Traveling To Austria During The Coronavirus Pandemic: Is It Safe?

Austria has imposed strict regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Austrian government has restricted freedom of movement for people, with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz urging people to go out only alone or with the people who live in their apartment. The country has also suspended air travel with many countries in the European Union, including Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Austria has also implemented border controls, with entry allowed only at certain border crossings and for people with the right documentation. As of February 2021, Austria had reported a total of 420,644 COVID-19 cases and 7,906 fatalities.

Entry requirements for Austria

As of 2024, Austria has lifted most of its COVID-19 related entry restrictions. However, it is important to note that health regulations can change rapidly based on global health situations. Here is an overview of the entry requirements for Austria:

Visa Requirements:

All non-EU citizens travelling to Austria, regardless of the purpose or length of their stay, must apply for a visa. The specific type of visa required depends on the traveller's nationality and reason for travel. For temporary stays, third-country nationals may need to apply for an ETIAS Visa Waiver or a Schengen Visa. For longer stays of more than 6 months, a residence permit is necessary.

Travel Documentation:

In addition to a valid visa, travellers to Austria may need to provide the following documentation:

• A valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond the planned stay.
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
• A return ticket or onward travel plans.
• Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria.
• Recent passport-sized photographs.

Health Requirements:

While there are currently no mandatory vaccination requirements for entry into Austria, it is recommended that travellers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Additionally, as of January 7, 2023, there are specific COVID entry restrictions for travellers coming from the People's Republic of China, who must carry a negative PCR test not older than 48 hours upon entry.

It is important to monitor the latest health advisories and travel warnings before planning any international travel, as requirements can change rapidly.

COVID-19 risk in Austria

As of November 2024, the CDC has given Austria a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, recommending that travellers avoid all nonessential travel to the country. The CDC also recommends that older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions avoid all travel to Austria. The German Health Minister has also classified Austria as a COVID-19 high-risk area.

Current Situation in Austria

As of July 2022, the COVID-19 risk to the health of the population in Austria is estimated to be low to moderate. However, the worldwide spread of the virus is likely, and this assessment may change in the short term due to new findings.

Austria has implemented a corona traffic light system, which assigns each district one of five categories: very low risk, low risk, medium risk, high risk, and very high risk.

Infection Control Measures and Strategy

The Austrian government has pursued the goal of detecting individual infections as early as possible to delay the further spread of the virus. The aim of this strategy is to gain time to prepare and learn more about the characteristics of the virus, identify risk groups, prepare protective measures for vulnerable groups, increase treatment capacities in hospitals, and develop antiviral drugs and vaccines.

National Health Measures

• FFP2 masks or equivalent must be worn in taxis, public transportation, stations, and places offering essential services such as supermarkets, banks, post offices, pharmacies, petrol stations, and public authorities.
• For events with more than 500 people, the organiser must formulate a COVID-19 prevention concept, and restrictions may apply.
• Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must self-isolate for at least 5 days. If medical care is not required, they must stay at home and avoid receiving private visitors. If they live with others, they should maintain physical distancing and use separate sanitary facilities.
• Anyone having problems accessing food or medication can contact the Austria Team (an initiative of the Austrian Red Cross and Hit Radio O3) at 0800 600 600 (free daily between 07:00 and 19:00) or their local authorities.
• In the event of acute medical care, call 1450. In case of emergency, dial 144.

Travel Restrictions

As of November 2024, there are no COVID-19 travel restrictions in Austria. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result. However, travellers entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk may need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, complete a pre-travel clearance form, and self-isolate for 10 days. This period can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days.

Rules for Entry

All travellers entering Austria must show either proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative PCR or antigen test. Travellers who do not have these documents must fill out a pre-travel clearance form. There may be additional requirements depending on the country of departure and Austria's classification of risk areas.

Children under 12 years of age are generally exempt from the requirement to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.

Rules for Transit

People who transit Austria without a stopover do not need to register via the pre-travel clearance form or provide a negative test result, proof of vaccination, or recovery from COVID-19.

Quarantine rules for Austria

As of June 2020, Austria lifted quarantine requirements for travellers from over 20 European countries, including Italy, Greece and Croatia. However, the situation is constantly evolving, and it is recommended to check for the latest updates before travelling.

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Austria, you are required to quarantine. Quarantine means staying at home, keeping a minimum of a two-metre distance from anyone you share a household with, and not receiving any visitors. Many regions in Austria have specific quarantine facilities available for tourists who test positive.

If you receive a positive antigen test result, you are considered a suspected COVID-19 case and must report the result to local authorities. You then need to take a PCR test within 48 hours and quarantine until you receive the result. If the PCR test is negative, you can end your quarantine; if it is positive, you need to continue it.

If you receive a positive PCR test result, you are considered a confirmed COVID-19 case. You need to inform health authorities and begin quarantine. The quarantine can be ended after ten days as long as you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. If you only had mild symptoms or were asymptomatic, you may be able to end quarantine after five days with a negative PCR test, as long as it's been at least 48 hours since you experienced any symptoms.

If you are identified as a close contact of a positive case, you need to quarantine for five days. After this period, you can end quarantine if you get a negative PCR test result. Some key workers, such as healthcare workers, can continue to work even after being identified as a close contact, but they must wear an FFP2 mask and receive a negative test result each day.

If you are travelling to Austria, it is recommended to get extended travel insurance that covers any possible pandemic-related situations, such as flight cancellations or health expenses.

Travel insurance for Austria

Travel insurance is not mandatory for visitors to Austria, but it is strongly recommended. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Austrian travellers to take out travel insurance, and it is mandatory if you need a Schengen visa to enter the country.

Travel insurance can protect you from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and more. It is especially important to have insurance that covers medical expenses, as these can be high for foreigners in Austria, and prescriptions are not covered without insurance.

If you plan to take part in winter sports, it is important to get additional coverage for winter sports and ski insurance. This can protect you against ski-specific risks such as piste and avalanche closure, as well as covering your equipment if it is lost or damaged.

AXA's Schengen travel insurance is a popular option for those travelling to Austria. It covers medical expenses up to €100,000 in Austria and other Schengen Area countries, and it allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. It also covers medical repatriation and transport, 24/7 medical assistance in English or French, and up to 180 days of coverage, all starting at €33 per week.

Allianz Assistance also offers travel insurance for Austria, with Single Trip, Annual Multi-Trip, and Backpacker policies available. Their Winter Sports and Ski Insurance add-on covers ski-specific risks and equipment loss or damage.

Safety precautions in Austria

As of December 2024, the CDC recommends that travellers avoid all non-essential international travel to Austria. Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions are advised to postpone all travel, including essential travel, to Austria. If you do travel to Austria, there are several safety precautions you should take to protect yourself and others.

Before you travel

If you are feeling unwell, you should not travel. Make sure you have enough prescription medication for your trip, and consider boosting your immune system. It is also a good idea to register yourself and your travel itinerary with your government/ministry/embassy.

During your travel

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
• Maintain a safe distance from others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid crowded places.
• Use a city bike rental service or walk instead of taking public transport.

If you feel unwell during your trip

If you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19, stay in your room/apartment and call the health hotline: 1450 (24 hours). You can also call the Coronavirus hotline: 0800 555 621 (24 hours).

After your trip

Monitor your health for any symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after your trip. Stay at least 6 feet away from others, wear a mask when outside your home, and wash your hands often.

Frequently asked questions