Antigen Testing In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria's stance on accepting antigen tests has changed over time. As of February 22, 2024, Austria accepts both PCR and rapid antigen tests for entry. The PCR test must be taken within 72 hours, and the rapid antigen test within 24 hours. However, as of November 21, 2021, Austria stopped accepting rapid antigen test results and only recognized PCR test results. In January 2022, most regions of Austria once again accepted at-home antigen tests as 3G proof, except for Vienna and Lower Austria.

Austria's acceptance of antigen tests for Covid-19

For Entry into Austria

As of February 22, 2024, Austria accepts both PCR and rapid antigen tests for entry. A PCR test must be taken within 72 hours, while a rapid antigen test must be taken within 24 hours to be accepted. These tests must be accompanied by proof of full vaccination or recovery from the virus, which is known as the "3-G-Rule."

For Daily Life in Austria

As of March 5, 2024, most Covid safety measures have been lifted in Austria, except for Vienna, where the "2-G" rule still applies in certain settings. Until this date, the "3-G" rule applies in Austrian restaurants, hotels, ski lifts, theatres, and other venues, meaning individuals need to be fully vaccinated, recovered from Covid, or tested to enter. Antigen tests are valid for 24 hours in most of Austria and 48 hours in Vienna.

Regional Differences

It is important to note that Vienna, the capital of Austria, has stricter rules than other regions. Vienna does not accept at-home antigen tests for the "3-G" rule and has not done so since September 2021. Lower Austria has also stated that at-home tests will not be accepted in the region.

Vienna and Lower Austria's refusal of at-home antigen tests

Vienna and Lower Austria have refused to accept at-home antigen tests as proof of a negative Covid test, a valid vaccine certificate, or recent recovery from the virus (together called 3G). This is despite most other regions in Austria accepting self-administered antigen tests as 3G proof.

The refusal of Vienna and Lower Austria to accept at-home antigen tests is due to the fact that these regions carry out more PCR tests than the other eight regions in Austria put together. As a result, they have stricter rules surrounding the type of tests they will accept. Vienna, for example, has not accepted any antigen tests for 3G, including those carried out by medical professionals, since September 2021.

The validity period of antigen tests

Austria's Acceptance of Antigen Tests:

As of February 22, 2022, Austria implemented the "3-G-Rule" for entry into the country, accepting both PCR and rapid antigen tests. However, on November 22, 2021, Austria stopped accepting rapid antigen test results due to rising COVID-19 rates. This change meant that Austria joined Slovenia in recognizing only PCR test results.

For a period of time in 2022, Austria did accept self-administered antigen tests as valid proof for entry into the country, except in the regions of Vienna and Lower Austria. These self-tests, often called "Wohnzimmertests" or "living room tests" in Austria, had to be recorded in an official system and verified. The test results were valid for a period of 24 hours from the time of testing.

Validity Periods in Other Contexts:

• Belgium: As of November 2021, Belgium accepted rapid antigen test results, with a validity period of up to one day after testing.
• European Union: Countries within the EU have set their own test-related guidelines. Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Iceland accepted antigen test results within 24 hours before entry. Meanwhile, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece had looser standards, accepting results up to 48 hours before entry.
• Spain: As of February 1, 2022, Spain aligned with European regulations, accepting antigen test results obtained within 24 hours prior to arrival. Previously, a 48-hour validity period was allowed.

Storage and Stability of Antigen Test Kits:

The validity period of an antigen test kit before it is used is also important to consider. The storage conditions and stability of these kits can impact their validity and accuracy. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Kit has a validity period of 18 months when stored at 2–30°C. Another antigen test kit has a validity period of 12 months when stored at 4–30°C.

PCR tests vs antigen tests

Austria accepts both PCR and rapid antigen tests for entry. However, it is important to note that the type of test, the timing, and the validity period for test results may vary depending on the specific requirements of the Austrian regions and the situation at hand.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests and rapid antigen tests are the two primary methods used to determine whether an individual has COVID-19. PCR tests are considered the "gold standard" for accuracy and are highly sensitive, making them capable of detecting even the smallest amounts of the virus. This test typically requires a nasal swab sample, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The drawback of PCR tests is the time it takes to receive results, usually around two to three days, and the higher cost associated with the process. Additionally, due to their high sensitivity, PCR tests may detect traces of the virus for weeks after the infectious period has passed.

On the other hand, rapid antigen tests are designed to detect the presence of viral proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These tests are quicker and more accessible, often providing results within 15 to 30 minutes. They are also more affordable and suitable for repeated testing. However, antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR tests, and their accuracy is lower, especially in asymptomatic individuals. Antigen tests require a higher viral load to produce a positive result, which may result in false negatives if the patient has a lower viral load.

Choosing the Right Test:

The choice between a PCR test and a rapid antigen test depends on the specific situation and requirements. If an individual is experiencing symptoms or has been exposed to COVID-19, a PCR test is recommended to determine their infection status accurately. In contrast, if quick results are needed, such as for returning to work or attending an event, a rapid antigen test may be more convenient. It is important to note that negative antigen test results may need to be confirmed with a PCR test for more reliable results.

Austria's entry requirements

As of February 22, Austria applies the "3-G-Rule" for travellers entering the country. This means that travellers must hold a valid certificate indicating vaccination, a negative test, or recent recovery from the virus. Travellers can prove their status using the NHS Covid app or the EU COVID-19 Certificate, and printed versions are also accepted.

Austria accepts both PCR and rapid antigen tests for entry. The PCR test must be taken within 72 hours, and the rapid antigen test within 24 hours. It is important to note that self-administered antigen tests, often called "living room tests" in Austria, are recognised as valid proof, but they must be recorded in an official system and verified. The test results are valid for 24 hours from the time of testing.

In addition to the testing requirements, Austria has imposed a validity period on vaccination passes. A vaccination pass should prove that the holder received their last vaccine dose within the last 270 days to be considered fully vaccinated. Travellers who have completed their primary vaccination more than 270 days ago need to receive a booster shot for their pass to remain valid.

For those planning to present a recovery certificate, this type of certificate is valid for 180 days for entry into Austria. It is important to note that when travelling from the UK, an NHS email or text of a positive test is not sufficient to prove recovery from the virus.

Travellers who do not hold a valid test, vaccination, or recovery certificate must undergo self-isolation immediately after entering Austria. They can leave quarantine as soon as they receive a negative test result.

From your hotel check-in to attending events, many places in Austria require "3-G" proof until March 4. These include accommodation, cultural institutions, indoor and outdoor events, leisure and sports facilities, and cable cars and ski lifts. After this date, all COVID-19 restrictions, including the "3-G" rule, will be lifted.

It is worth noting that Vienna, the capital of Austria, has different rules and stricter measures in place. Testing is mandatory from the age of six. Children aged six to eleven who are not fully vaccinated or recovered can use PCR tests (valid for 72 hours) or LFT/antigen tests (valid for 48 hours). Teenagers aged twelve to fifteen need to take a PCR test, which is valid for 48 hours. The "2-G" rule still applies in Vienna at hotels, restaurants, bars, and similar establishments.

Frequently asked questions