Navigating Austria's Covid-19 Entry: What You Need To Know

Austria has been one of the countries in Europe hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe. In November 2021, the country entered its fourth nationwide lockdown, and in February 2022, it became the first European country to mandate COVID-19 shots. As of December 2021, Britons arriving in Austria are required to quarantine unless they have received a booster shot or can present a negative PCR test.

Booster shots for entry

As of December 2021, Austria has some of the strictest COVID-19 entry requirements in Europe. The country has introduced new rules for arrivals from the UK due to concerns about the spreading Omicron variant. All travellers from the UK need to have had a booster jab and a negative PCR test within 48 hours of their flight, which changed from the previous requirement of a 72-hour window. Travellers should ensure they have all the necessary QR codes as provided by the NHS COVID Pass or a letter confirming vaccination status, or they may be denied entry.

The new rules have caused some chaos, with hundreds of British tourists denied entry to Austria for failing to adhere to the updated travel restrictions. Many travellers were caught out by the change, with some having older tests and others not having received booster doses.

Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe, with only 65.7% of the population fully vaccinated. In November 2021, the country entered its fourth national lockdown since the pandemic began, with social mixing banned and non-essential shops closed for 10 days. The country has also made vaccinations mandatory from February 2022.

Booster shots are now available to all vaccinated individuals starting four months after their second dose. The National Vaccination Board has also said that fourth COVID-19 shots could be given 'off label' to groups in healthcare and other critical areas following medical consultation. However, the Board has said there is not enough data to recommend fourth shots be given more widely.

Quarantine requirements

As of December 2021, the Austrian government has implemented new travel rules that require British tourists to quarantine if they haven't received a booster Covid-19 vaccination or cannot present a negative PCR test. This has caused confusion for families travelling with teenagers, as 16 to 17-year-olds are unable to get the required booster to enter Austria. The UK travel advice website stated that children aged 12 to 18 could use the Holiday Ninja Pass, but this conflicted with information on Austria's travel advice page.

Under the new rules, anyone who is 16 or over will require a booster jab or face a 10-day quarantine. However, current UK guidance states that only those 18 or over are eligible for a booster jab. This means that 16 and 17-year-olds are effectively banned from entering Austria. The only exception is for under-12s, who are exempt from these travel restrictions, and 12 to 15-year-olds who can enter without a booster jab by using the Holiday Ninja Pass.

The new Austrian travel rules have sparked chaos, with some families left in a difficult position. It is important to note that these rules are subject to change, and travellers should refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information.

Vaccine pass for entry to restaurants

To enter restaurants in Austria, you must provide proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test, or recovery from past infection. This is part of the country's 2G rule, which applies to various public venues, including restaurants, hotels, and events.

Proof of vaccination can be presented in paper or digital form, showing the QR code and full details. For those vaccinated against COVID-19, the accepted forms of proof include the yellow Impfpass (vaccination booklet), data from the e-Impfpass (such as a printout of the vaccine certificate), the Grüner Pass app, or an EU digital COVID pass from another EU country.

For individuals vaccinated outside the EU or with a vaccine not approved by the EMA, non-EU vaccine certificates may be accepted, although this is not explicitly stated in the regulations. Some readers have reported being allowed entry to 3G venues using an NHS COVID certificate from the UK. If you encounter difficulties with a foreign vaccine pass, it is recommended to contact the editorial team of The Local at [email protected] for assistance.

It is important to note that the validity period for proof of vaccination is 270 days after the second dose. After this period, a third dose is required for entry to 2G venues. Additionally, children aged 12 to 15 who are not fully vaccinated can use the Ninja Pass, which requires overlapping tests, including at least one PCR test, to access restaurants.

Travel advice for UK citizens

As of December 2021, Austria has implemented several measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Here is some essential travel advice for UK citizens:

Entry Requirements

According to the UK travel advice website, British citizens aged 12 and above who are planning to enter Austria must present proof of either:

• A negative PCR test, taken no more than 48 hours before entry.
• Recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months.
• A booster vaccination, with the second dose administered at least 14 days before arrival.

Please note that there is conflicting information on the entry requirements for 16 to 17-year-olds. The Austrian travel advice page suggests that this age group is not eligible to enter without a booster vaccination. However, the UK travel advice website mentions that children aged 12 to 18 can use the Holiday Ninja Pass. It is recommended that you contact the Austrian embassy for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Local Restrictions

Austria has implemented a 10 pm curfew for bars and restaurants starting from December 27, with an earlier curfew on New Year's Eve. Additionally, the country has experienced multiple lockdowns and restrictions based on vaccination status. Please monitor the local guidelines and be prepared for potential changes to restrictions during your stay.

Mandatory Vaccination

From February 1st, 2022, Austria will introduce mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for its citizens. This may impact your ability to access certain services or institutions. Please refer to the Austrian government's website for further details.

Health System Impact

Austria's health system has been under significant pressure due to the pandemic. Intensive care units have been overcrowded, and the country has reported a high number of COVID-19-related deaths. Ensure that you follow all local health guidelines and take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk of infection.

Austria's low vaccination rate

Austria has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe. With a population of around 9 million, only 65.7% of the population is fully vaccinated. This has resulted in a record number of cases, with 15,809 new infections reported in one day, an all-time high. The low vaccination rate has also contributed to the country's high death toll of 11,525.

In response to the low vaccination rate and surging cases, Austria has imposed a new country-wide lockdown, the fourth since the pandemic began. The lockdown, which initially only applied to those unvaccinated, has been extended to all citizens. This means that people will be asked to work from home where possible, and non-essential shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourist attractions will be closed. Austrians will not be able to leave their homes except for essential reasons, such as buying food or travelling to work.

The Austrian government has also implemented several measures to curb the spread of the virus and encourage vaccinations. These include requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test for entry into establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and large events. In Vienna and other regions, only proof of vaccination or recovery is accepted, and masks are mandatory in certain indoor settings.

To address the low vaccination rate, the Austrian government has announced that vaccinations will be mandatory starting February 1st, 2022. Those who continue to refuse to get vaccinated will face fines. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg attributed the low vaccination rate to various factors, including political forces, vaccination opponents, and fake news.

Frequently asked questions