Austria's Green List Status: What You Need To Know

Austria was added to the green list for arrivals to England in August 2021. The country's addition to the list meant that arrivals from Austria could avoid quarantine on entry to the UK, regardless of their vaccination status. Instead, they must take a Covid PCR test within two days of arriving and present a negative lateral flow test prior to their departure to the UK.

Austria was added to the UK green list in August 2021

Austria was added to the UK's green list in August 2021, along with Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, and Norway. The green list is part of the UK government's traffic light system for international travel, indicating countries that travellers can return from without needing to quarantine, regardless of vaccination status. The UK's Department for Transport (DfT) added these countries to the list after confirming that they "demonstrated they posed a low risk to UK public health".

The addition of Austria to the green list meant that travellers arriving in the UK from Austria would not need to quarantine, but they would need to take a COVID PCR test within two days of arriving and present a negative lateral flow test prior to their departure to the UK. These changes came into effect in England at 4 am on Sunday, 8 August 2021.

The inclusion of Austria on the green list was welcomed by the travel industry, which had been advocating for more countries to be added to facilitate the recovery of the sector. Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, urged the government to "end uncertainty and allow people to benefit from our world-leading vaccination programme". Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, highlighted the importance of opening routes to the Middle East for business travel.

While the addition of Austria to the green list was positive news for travellers and the travel industry, it is important to note that the situation can change rapidly. The UK government stated that it would "not hesitate to take action" if a country's epidemiological picture changed. Indeed, as of November 2022, Austria was no longer on the green list for travel to England, indicating a dynamic and evolving situation with respect to travel restrictions.

Travellers from Austria to the UK do not need to quarantine

Austria has been added to the UK's green list for travel, meaning travellers from Austria to the UK do not need to quarantine. The UK government confirmed that arrivals from Austria can avoid quarantine on entry to the UK, regardless of vaccination status. The rule change came into effect in England at 4 am on Sunday 8 August 2021.

The green list is part of the UK's traffic light system for international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries on the green list are considered low risk and have relaxed entry requirements for travellers returning to the UK.

In addition to Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, and Norway were also added to the green list in the same update. This expansion of the green list was welcomed by the travel industry, which had been pushing for more countries to be added to help recover from the impact of the pandemic.

While travellers from Austria to the UK do not need to quarantine, they must follow certain testing requirements. They must take a COVID PCR test within two days of arriving in the UK and present a negative lateral flow test before departure to the UK. These testing requirements apply to all travellers, regardless of vaccination status.

It is important to note that travel restrictions and requirements can change frequently, so travellers should always check the latest government advice before planning or embarking on their journey.

Austria, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, and Romania were added to the list

Austria, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, and Romania were added to the UK's green list for travel in August 2021. The green list is part of the traffic light system for international travel, indicating that arrivals from these countries do not need to quarantine upon entry to the UK. The UK's Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that these countries demonstrated a low risk to UK public health.

The addition of these countries to the green list meant that travellers arriving from these destinations could avoid quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status. Instead, they were required to take a Covid PCR test within two days of arriving and present a negative lateral flow test prior to their departure to the UK. These changes came into effect in England at 4 am on Sunday, 8 August 2021.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, commented on the update, stating that the UK government was “committed to opening up international travel safely” and taking advantage of the gains made through their successful vaccination programme. Shapps also acknowledged the importance of connecting families, friends, and businesses around the world.

While the update was welcomed by the travel industry, there were also calls for the government to go further and simplify the traffic light system to boost traveller confidence and support the recovery of the travel sector. It is worth noting that the green list is regularly reviewed, and countries can be added or removed based on changes in their epidemiological situation.

The inclusion of Austria, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, and Romania on the green list was a significant development, allowing travellers from these countries to enter the UK with greater ease and providing more options for UK residents planning their travels.

The green list is part of the UK's traffic light system for international travel

On 4 August 2021, Austria was added to the green list in the UK government's latest update to the traffic light system for international travel. The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that Austria, along with Germany, Slovenia, Slovakia, Latvia, Romania, and Norway, demonstrated a low risk to UK public health. The changes came into effect in England at 4 am on Sunday, 8 August.

While the green list allows quarantine-free travel, it is important to note that travellers are still subject to specific testing requirements. In addition to the Covid PCR test and the lateral flow test mentioned earlier, travellers may also need to take additional tests, depending on the country they are coming from. It is essential for travellers to stay informed about the latest testing requirements and guidelines to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience.

The UK's traffic light system for international travel is subject to ongoing review, and countries may be added or removed from the green list based on changes in their epidemiological situation. The government has stated that it will not hesitate to take action if a country's public health risk assessment changes. This dynamic approach allows the UK to adapt its travel restrictions and keep its citizens safe while gradually reopening international travel.

The addition of Austria to the green list was welcomed by the travel industry, which had been advocating for more countries to be added. This move not only facilitated travel for people with connections to Austria but also boosted business and tourism between the two countries. It is important to note that the green list and the traffic light system may evolve over time, and travellers should stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines to ensure a smooth travel experience.

The list was updated by the Department for Transport (DfT)

The DfT's decision was based on the assessment that these countries demonstrated a low risk to UK public health. The update to the traffic light system for international travel was welcomed by the transport secretary, Grant Shapps, who emphasized the government's commitment to opening up international travel safely while leveraging the gains from the UK's successful vaccination programme.

The inclusion of Austria and the other six countries on the green list allows travellers arriving from these destinations to avoid quarantine upon entry to the UK. Instead, they are required to take a Covid PCR test within two days of their arrival and present a negative lateral flow test before their departure to the UK.

The latest update to the green list provides more options for travellers and boosts the travel and tourism industry. It is worth noting that the green list comprises 36 destinations, 16 of which are on the green watchlist due to their risk of changing from green to amber. While no countries were moved from green to amber in this update, travellers are advised to stay informed about any changes to the traffic light system.

The Department for Transport's update to the green list, including Austria, is a positive step towards resuming international travel and boosting the economy. It remains to be seen whether other devolved nations, such as Scotland and Wales, will mirror England's changes to the traffic light lists.

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