Travel To Austria Quarantine-Free: What You Need To Know

Austria's travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have varied over time, with the country implementing different rules for various nationalities and vaccination statuses. As of February 2021, travellers to Austria who can present evidence of a low epidemic risk (either through vaccination, a certificate of illness, or a negative test) can avoid quarantine. However, specific countries have had different requirements, with visitors from the USA, for example, needing to quarantine upon arrival, even with a negative test.

Vaccinated travellers to Austria can avoid quarantine

Austria has implemented a series of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within its borders. One of these measures is the requirement for travellers to undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival. However, this rule does not apply to everyone entering the country.

In addition to proof of vaccination, travellers can also present a certificate of illness (not older than 180 days) or a negative COVID-19 test result (antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours before the trip or PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours before the trip) to be exempt from quarantine.

It is important to note that these requirements may change, and travellers should stay updated with the latest information provided by the Austrian government and health authorities.

Minors under the age of 12 are not required to provide any of the above-mentioned documents. They must, however, comply with the registration and quarantine rules of the adult they are travelling with. Minors between 12 and 15 years of age can enter Austria without quarantine if they have a valid Ninja Pass.

Austria's entry requirements for minors

As of 22 February 2021, travellers to Austria who can present evidence of a low epidemic risk—in the form of a vaccination certificate, certificate of illness, or negative COVID-19 test—can avoid quarantine and do not need to register upon arrival. Travellers who cannot present any of these documents are placed in a 10-day quarantine and may only be released after testing negative in Austria.

Entry Requirements for Minors

Minors under the age of 12 do not need to present any evidence of a low epidemic risk. Instead, they comply with the registration and quarantine regime of the adult they are travelling with. Minors between the ages of 12 and 15 can enter Austria with a valid Ninja Pass without needing to quarantine.

In general, minors travelling alone require an officially certified declaration of consent from their legal guardian/parents, as well as their birth certificate and a passport copy of the legal guardian/parents when leaving Austria. Foreign minors travelling alone are recommended to obtain travel permission from their parents/guardians.

Testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers

As of February 2021, travellers to Austria who do not present evidence of a low epidemic risk—such as a vaccination certificate, a certificate of illness, or a negative test result—are placed in a 10-day quarantine.

Unvaccinated travellers to Austria must present a negative PCR test, which must be taken within 72 hours before arrival. Without such a test, a 10-day stay-at-home quarantine is required, or a new negative test can be taken in Austria.

From February 1, 2022, the validity of vaccination certificates was shortened from 270 days to 180 days. This means that the vaccination certificates of those who have not received a booster shot will only be valid if the last vaccine dose was administered within the last 180 days.

However, those who have completed their vaccination within the last 270 days are still permitted entry to the country but are not allowed access to most places while in Austria.

Children under 12 are exempt from the requirement to receive an additional vaccine dose. Their vaccination certificates remain valid for 210 days.

Austria's three categories of countries based on COVID-19 incidence rates

Austria has implemented three categories of countries based on COVID19 incidence rates: safe countries, virus variant areas, and other countries. This classification system determines the entry requirements and restrictions for travellers entering Austria. Here is an overview of the three categories:

Safe Countries

Safe countries are those with low COVID-19 incidence rates and are considered to have the virus under control. Travellers from these countries are usually allowed to enter Austria without any quarantine requirements. However, they may still need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result.

Virus Variant Areas

Virus variant areas are countries that have been identified as high-risk due to the presence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus. Non-essential travel from these countries to Austria is typically restricted. Travellers from virus variant areas may be subject to additional entry requirements, such as providing a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. They may also be required to undergo quarantine upon arrival.

Other Countries

The "other countries" category includes nations that do not fall into the safe countries or virus variant areas. These countries may have higher COVID-19 incidence rates or active outbreaks. Travellers from these countries may be allowed to enter Austria but with certain conditions, such as providing a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. Quarantine requirements may also apply, depending on the specific country and the traveller's vaccination status.

It is important to note that the classification of countries can change over time as the COVID-19 situation evolves. Therefore, travellers planning to fly to Austria should stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by the Austrian authorities. Additionally, Austria has specific requirements for the type of tests and vaccinations accepted, and travellers should ensure they meet these criteria to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Exemptions for diplomats and medical workers

As of July 2020, medical workers, diplomats, and seasonal workers were exempt from quarantine when entering Austria if they could produce a negative PCR test. This was in the context of stricter measures for foreign nationals, who were required to quarantine for 10 days even with a negative test.

Diplomats and international organisations can claim a VAT refund and certain other VAT exemptions in Austria. For example, diplomats can claim a refund on the VAT paid when purchasing a motor vehicle. Diplomats are entitled to a certificate every two years, which they can use to purchase a motor vehicle tax-exempt in another EU member state and import it tax-exempt as personal property. They can also import a motor vehicle tax-exempt every two years.

Diplomats are also exempt from VAT on rent, and this exemption applies to their principal residence in Austria. Diplomatic missions must make concrete claims for a refund.

In addition, diplomats, embassy staff, and their domestic staff are excluded from statutory health insurance in Austria. This means that they will need to consider a private insurance policy. The cost of a hospital bed in the Vienna General Hospital for an expat is around €1,200, and the total cost of a hospital stay without insurance could be as much as €10,000-€20,000.

Frequently asked questions