Omari Gates
Austria has lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, and travellers are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, travellers from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result, complete the pre-travel clearance form, and self-isolate for 10 days. This period can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days.
As of February 22, 2022, a negative test result for coronavirus was enough to enter Austria. When entering Austria, you need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or testing. An exception will be applied only for countries where coronavirus variants are spread.
Currently, all EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries are considered to be at low epidemiological risk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| PCR Test Required? | Yes, unless you have already received a booster vaccination. |
| PCR Test Validity | 72 hours |
| Antigen Test Required? | Yes, if you have not received a booster vaccination. |
| Antigen Test Validity | 24 hours |
| Countries with PCR Testing Exemption | None |
What You'll Learn
Do I need a PCR test to enter Austria if I am vaccinated?
The entry requirements for Austria have changed over time. As of February 2022, a negative PCR test result for coronavirus was enough to enter Austria. However, the rules have changed since then.
Current Entry Requirements:
As of July 2023, there are no COVID-19 related entry restrictions in Austria. Travellers no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result.
Previous Entry Requirements:
Previously, travellers were required to show a negative PCR test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19. This applied to all travellers, including Austrian nationals. However, there were some exceptions. For example, commuters were exempt from entry rules if they entered Austria regularly for work, educational reasons, or family reasons.
In addition, travellers who had received a booster vaccination were exempt from the additional PCR testing requirement.
Handwritten Austria Visa Forms: Allowed or Not?
You may want to see also
Do I need a PCR test to enter Austria if I am unvaccinated?
As of February 22, 2022, Austria opened its entry for foreigners with a negative PCR test. However, this requirement is not limited to unvaccinated individuals. When entering Austria, you will need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. An exception will be applied only for countries where coronavirus variants are spread.
You will need a PCR test not older than 72 hours or an antigen test not older than 24 hours.
If you are unable to provide a negative test result, you can get tested for free at the airport. No quarantine time is required unless the test that is taken at the airport results in positive. However, refusing to get tested will risk a fine of up to €1,450.
The Downfall of Germany and Austria-Hungary: Final Problems
You may want to see also
Do I need a PCR test to enter Austria if I have recovered from COVID-19?
If you have recovered from COVID-19, you may still need a PCR test to enter Austria. The requirements for entry depend on your vaccination status and where you are travelling from.
EU Digital COVID Certificate
If you are entering Austria with an EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC), you do not need to present a negative PCR test result. The EUDCC is accepted as proof of vaccination, proof of recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. For those who have recovered from COVID-19, the certificate is valid for 180 days. However, it is important to note that this certificate is not valid for entry on direct flights from Cyprus and Spain.
Vaccination Status
If you are fully vaccinated, you may not need a PCR test to enter Austria. The definition of "fully vaccinated" has changed, and now only includes individuals who have received a booster vaccination. This means that two doses of a vaccine are no longer sufficient to qualify as fully vaccinated. If you have received a booster dose, you are exempt from the additional PCR test requirement.
Recovery from COVID-19
If you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days and still test positive, you may be exempt from the PCR testing requirement. However, you must provide a medical certificate in German or English to confirm your recovery and that you no longer pose an epidemiological risk. This exemption only applies if you are entering Austria from a state or area with a low epidemiological risk.
Testing Requirements
If you do not meet the criteria for exemption, you must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Austria. Alternatively, you can take a rapid antigen test within 48 hours before your arrival. If you are unable to present a negative test result upon entry, you must take a PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in Austria. This test can be taken at official locations, such as pharmacies, and is offered free of charge.
Russia's Mobilization Against Austria: What Really Happened?
You may want to see also
Do I need a PCR test to enter Austria if I am a child?
The entry requirements for Austria depend on the traveller's age and country of origin.
Entry Requirements for Children Under 12
Children under 12 are exempt from providing proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. However, they must follow the same testing and quarantine requirements as their accompanying adults.
Entry Requirements for Children Aged 12 and Above
Travellers aged 12 or above must either:
- Be vaccinated and carry a medical certificate or vaccination certificate.
- Provide certification that they have recovered from COVID-19.
- Provide a pre-departure PCR test or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival.
Austria's Dark History: Concentration Camps and Complicity
You may want to see also
Do I need a PCR test to enter Austria if I am a commuter?
Commuters are exempt from entry rules when entering Austria regularly for reasons such as work, educational reasons, or family reasons. This does not apply for entry from virus variant areas.
If you are a commuter, you do not need to take a PCR test to enter Austria. However, if you are entering Austria from a country or area with a high epidemiological risk, you will need to provide a negative PCR test result.
As of 1 July 2024, travellers from EU Member States or Schengen Associated Countries are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result.
Travellers from outside the EU Member States or Schengen Associated Countries are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result, except when entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk.
Austria accepts both PCR and antigen tests. PCR tests must be taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, and antigen tests must be taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Austrian College Dorm Life: What to Expect
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you do not need a PCR test to enter Austria if you are vaccinated. However, if you have only received two doses of the vaccine, you will need to show a negative PCR test result.
If you have recovered from COVID-19, you will need to show a negative PCR test result to enter Austria.
Yes, if you are unvaccinated, you will need to show a negative PCR test result to enter Austria.
