Austria's Covid Restrictions: What You Need To Know

Austria has had some of the strictest COVID-19 restrictions in Europe, including a lockdown for unvaccinated people and a vaccine mandate. However, as of February 2022, Austria has joined other European countries in loosening many of its remaining restrictions.

In November 2021, Austria became the first EU country to announce it would make coronavirus vaccinations mandatory and imposed a partial lockdown in response to spiralling infections. The lockdown meant that Austrians were not allowed to leave home except to go to work, shop for essentials and exercise. The restrictions initially lasted 20 days, with an evaluation after 10 days.

In addition, unvaccinated people in Austria were only allowed to leave their homes for work, food shopping or emergencies, and were required to show proof of vaccination or recovery to enter catering establishments, hotels, and sports and leisure facilities.

As of February 2022, Austria has lifted most of its remaining restrictions. However, masks must still be worn in certain areas, including on public transport and in taxis, and social distancing measures remain in place.

Face masks in indoor spaces

Austria has implemented a number of COVID-19 restrictions, including the use of FFP2 masks or equivalent in indoor public spaces. Here is a detailed overview of the face mask requirements in indoor spaces:

• Face masks are mandatory in ALL indoor public spaces, including shops, supermarkets, chemists, hotels, and restaurants/cafés.
• The use of FFP2 masks is required in these indoor settings.
• In accommodation settings, such as hotels, an FFP2 mask must be worn in all public areas.
• When visiting indoor attractions, such as cinemas, museums, swimming pools, and spas, proof of COVID status and an FFP2 mask are necessary at all times. Masks may be removed in certain designated areas.
• On ski lifts and cable cars, it is mandatory to wear an FFP2 mask.
• In public transport, such as taxis, buses, and trains, wearing a mask is required.
• In places of worship, maintaining a distance of at least one meter between people from different households is necessary, and a mask must be worn.
• In healthcare settings, such as pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes, masks are mandatory when the one-meter distance cannot be maintained or when no other protective measures, like plexiglass panels, are available.

These face mask requirements aim to curb the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of individuals in indoor spaces. It is important to adhere to these regulations and follow any updates or changes announced by the Austrian authorities.

Social distancing

From 23 October 2020, indoor gatherings were limited to six people, and outdoor gatherings were reduced to 12. Funerals were exempt from this rule.

On public transport and in taxis, individuals must wear masks in case of large crowds. Masks must also be worn in certain areas, including grocery stores, indoor events (except at the assigned seat), cable cars, coaches, gas stations, banks, post offices, pharmacies, nursing homes, and hospitals, as well as in places where health and nursing services are provided. If the one-metre distance cannot be maintained or no other protective measures (e.g. plexiglass panels) are available, masks are obligatory.

Mandatory vaccination

In February 2022, Austria became one of the few countries in the world to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all adults. The law called for fines of up to €3,600 for those who did not comply. However, just a month after the law took effect, it was suspended. The government stated that the danger posed by the pandemic no longer justified the “encroachment of fundamental rights” that the law entailed.

The suspension of the mandatory vaccination law was decided after consultations with the health minister. The highly contagious Omicron variant, which was predominant in Austria at the time, was believed to cause milder symptoms than previous strains. As a result, Austrian hospitals were able to cope with the surge in cases.

The mandatory vaccination policy caused deep divisions in the country and led to frequent protests. The health minister acknowledged that the element of compulsion had deterred some people from getting vaccinated. As of June 2022, only 62% of the population had a valid vaccination certificate, which is lower than many other Western European countries.

Despite suspending the mandatory vaccination law, Austria still has some COVID-19 restrictions in place. For example, individuals are required to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test to enter certain establishments, such as catering establishments, hotels, and sports and leisure facilities. Additionally, there are restrictions on international travel, with non-essential travel permitted only from certain countries.

Travel restrictions

Austria has implemented a series of travel restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions apply to both domestic and international travel and are subject to change based on the evolution of the pandemic. Here is an overview of the travel restrictions in Austria:

International Travel Restrictions:

• Austria permits non-essential travel from certain countries, including EU/EEA-associated countries, Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Travelers from these countries must possess proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of arrival.
• Travelers from risk areas, such as Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Sweden, are required to self-isolate for five days upon arrival and take a test at the end of the isolation period.
• Non-essential travel from other countries is not permitted. Essential travel includes work, study, urgent health, or family reasons. Individuals entering from these countries must present proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative COVID-19 test and follow the same self-isolation and testing requirements as those from risk areas.
• Austria has suspended flights with Brazil, India, and South Africa due to concerns about COVID-19 variants. Entry from these countries is restricted to Austrian citizens and residents, who must provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 24 hours of arrival.
• All travelers, regardless of their origin, must register with Austrian authorities prior to their arrival by completing the Pre-Travel Clearance form available online.
• Austria requires individuals to possess a "Green Pass" for various activities, including visiting catering establishments, hotels, and sports and leisure facilities. The Green Pass can be obtained by providing proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a recent negative COVID-19 test.

Domestic Travel Restrictions:

• Austria has imposed restrictions on unvaccinated individuals, including partial lockdowns and limited access to certain venues.
• A "2G rule" (vaccinated or recovered) or "2.5G rule" (vaccinated, recovered, or tested) may apply to various establishments, such as restaurants, bars, and cultural centers.
• Face masks, particularly FFP2 masks, are mandatory in indoor public spaces, including shops, supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. Masks are also required in outdoor settings where social distancing cannot be maintained and on ski lifts and cable cars.
• Social distancing of at least 2 meters is required in public spaces, and gatherings are limited to a certain number of people, depending on the setting and whether they are held indoors or outdoors.
• There may be restrictions on the opening hours of establishments, such as late-night clubs, bars, and restaurants, which may be required to close by midnight.
• Events and festivals have restrictions on maximum attendee numbers.

Testing requirements

Austria has implemented a series of testing requirements for travellers and residents to curb the spread of COVID-19. Here are the key testing requirements:

Testing for International Travel to Austria:

• Travellers from certain countries with a stable COVID-19 situation can enter Austria without restrictions. These countries are listed by the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.
• Travellers from remaining EU Member States and Schengen Associated countries must provide a negative SARS-CoV-2 test result not older than 72 hours or undergo a 10-day quarantine upon arrival.
• Children up to the age of 10 are exempt from compulsory testing upon entry.
• Third-country nationals may not enter Austria, except for those from specific countries, such as Australia, Canada, Japan, and others. These travellers must also meet the testing or quarantine requirements.

Domestic Testing Requirements:

• A negative COVID-19 test result is required for entry into certain establishments, such as catering establishments, hotels, and sports and leisure facilities. This can be demonstrated through the "Green Pass" system.
• The "Green Pass" is available to individuals who are vaccinated, have recovered from COVID-19, or have a recent negative test result. The pass is valid for different durations depending on the type of test.
• For vaccinated individuals, the Green Pass is valid for 22 days after the first dose and expires six months after the second dose.
• For recovered individuals, the Green Pass is valid for six months.
• Negative PCR tests are valid for 72 hours, antigen tests for 48 hours, and self-tests for 24 hours.
• Children aged 12 and above who are not fully vaccinated or recovered must obtain a "Holiday Ninja Pass," which requires multiple PCR and lateral flow tests during their stay.
• Face masks, particularly FFP2 masks, are mandatory in most indoor spaces, including shops, public transport, and certain outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible.

Please note that the information provided is based on the sources available and may not be exhaustive. It's always recommended to refer to official government sources and guidelines for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Frequently asked questions