Booster Shots: Austria's Travel Requirements And Recommendations

As of December 2021, Austria requires all tourists, including those from the UK, to show proof of a COVID-19 booster dose to enter the country. This mandate is in direct conflict with the UK's vaccination policy, which advises a three-month wait between the second and third doses. Travellers to Austria must wait at least 120 days between the second and booster doses, or the third jab will not be accepted for entry.

Booster jab timing

As of December 2021, Austria required all tourists, including those from the UK, to show proof of a COVID-19 booster dose to enter the country. This was in response to the Omicron variant, which had already reached Austria, and the country's rising number of daily cases.

The booster jab timing is crucial for travellers to Austria. There is a specific interval between the second vaccine dose and the booster that must be adhered to for the booster to be considered valid for entry. According to Austrian regulations, there must be at least 120 days between the second dose and the booster. This conflicts with the UK's vaccination policy, which advises a three-month gap between the second dose and the booster.

The validity of the booster jab for entry to Austria starts from the day it is administered. However, travellers should be aware of the possibility of stricter rules being implemented, such as the requirement for a negative PCR test within 72 hours before arrival, as well as potential quarantine requirements.

It is important to note that these regulations may change over time, and travellers should refer to the latest official guidelines before planning their trip to Austria.

Quarantine rules

As of December 2021, Austria had implemented new entry requirements for travellers due to the Omicron variant. All tourists, including those from the UK, must show proof of a booster vaccine to enter the country. This is in addition to proof of full vaccination status and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

If you have not received a booster vaccine, you will need to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Austria. This rule applies to all travellers, including residents. However, there is an exception for those who have recently recovered from COVID-19. If you can provide proof of recovery from the virus within the last 180 days, you will be exempt from the quarantine requirement.

For those who have received a booster vaccine, there is no mandatory quarantine period. However, it is important to note that the booster jab must be administered at at least 120 days after the second vaccine dose to be considered valid for entry into Austria. This is in direct conflict with the UK's vaccination policy, which advises a three-month gap between the second dose and the booster.

If you are unable to meet the vaccination requirements and do not have proof of recovery from COVID-19, you may still be able to enter Austria, but you will be subject to the 10-day quarantine period. During this time, you will need to follow the local quarantine rules and restrictions. It is advisable to check the Austrian government's website for the most up-to-date information on quarantine requirements and restrictions.

The quarantine rules in Austria have been implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19, particularly the Omicron variant. By requiring proof of vaccination, recent recovery, or enforcing a quarantine period, the Austrian government aims to reduce the risk of infection and protect its citizens and visitors. It is important to adhere to these rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the country.

PCR test requirements

As of December 2021, Austria requires all travellers to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. This applies to all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status.

In addition to the negative PCR test, travellers must also provide proof of full vaccination status. For UK visitors, this means having received two vaccine doses and a booster dose at least 120 days after the second dose. This is in direct conflict with the UK's vaccination policy, which advises a three-month gap between the second dose and the booster.

Anyone arriving from the UK without a booster shot or valid proof of vaccination will be required to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Austria. However, quarantine can be avoided if a negative PCR test is presented.

It is important to note that these requirements may change over time, so travellers should refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information before planning their trip to Austria.

Country classification

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries implemented entry restrictions to limit the spread of the virus and protect their citizens. These restrictions often included requirements for vaccination, negative COVID-19 tests, or proof of recovery from the virus. As the pandemic evolved and new variants emerged, such as the Omicron variant, countries adjusted their entry criteria accordingly.

Austria, a country in Central Europe, implemented some of the strictest COVID-19 entry requirements in the region. As of December 2021, Austria required all tourists, including those from the UK, to show proof of a COVID-19 booster dose in addition to full vaccination or recovery from the virus. This meant that fully jabbed and boosted holidaymakers who received their third vaccine dose earlier than recommended by Austria would be barred from entering the country. The recommended waiting period between the second and booster doses was 120 days, which conflicted with the UK's policy advising a three-month gap.

The Austrian government's decision to tighten entry requirements was in response to the anticipated surge in infections from the Omicron variant during the peak of the ski season in January. The country had already been facing record-high daily infections, with the average number of new daily cases exceeding 14,800.

The strict entry requirements caused concerns among travellers, especially skiers, as Austria was a popular ski destination. It also created a clash with the UK's vaccination policy, leading to confusion and potential delays in travellers' plans to visit Austria.

In addition to the booster shot requirement, Austria also mandated a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. These measures applied to all countries, with the exception of virus variant areas. The country also implemented a 10-day quarantine for arrivals from specific regions, such as the UK, which was classified as a virus variant region due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

Overall, Austria's country classification during the COVID-19 pandemic was focused on mitigating the spread of the virus and protecting its citizens and visitors. The strict entry requirements, including the booster shot mandate, reflected the country's efforts to control the pandemic and ensure the safety of its residents and tourists.

Accepted vaccines

As of December 2021, Austria requires all tourists, including those from the UK, to show proof of a COVID-19 booster vaccine to enter the country. This mandate is in direct conflict with the UK's vaccination policy, which advises a three-month gap between the second dose and the booster jab. Austria requires a minimum of 120 days between the second and third doses, or the booster will not be considered valid for entry.

In addition to proof of a booster vaccine, travellers to Austria must also provide proof of full vaccination status and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. These restrictions apply to entry from all countries, except virus variant areas.

The Austrian government has stated that entry without proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 is not possible for vacation purposes. Travellers who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last 180 days may enter without a booster dose.

Frequently asked questions