Quarantine Requirements For Travel To Austria

As of July 2022, Austria ended mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for those with no symptoms. However, as of December 2024, Austria tightened its COVID-19 quarantine requirements, imposing a compulsory ten-day quarantine for all arrivals. Previously, arrivals could leave quarantine after five days with a negative Coronavirus test. Additionally, as of December 2021, British holidaymakers to Austria were required to quarantine unless they had received a booster jab and could present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.

Do I need a negative COVID-19 test to enter Austria?

If you are travelling to Austria, you are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result. However, you must complete a pre-travel clearance form and self-isolate for 10 days, or undergo a PCR test or antigen test and self-isolate until you receive a negative test result.

If you are entering Austria from a country with a high epidemiological risk, you are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or testing, complete the pre-travel clearance form, and self-isolate for 10 days (this period can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days at the earliest).

Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Austria?

As of July 2023, there are no restrictions on entry into Austria related to COVID-19. Evidence of vaccination or testing is no longer required for entry or transit.

However, Austrian Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg previously announced that the country would make vaccinations mandatory from 1 February 2022. This decision was made in response to the country's low vaccination rate—one of the lowest in Western Europe—and a surge in coronavirus cases, which led to a national lockdown.

Do I need to quarantine if I'm asymptomatic?

As of July 2022, Austria has ended mandatory quarantine for asymptomatic individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. However, it is important to note that this policy may change, and you should check the latest official guidelines before travelling.

Previously, Austria had imposed a mandatory quarantine for all infected individuals, regardless of symptoms. The decision to end quarantine for asymptomatic individuals was made by the country's health minister, taking into account the psychological and social impact of the pandemic.

While asymptomatic individuals are no longer required to quarantine, they must still follow certain precautions. They need to wear masks if they leave their homes, unless they are outdoors or can maintain a distance of at least two meters from others. Additionally, they are not permitted to enter places that cater to vulnerable people, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or facilities for the disabled.

It is important to note that Austria's quarantine policies may vary depending on the specific region or town within the country. For example, during the second wave of the pandemic, the government of Salzburg ordered a two-week quarantine in Kuchl, a town near Salzburg, to control the spread of infections.

When travelling to Austria, it is essential to follow the latest official guidelines and restrictions. As of February 2022, visitors without proof of vaccination, a negative test, or recovery from COVID-19 may be required to quarantine upon arrival.

What are the rules for self-isolation in Austria?

As of July 2022, Austria ended mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for those with no symptoms. However, persons entering Austria must follow certain rules and restrictions. Here are the rules for self-isolation or quarantine in Austria:

Testing and Quarantine Requirements:

Prior to arrival in Austria, travellers must present a negative result from either a PCR test or an antigen test. Cross-border commuters are exempt from quarantine rules but must register with the authorities and show a negative PCR test result once a week.

Quarantine Duration:

Previously, arrivals could leave quarantine after five days with a negative Coronavirus test. However, as of October 2024, persons entering Austria are required to undergo a compulsory quarantine for ten days.

Masks and Social Distancing:

Individuals infected with COVID-19 who choose to leave their homes are required to wear masks unless they are outdoors or can maintain a distance of at least two meters from others. They are also prohibited from entering places that cater to vulnerable individuals, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or facilities for the disabled.

Travel Restrictions:

Austria has imposed specific rules for travellers from certain countries. For example, British travellers must quarantine for ten days upon arrival unless they have received three vaccine doses (two shots and a booster) and can provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours.

It is important to note that quarantine rules and restrictions may change, so it is recommended to check for the most recent updates before travelling to Austria.

What are the rules for travelling to Austria from the UK?

The rules for travelling to Austria from the UK depend on your vaccination status and the reason for your travel. Here are the rules for travelling to Austria from the UK:

Vaccination Status:

As of August 15, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers from the UK are no longer required to undergo quarantine upon arrival in Austria. To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must provide proof of receiving two doses of AstraZeneca, BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, Sinopharm, or Sinovac, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson plus 21 days. Proof of past infection and one dose of vaccine is also accepted. Mixed vaccine doses are recognised.

Unvaccinated Travellers:

Visitors without proof of vaccination, a negative test, or recovery from COVID-19 must quarantine on arrival.

Booster Jab:

From December 25, 2021, British holidaymakers to Austria are required to have received a booster jab and show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival to avoid quarantine. This rule applies to all travellers aged 15 and above.

Purpose of Travel:

As of June 2021, Austria extended a ban on tourist travel from the UK until August 31, 2021, due to concerns over the Delta variant. Austrian citizens and residents, along with citizens and residents of other European countries, were allowed to enter Austria from the UK with proof of a negative test and were required to quarantine for ten days. A negative PCR test after the fifth day of quarantine could end the quarantine early.

Frequently asked questions