Coronavirus In Austria: What You Need To Know

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been present in Austria since the outbreak began in March 2020. The country has implemented various measures to contain the virus, including lockdowns, border closures, social distancing, and mandatory facemasks. Austria has also introduced an entry test system, known as the 3G rule, which requires proof of vaccination, a negative test, or recovery from the virus to enter certain venues. The country has seen growing case numbers, with daily cases exceeding the March 2020 record of 1,050. However, Austria is no longer among the countries most affected by the virus or with the highest death toll. The vaccine rollout began in December 2020, and mass vaccinations started in 2021, allowing society to slowly reopen.

Austria's COVID-19 rules and measures

Austria has lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, but some vulnerable settings, such as nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities, still have rules in place. Here is an overview of the COVID-19 rules and measures in Austria:

Travel

Austria has lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, and travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result. However, those entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test and complete a pre-travel clearance form. They must also self-isolate for ten days, which can be shortened with a negative test after five days.

National Health Measures

• FFP2 masks or equivalents are required in vulnerable settings such as nursing homes and healthcare facilities.
• In Vienna, masks are compulsory for everyone aged 14 and above on public transport and in pharmacies. Children under six are exempt, and those aged six to 13 can wear regular masks.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must wear an FFP2 mask or an equivalent when in contact with others. This rule does not apply outdoors if a minimum distance of two metres can be maintained.
• For events with more than 500 people, organisers must formulate a COVID-19 prevention concept, and some restrictions may apply for larger gatherings.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate. If they do not require medical care, they must stay at home for at least five days and avoid receiving private visitors. If they live with others, they should practise physical distancing and use separate sanitary facilities.
• FFP2 masks are not required when using public transportation, but wearing one might be obligatory in certain regions, such as Vienna.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to self-isolate but must follow certain restrictions, such as wearing an FFP2 mask or an equivalent when in contact with others.
• Since August 1st, persons who test positive are prohibited from entering certain facilities, including nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, healthcare facilities, daycare facilities for the disabled and elderly, nursing schools, and primary schools. These restrictions apply for a maximum of ten days and can be lifted early with a negative PCR test or a CT value above 30.
• All shops and services are open without restrictions, but FFP2 masks are required in some outdoor areas where a two-metre distance cannot be maintained.
• Tourist accommodations, catering establishments, cinemas, museums, and indoor attractions are open without restrictions, but FFP2 masks are required in some cases.
• Outdoor areas and beaches are open without restrictions, but FFP2 masks are recommended when a two-metre distance cannot be maintained.
• Ski facilities are open without restrictions, but FFP2 masks are recommended when a two-metre distance cannot be maintained.
• Visitors to nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.
• The 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' is required to access nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities.
• Vaccination certificates (for two doses) are valid for 180 days or 210 days for those under 18. Certificates for further doses are valid for 365 days.

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Face masks in Austria

Austria has had various requirements for wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the country made it compulsory to wear face masks in supermarkets, on public transport, and in shops that were reopening. This was in parallel with the loosening of lockdown restrictions.

By June 2020, Austria had scrapped the requirement to wear face masks in shops and schools. However, they were still required on public transport, in hospitals, pharmacies, and at hairdressers.

In July 2020, due to an increase in coronavirus infections, the Austrian government reintroduced the requirement to wear face masks in supermarkets, banks, and post offices. Face masks continued to be mandatory in other places, including on public transport, in hospitals, and at hairdressers.

As of February 2023, the Austrian government had announced that all COVID-19 protective measures and special provisions would be phased out by June 30, 2023.

Social distancing and self-isolation in Austria

Austria introduced a national lockdown in the spring of 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing became the norm, and large venues, schools, universities, and entertainment establishments were closed. In 2021, 43% of the country considered the government's measures to be proportionate.

Self-Isolation Rules

Self-isolation rules in Austria have changed over time. As of July 2022, a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (confirmed with a PCR test) must isolate for at least five days. If they have had mild or no symptoms for the last 48 hours, they can leave their homes while following certain restrictions:

• Wear an FFP2 mask when in contact with others
• Do not visit facilities with vulnerable persons
• Do not go to bars, restaurants, or events
• Wear a mask at work

Alternatively, they can take a PCR test on the fifth day of infection. If the test is negative or has a CT value higher than 30, they are no longer required to isolate and can stop wearing masks or following other regulations.

In Vienna, the rules are slightly different. There is no intermediate stage, and individuals must either test negative or have a CT value higher than 30 to leave isolation after five days. Otherwise, they must wait for ten days for the isolation period to end automatically.

Possible Changes to the Rules

There have been calls to change the self-isolation rules, especially as new variants of the virus are resulting in milder cases but increased infectivity. This has led to staff shortages in several industries, including schools and supermarkets. There have been reports of a draft regulation dropping quarantine requirements and instead imposing a "traffic restriction" on infected individuals, allowing them to leave their homes while following certain restrictions, such as wearing an FFP2 mask.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed the existence of these draft papers but stated that no decisions have been made yet. The changes could come into effect as early as August 1st. During the "traffic restriction" phase, infected people may be banned from entering certain areas or events, especially those with vulnerable populations, such as healthcare facilities, kindergartens, and elementary schools. However, they may be allowed to visit restaurants, clubs, swimming pools, and sports facilities if they wear masks.

It is important to note that individual states in Austria can impose their own more restrictive measures. For example, in most of Austria, individuals can enter the restriction phase without a negative test, but in Vienna, a negative test is required to resume normal activities after five days of isolation.

Austria's COVID-19 vaccination status

Austria saw growing coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers at the outbreak in March 2020. In response, the country introduced a national lockdown in the spring of 2020 to prevent further spread of the virus. Large venues, cultural, retail, and entertainment establishments were closed, as were schools and universities. Travel restrictions were also implemented.

Current Status

As of February 1, 2023, the Austrian government has announced that all COVID-19 protective measures and any special provisions will be phased out by June 30, 2023.

Vaccine Uptake

The vaccine uptake in Austria was initially slower than in other countries, which led the government to make vaccination mandatory on March 15, 2022. However, this decision was met with controversy and was abolished on June 23, 2022.

According to a source from October 2023, 45% of pupils, 83% of teachers, and 84% of university students had a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate at the beginning of February 2022.

Travel

COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted in Austria. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, there are some exceptions for travellers entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk. In such cases, proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test may be required, along with self-isolation and completion of a pre-travel clearance form.

Austria's international travel restrictions

Austria is one of the European countries that belong to the Schengen Area, which allows its residents to travel freely without restrictions within their borders. As of 2024, Austria has lifted all entry restrictions for international tourists, meaning that visitors no longer need to show proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test. This is in contrast to countries like Germany and Portugal, which still require travelers to follow entry rules.

Previously, vaccinated travelers had to show evidence of vaccination to enter Austria, while unvaccinated arrivals needed to prove they had recovered from Covid within the last six months or had a negative Covid test.

In general, non-essential travel to Austria is permitted, and quarantine is not required for arrivals from the following countries:

• EU and EEA-associated countries
• Albania
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Australia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brunei
• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kosovo
• Macau
• Moldova
• New Zealand
• Qatar
• North Macedonia
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• The US

All persons arriving in Austria must satisfy one of the following conditions to enter the country:

• Present a vaccination certificate
• Present proof of past infection and recovery
• Present a negative result from a molecular COVID-19 test issued no more than 72 hours before arrival
• Present a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test issued no more than 48 hours before arrival
• Take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival

Travel from other countries is permitted subject to the above requirements, although unvaccinated travelers must register with the authorities before arrival and self-isolate for 10 days. This self-isolation period may be ended early by receiving a negative result from a COVID-19 molecular or antigen test taken on the fifth day after arrival.

Frequently asked questions