Austria's Quarantine Rules: How Long Do They Last?

Quarantine rules in Austria have changed over time and have depended on factors such as vaccination status, the region of Austria, and the reason for quarantine. In 2021, Austria required a 10-day quarantine for those not fully vaccinated entering the country, which could be shortened to five days with a negative RT-PCR test. In 2022, Austria abolished mandatory quarantine for those infected with COVID-19, instead requiring them to wear FFP2 masks and maintain a two-metre distance.

Quarantine for tourists: two weeks, or a negative test result

Austria has recently abolished the mandatory quarantine for people infected with COVID-19. However, there are still some requirements for tourists entering the country.

As of July 2022, Austria is requiring arriving tourists to quarantine for two weeks or provide a valid negative COVID-19 test result. This applies to those arriving by air from the EU, UK, or Switzerland. Third-country nationals travelling from inside the Schengen area by air must also carry a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test result and are obligated to commit to a 14-day quarantine.

The certificate cannot be older than four days when entering Austria. Without it, entry will be denied. Transiting the Austrian territory without a stopover is permitted. Austrian citizens or people with primary, secondary, or habitual residence in Austria do not have to produce such a certificate if they commit to a 14-day quarantine in their place of residence.

Previously, the quarantine period for people infected with COVID-19 was 10 days, with the option of shortening it to five days with a negative swab test. Seven federal states in Austria had extended the quarantine period to 14 days in response to new mutations.

Quarantine for Austrian citizens: 14 days without a negative test result

Austrian citizens returning to Austria from abroad are required to produce a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry. Without this certificate, Austrian citizens must commit to a 14-day quarantine in their place of residence.

However, as of August 2022, Austria has abolished the mandatory quarantine for people infected with the coronavirus. This means that those who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to self-isolate, but they must wear an FFP2 mask and maintain a distance of two metres when in public spaces.

Previously, the quarantine period for people infected with SARS-Cov-2 in Austria was 10 days, with the option to shorten it to five days if a negative swab test was provided. In March 2021, seven federal states in Austria extended the quarantine period to 14 days in response to new mutations of the virus.

For travellers arriving in Austria, the quarantine requirements have varied over time. At one point, arriving tourists were required to quarantine for two weeks or provide a valid negative test result. Alternatively, they could pay to take a test upon arrival to avoid the quarantine. For those who were not fully vaccinated, a 10-day self-quarantine was required, which could be shortened to five days with a negative RT-PCR test.

Quarantine for those infected with Covid: previously 10 days, now abolished

As of 1 August 2022, Austria has abolished the mandatory quarantine for people infected with Covid. Prior to this, those who tested positive for the virus had to quarantine for 10 days, with the option of shortening this period to five days if they received a negative swab test result. The new decree from the Ministry of Health of Vienna states that infected people can move freely as long as they wear an FFP2 mask and maintain a distance of two metres.

In March 2021, seven federal states in Austria extended the quarantine period for people infected with SARS-CoV-2 from 10 to 14 days. The regions of Vienna, Burgenland, Salzburg, Carinthia, Styria, Lower and Upper Austria took these measures in response to new mutations that had already reached some parts of the country.

Quarantine for those not fully vaccinated: 10 days, or five days with a negative test

Austria has recently changed its rules on quarantine for those not fully vaccinated. Previously, those not fully vaccinated were required to quarantine for 10 days upon reaching Austria. However, this could be shortened to five days with a negative RT-PCR test. Now, Austria has abolished the mandatory quarantine for people infected with the coronavirus. Instead, the infected can move freely as long as they wear an FFP2 mask that can only be removed on the street and maintain a distance of two metres.

It is important to note that these rules may change, and it is always best to check the latest official guidance before travelling. Additionally, different rules may apply to travellers from different countries, and some countries may have specific requirements for entry into Austria. For example, fully vaccinated Indians were previously required to obtain pre-travel clearance with advanced registration and undergo a 10-day self-quarantine upon reaching Austria.

Upon entry into Austria, travellers are typically required to produce a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test result. The certificate cannot be older than four days when entering Austria. Without the certificate, entry will be denied. Austrian citizens or people with primary, secondary, or habitual residence in Austria may be exempt from this requirement but must commit to a 14-day quarantine in their place of residence.

Quarantine for those with SARS-Cov-2: 14 days

Austria has had a variety of quarantine rules in place since the start of the pandemic. In 2021, seven federal states in Austria decided to extend the quarantine period for people infected with SARS-Cov-2 from 10 to 14 days. This was in response to new mutations that had already reached some of the regions in Austria. However, in 2022, Austria abolished the mandatory quarantine for people infected with the coronavirus. As of today, there is no mandatory quarantine for those infected with SARS-Cov-2.

Prior to this, Austria had a mandatory 10-day quarantine for those infected with the coronavirus, with the option of shortening it to five days with a negative swab test. Those who were not fully vaccinated and were arriving in Austria from abroad were also required to undergo a 10-day self-quarantine upon arrival. This could be shortened to five days with a negative RT-PCR test.

At one point, Austria also required arriving tourists at the airport to quarantine for two weeks or provide a valid negative test result. This could be avoided by paying almost 200 Euros for a test. Austrian citizens or residents could also choose to commit to a 14-day quarantine in their place of residence instead of providing a negative test result.

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