Austria's Covid Rules: What You Need To Know

As of January 2025, Austria has ended its hard lockdown, but tightened rules in response to the Omicron variant. The following rules apply nationwide, with some regions introducing stricter measures. A nationwide lockdown is in place for anyone without proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19. This means people in this group can only leave the home for essential reasons. Face masks, in particular FFP2 masks, must be worn in all indoor public spaces and on public transport. From January 11th, masks will also be required in outdoor spaces where a two-metre distance cannot be maintained.

Face masks

From 11 January 2022, masks will also be required in outdoor spaces where a two-metre distance cannot be maintained. Regions can introduce additional outdoor mask mandates in busy areas.

In Vienna, face masks are compulsory for everyone aged 14 and over on public transport and in pharmacies. Children younger than six are exempt, and those aged six to 13 can wear regular face masks.

People who test positive for COVID-19 must wear an FFP2 mask or equivalent when in public. This rule does not apply if a minimum distance of two metres from other people can be maintained.

Travel restrictions

As of July 2021, the Austrian "COVID-19 Entry Regulation 2021" divided entry to the country into three categories:

• Entry from countries with a low incidence of infection: tested, vaccinated, and recovered persons may enter without quarantine. Negative PCR tests must not be older than 72 hours, negative antigen tests must not be older than 48 hours, and self-tests recorded by authorities are also valid for a maximum of 24 hours under certain conditions. A vaccination document issued in English or German counts as proof of vaccination. A certificate of recovery is a medical or official confirmation in German or English of an infection survived in the past six months.
• Entry from virus variant countries: a negative PCR test is required upon entry, and a mandatory ten-day quarantine is also required for the majority of business travellers.
• A quarantine requirement applies to entry from all other countries. Vaccinated persons from these states do not need to quarantine, but tested persons do.

In addition, all arrivals must complete a "Pre Travel Clearance" online registration form no earlier than 72 hours before the planned entry into Austria when entering from category 2 and 3 countries.

From 22 November 2021, Austria replaced the '3-G-Rule' with the '2.5-G-Rule', meaning rapid antigen tests are no longer accepted to enter Austria. Only PCR tests and proof of vaccination or recovery are recognised.

From 6 December 2021, vaccination certificates proving that the holder has taken two vaccine doses are valid for nine months only.

From 4 January 2022, those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson will be required to prove that they have received a booster shot in order to be considered fully vaccinated when entering Austria.

From August 2021, travellers from the UK are permitted to enter Austria. The rules vary depending on inoculation status. Unvaccinated travellers, or those who had their second dose more than a year ago, are permitted to visit but must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival. Travellers who have been double-jabbed within the last 12 months do not need to quarantine.

From July 2022, COVID-19 travel entry restrictions were lifted in Austria. Travellers are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result, except when entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk. Travellers entering from these countries or areas are required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test, complete the pre-travel clearance form, and self-isolate for 10 days (this period can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days).

Testing

The type of test required depends on where a person is travelling from. Travellers from countries with a low incidence of infection may enter Austria quarantine-free with a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, a negative antigen test no older than 48 hours, or a self-administered antigen test recorded in an official data processing system and no older than 24 hours. Travellers from countries with a high epidemiological risk must provide proof of vaccination, recovery, or testing, complete a pre-travel clearance form, and self-isolate for 10 days (with the option to end self-isolation early with a negative test after 5 days). Commuters from countries not in category 1 or 2 must present a PCR or antigen test no more than 72 hours old.

From 22 November, Austria replaced the '3G rule' with the '2.5G rule', meaning rapid antigen tests are no longer accepted to enter the country. Only PCR tests and proof of vaccination or recovery are recognised.

In addition to the above, testing is also required for entry to restaurants, bars, theatres, cultural and sports events. Entry to nightclubs is only permitted with proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours.

Vaccination certificates

In Austria, the 'EU Digital COVID Certificate' is required to access nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities. Stricter rules may apply at the regional level.

The EU Digital COVID Certificate is an umbrella term for a system to provide simple, safe, and verifiable proof of coronavirus vaccination, recovery from infection, or a negative test result. The certificate is available in three types: vaccination certificates, test certificates, and certificates of recovery. Each certificate has an EU-compliant QR code that forms the basis for checks by authorised entities. The certificate can be saved on electronic devices such as smartphones, or printed out.

• Vaccination certificates for COVID-19 vaccines that require two doses (e.g., BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna) are valid for 180 days from the day of the second vaccination.
• For entry into Austria, these vaccination certificates or other proof of vaccination are valid for 270 days from the day of vaccination.
• Vaccination certificates for COVID-19 vaccines that require only one dose (including Janssen) are no longer valid in Austria as of 3 January 2022. However, these certificates remain valid for entry into the country.
• Vaccination certificates for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 and have been vaccinated at least once are valid for 180 days from the day of vaccination. For entry into Austria, these certificates or other proof of vaccination are valid for 270 days from the day of vaccination.
• Vaccination certificates for an additional dose after the first series of vaccinations are valid for an additional 270 days from the day of vaccination.
• For children and young people between 12 and 17 years old, vaccination certificates are valid for 210 days (7 months).
• Certificates can be issued for all COVID-19 vaccinations recorded in the e-vaccination passport register and approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
• The validity of the certificate is not affected if a complete series of vaccinations is composed of two different vaccines, as long as they are approved by the EMA.
• The day of vaccination counts as day zero, and an additional dose may only be given 90 days later at the earliest.
• A new 3/3 certificate will be issued retrospectively to those who received their third vaccination before the 90-day minimum waiting period.

Entering Austria

• Travellers entering Austria are not required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test result, except when entering from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk.
• For travellers from countries or areas with a high epidemiological risk, proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test is required, along with the completion of a pre-travel clearance form and self-isolation for 10 days (which can be shortened with a negative test after 5 days).
• A vaccination document issued in English or German, such as the yellow vaccination certificate, is accepted as proof of vaccination.

Public spaces

As of July 2022, Austria has lifted almost all COVID-19 measures, except in vulnerable settings such as nursing homes, residential facilities for the disabled, and healthcare facilities. However, stricter rules may apply at the regional level. Here is an overview of the rules for public spaces:

Face Masks and FFP2 Masks

In general, wearing an FFP2 mask is required in all enclosed public areas. This includes public transport, shops, supermarkets, hairdressers, salons, hotels, restaurants, and cafes, except while seated at a table. Children under the age of 7 are exempt from wearing masks, and children under 14 and pregnant women may wear a cloth or surgical face mask instead of an FFP2 mask. From January 11th, 2022, masks are also required in outdoor spaces where a two-metre distance cannot be maintained.

2G and 3G Rules

Austria implemented the '2G rule' for everyone within the country, including tourists. This means that individuals must present proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 to access different indoor areas and activities. Additionally, the '3G rule' – tested, recovered, vaccinated – is also in place for certain spaces. This includes hotels and accommodation, leisure facilities, culture venues, events with 100 or more participants, trade and consumer shows, and congresses.

Social Gatherings

For gatherings of 100 or more people, advance registration is required. Gatherings of 500 or more people need prior authorisation. There are no longer any upper limits on participants or restrictions on capacity.

Tourism

Tourist accommodations, catering establishments, cinemas, museums, and indoor attractions are open without restrictions. However, stricter rules may apply at the regional level. For example, in Vienna, FFP2 masks are compulsory for everyone aged 14 and above on public transport and in pharmacies. Children under 6 are exempt, and those aged 6 to 13 can wear regular face masks.

Frequently asked questions