Lockdown Travel: Can I Leave Austria?

Austria's COVID-19 lockdown rules are among the harshest in the world. During the lockdown, people are restricted from leaving their homes for non-essential reasons, such as shopping and exercise. While the lockdown is expected to end on a specified date for the vaccinated, there is no deadline for the unvaccinated. However, there are no restrictions on people leaving the country, and Austrians are allowed to leave their homes to exercise or for mental health benefits. During the lockdown, all stores except grocery stores are closed, and restaurants and cultural facilities are also closed. People can leave the country for work, travel, or to visit family.

There are no restrictions on leaving Austria during lockdown

Austria has had several lockdowns since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the fourth lockdown, which started on November 22, 2021, people were allowed to leave their homes for important errands, work, and recreation. While bars, restaurants, and shops were closed, people were not restricted from leaving the country.

During the lockdown, people could leave their homes and the country for the following reasons:

• Shopping for groceries or visiting a pharmacy
• Travelling to work
• Exercising
• Visiting close family members, partners, or for professional reasons
• Travelling to a second home outside of Austria

While there were no restrictions on leaving Austria during the lockdown, returning could be problematic if individuals could not provide valid reasons for their trip during a police check. Additionally, other countries may have had restrictions on arrivals from Austria, which could have made leaving and re-entering the country difficult.

During the third COVID-19 lockdown in Austria, ski resorts remained open for locals and foreigners residing in the country. However, hotels and restaurants were closed, and tourists were not allowed to enter the country.

You can leave your house to exercise or for your mental health

Exercising and Leaving the House for Mental Health Benefits During Lockdown in Austria

During lockdown in Austria, people are allowed to leave their homes to exercise or for their mental health. The Austrian government has been lenient towards outdoor sports activities and permits Austrians to leave the house to exercise or take a walk for mental health benefits.

Exercise

During lockdown, Austrians are allowed to leave their homes to exercise. This includes skiing, walking, and cycling. However, there may be restrictions on the operation of sports facilities and the number of people allowed to gather. For example, during the third COVID-19 lockdown, ski resorts were open but only for Austrians and foreigners living in the country. There were also measures in place to ensure social distancing and the use of FFP2 masks.

Mental Health

Leaving the house for mental health reasons, such as taking a walk, is permitted during lockdown in Austria. This is recognized as one of the "necessary basic needs of life" by the Austrian government.

Recreation

Recreation is also listed as a valid reason to leave the house during lockdown. This includes activities such as visiting parks or other outdoor spaces.

Travel

While there are no restrictions on leaving Austria, there may be restrictions on entering other countries. It is important to check the latest travel advice and restrictions for your destination.

Other Reasons to Leave the House During Lockdown in Austria

Other valid reasons to leave the house during lockdown in Austria include:

• Shopping for essential items, such as groceries or pharmaceuticals
• Going to work if working from home is not possible
• Visiting a doctor or seeking medical care
• Caring for or assisting people in need of support
• Attending school or kindergarten, although parents are asked to keep their children at home if possible

You can leave Austria to visit close family members

Leaving Austria During Lockdown

Visiting Close Family Members

During the lockdown, Austrian residents are permitted to leave the country to visit close family members. This is because visiting family is considered to fall within the "necessary basic needs of life".

Rules and Regulations

While Austria has not put in place any restrictions on people leaving the country, it is important to note that the rules of the lockdown still apply. People are only allowed to leave their homes or accommodation for important errands (e.g. groceries or pharmacy visits), work, and recreation. All stores except grocery stores, restaurants, and cultural facilities will be closed, and all events, including Christmas markets, are cancelled.

Returning to Austria

Foreigners who live in Austria and leave during the lockdown will not be prevented from returning, provided their residency permits and visas remain valid. However, upon return, they will still need to follow the lockdown rules and restrictions.

Other Considerations

It is important to keep in mind that other countries may have their own entry restrictions in place, so it is recommended to check the requirements of your destination country before travelling. Additionally, the reason for heading abroad may be relevant if there are any legal challenges to your travel, as there is a higher risk of infection associated with certain activities.

While the lockdown imposes significant restrictions on movement, Austrian residents are allowed to leave the country to visit close family members, and this is expected to remain the case during the lockdown period.

You can leave Austria for professional reasons

Leaving Austria for professional reasons during lockdown

During the lockdown, Austrian residents are allowed to leave the country for professional reasons. This was also the case during the winter lockdown of 2020/2021.

However, it is important to note that there may be restrictions on entering another country. While Austria does not restrict its residents from leaving, other countries may have their own rules about who can enter.

If you are planning to leave Austria for professional reasons during lockdown, it is important to check the restrictions of your destination country.

During the lockdown, which is scheduled to end on December 13, people are only allowed to leave their homes or accommodation for the following reasons: important errands (e.g. groceries or pharmacy visits), work, and recreation. All stores except grocery stores will be closed, and restaurants and cultural facilities will be closed, with all events cancelled, including Christmas markets.

You can leave Austria to go to your second home

Travelling to a Second Home Outside of Austria During Lockdown

As of Monday, November 22, 2021, Austria implemented a nationwide lockdown, with people largely confined to their homes. During this lockdown, Austrian residents were explicitly allowed to leave the country to visit close family members, partners, or for professional reasons.

Travelling to a Second Home

Austrian residents are permitted to leave the country to travel to a second home outside of Austria during the lockdown. This was confirmed by constitutional and administrative lawyer Peter Bußjäger, who stated that trips abroad are "officially not forbidden".

Returning to Austria

Foreigners who live in Austria will not be prevented from returning to the country, provided their residency permits and visas remain valid.

Border Crossings

While Austria has not put in place any restrictions on people leaving the country, there may be increased traffic at certain border crossings. For example, in recent weeks, there has been an increase in traffic at the Hungarian-Austrian border crossing at Sopron, with roads in Burgenland closed to reduce traffic.

COVID-19 Protocols

It is important to note that COVID-19 protocols will still need to be followed when travelling to and from Austria. This includes providing proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 when staying in hotels. Additionally, FFP2 face masks are mandatory in supermarkets and on ski lifts, and social distancing measures are in place.

Frequently asked questions