Traveling To Austria: Vaccine Requirements And Entry Rules

Austria has had some of the strictest Covid-19 rules in Europe, including a lockdown for the unvaccinated and a ban on UK travellers. However, as of November 2024, most travellers from India, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Austria without restrictions or the need to quarantine. Fully vaccinated visitors from the UK can also enter without restrictions, but those who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.

What are the entry requirements for unvaccinated travellers?

The entry requirements for unvaccinated travellers to Austria vary depending on the traveller's country of origin and vaccination status. Here are the requirements for travellers from specific countries:

• United Kingdom: As of December 25, 2024, unvaccinated travellers from the UK will need to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Austria. They must also present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before travel.
• India: Unvaccinated travellers from India can enter Austria without restrictions. However, they must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours) or proof of recovery from COVID-19. They also need to register in advance to obtain pre-travel clearance and self-isolate for 10 days (with the option to end quarantine early with a negative RT-PCR test on Day 5).
• Other Countries: For travellers from other countries, the requirements may vary. It is best to check the official Austrian government website or embassy website for the latest information regarding entry requirements for unvaccinated individuals.

In addition to the above, it is important to note that the requirements and restrictions may change frequently due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest information before planning their trip to Austria.

What are the rules for vaccinated travellers?

The rules for vaccinated travellers to Austria vary depending on the traveller's country of origin and vaccination status. Here is a breakdown of the rules for vaccinated travellers from different countries:

• India: Fully vaccinated travellers from India can enter Austria without any restrictions or quarantine requirements. Accepted vaccines include BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria and Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm. Travellers must provide proof of vaccination, such as a vaccination certificate. Children up to the age of 17 can accompany their fully vaccinated parents without quarantining as well.
• United Kingdom: As of December 25, 2024, fully vaccinated travellers from the UK are required to show proof of receiving three doses of the coronavirus vaccine (two initial jabs and a booster) to enter Austria without quarantining. They must also present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before travel. Children under 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirement but must show a negative PCR test for entry.
• Other EU Countries: Travellers from other EU countries with low infection rates must provide proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative pre-departure PCR or antigen test. All EU and Schengen Associated Countries, except for Croatia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Cyprus, are currently considered low infection rate countries.
• Third Countries: Entry from most countries outside the EU is prohibited, except for EU citizens or residents. Vaccinated travellers from these countries can enter without quarantine if they provide proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19.

In addition to the above rules, please note that masks are mandatory on public transport, in taxis, and in some public spaces in Austria. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are open, but a curfew is in place for these establishments, except on New Year's Eve.

What tests do I need to take?

The tests you need to take to enter Austria depend on your vaccination status and country of origin.

If you are fully vaccinated, you may not need to take any tests to enter Austria. However, it is important to check the specific requirements for your country of origin, as these may vary. For example, travellers from India who are fully vaccinated do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test upon entering Austria, but travellers from the UK are required to show a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before travel.

If you are not fully vaccinated, you will likely need to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of a past COVID-19 infection. This can be a PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours. These requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, so it is important to check the specific rules for your country.

In addition to testing requirements, you may also need to register in advance to obtain pre-travel clearance, especially if you are not fully vaccinated. This applies to travellers from India, for example.

It is important to note that the testing and vaccination requirements for entry to Austria may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information before travelling.

Do I need to quarantine?

Quarantine requirements for travellers to Austria depend on the traveller's vaccination status and country of origin.

Quarantine requirements for vaccinated travellers

Fully vaccinated travellers from India can enter Austria without needing to quarantine. Accepted vaccines are BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria and Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm. Travellers must provide proof of their vaccination status, such as a vaccination certificate.

Quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travellers

Unvaccinated travellers from India can also enter Austria without needing to quarantine. However, they must present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of a past COVID-19 infection. This can be a PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test no older than 48 hours. Unvaccinated travellers must also register in advance to obtain pre-travel clearance.

Quarantine requirements for travellers from the EU

Austria has lifted quarantine requirements for travellers from over 20 other European countries, including Italy, Greece, and Croatia. Travellers from these countries do not need to quarantine or show a negative test. However, passengers from Croatia must present a negative test in either German or English no older than four days.

Quarantine requirements for close contacts of positive cases

If you have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you must quarantine for five days. After the fifth day, you can end your quarantine if you receive a negative PCR test result. Close contact is defined as sharing a household with someone who tested positive, having direct physical contact, or being within two metres for more than 15 minutes. However, if you are fully vaccinated and have a booster dose or proof of recovery, you are not considered a close contact.

What are the rules in Austria?

As of November 2024, Austria has lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions. However, there are still some rules that travellers should be aware of.

Vaccination Requirements

Austria accepts the following vaccines: BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria and Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm.

Travellers from the UK must show proof of three doses of a coronavirus vaccine to enter Austria. They must also show a negative PCR test, taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival. Children under 12 are exempt from the vaccination requirement but must show a negative PCR test.

Quarantine Requirements

Fully vaccinated travellers do not need to quarantine upon arrival. However, unvaccinated travellers, or those without proof of vaccination, must self-isolate for 10 days. This can be ended early with a negative PCR test on day 5.

Face Masks

FFP2 masks are mandatory in all public indoor spaces, such as supermarkets, banks, bakeries, shops, cable cars, post offices, pharmacies, doctors' offices, and on public transport. Face masks are also compulsory on public transport and in taxis.

Other Restrictions

As of November 2024, Austria has lifted most of its lockdown measures. However, there is a 11 pm curfew for restaurants, cafes, and inns, except on New Year's Eve. Bars and clubs remain closed.

To enter certain venues, such as hotels, restaurants, leisure centres, gyms, cultural institutions, Christmas markets, and hairdressers, proof of vaccination is required.

Frequently asked questions