be worn in all public areas.

Social distancing of 2 metres is required in public spaces. Where this is not possible, it is obligatory to wear an FFP2 mask.

Proof of vaccination status

Austria has implemented a new set of rules for those entering the country, which includes providing proof of vaccination. The country is tightening its entry requirements as the Omicron variant spreads.

Who needs to provide proof of vaccination?

Everyone over the age of 12 who has not received two doses of the vaccine. People who have recently recovered from the virus are exempt from this rule.

Only immunisations approved by Europe's medical regulator – the Pfizer-BioNtech, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines – will be accepted by Austrian authorities.

Where do I need to show proof of vaccination?

• Public places such as restaurants, hair salons and Christmas markets.
• When purchasing ski passes.
• To enter the country.

• A lockdown for those who are not fully vaccinated.
• Fines of up to 500 euros for those who breach the lockdown rules.
• Fines of 1,450 euros for those who refuse to comply with vaccination status checks.
• In Vienna, children over the age of six will need to show a negative Covid test result to enter public places.

Restrictions on nightlife

Austria has imposed a partial lockdown, with restrictions on the unvaccinated. Unvaccinated people in Austria will only be allowed to leave their homes for work, food shopping, or emergencies. The government has also imposed a lockdown on people who are not fully vaccinated.

Nightclubs and Bars

Late-night clubs and après-ski bars are closed until further notice. Some local pubs may be open depending on local restrictions but must close at midnight. Events and festivals have restrictions on maximum numbers. For anything open/operating, you will need to show your proof of COVID status and wear an FFP2 mask. Only proof of vaccination or recovery will be accepted; a negative test result will not suffice.

Masks

FFP2 masks must be worn in all indoor spaces (shops, supermarkets, chemists, hotels, restaurants/cafes), outdoors where social distancing (2 metres) cannot be observed, and on ski lifts and cable cars.

Testing for children

In Austria, a newly developed, lollipop-shaped coronavirus test is being used to test toddlers for COVID-19. The test was first rolled out in some of Austria's kindergartens as an alternative for toddlers who don't take well to throat or nose swabs. The test was then expanded to schools and kindergartens, as there were fears that the more contagious variant that emerged in Britain could spread widely among young people and children.

The test involves sucking on the lollipop for 90 seconds, dipping it in a container, and then waiting 15 minutes for the results. The test was invented by Manuela Foedinger, who leads the laboratory at Vienna's Kaiser-Franz-Joseph hospital.

In Austria, children aged 12 or over who are not fully vaccinated or recovered must obtain a "Holiday Ninja Pass" to access in-resort facilities. This requires them to take at least two PCR tests and at least one lateral flow test in the resort during a week-long holiday and record the results in the Holiday Ninja Pass. The Ninja Pass qualifies as an entry document for 12-15-year-olds with a valid PCR test done before entry, and this first PCR test counts as one of the three necessary tests for the week.

Travel restrictions

Austria has implemented several travel restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the key points:

Travel to Austria

As of March 2020, there were no travel restrictions or border closures for entering Austria, except for Italy. However, the situation may have changed since then. It is advisable to check the latest government advice before travelling.

Proof of COVID Status

For double-vaccinated adults entering Austria, it is necessary to show proof of vaccination status, such as the NHS COVID Pass. This pass can be obtained via the NHS App or website.

Testing Requirements

Children aged 12 and above who are not fully vaccinated or recovered will need to obtain a "Holiday Ninja Pass." This pass requires at least two PCR tests and one lateral flow test during a week-long holiday, with results recorded in the pass. The first PCR test can also serve as one of the necessary tests for the week.

Face Masks

The use of FFP2 masks is mandatory in all indoor spaces, including shops, hotels, and restaurants. Masks are also required outdoors when social distancing of 2 meters cannot be maintained. Additionally, masks are mandatory on ski lifts and cable cars.

Restrictions on Businesses

Late-night clubs and après-ski bars are closed until further notice. Local pubs may have varying opening hours depending on local restrictions but must close at midnight. Events and festivals have restrictions on maximum attendance numbers. For any open establishments, proof of COVID status and the wearing of FFP2 masks are required. Only proof of vaccination or recovery is accepted; negative test results are not sufficient.

These restrictions apply to bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, museums, swimming pools, spas, and other indoor attractions. A midnight closing time is in place for these venues, and proof of COVID status, along with FFP2 masks, is mandatory when not seated.

Social Distancing

Social distancing of 2 meters is required in public spaces. When it is not possible to maintain this distance, the wearing of FFP2 masks is obligatory.

Frequently asked questions