Exploring Austria: Entry Rules And Regulations

The rules for entering Austria have changed over time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of May 2021, Austria's coronavirus quarantine requirement was relaxed, and entry from most countries was unrestricted, except for areas deemed 'high risk' or where variants of the virus were prevalent.

From June 2021, Austria's entry rules changed again. Now, travellers from the following countries can enter Austria without restrictions:

- Australia

- New Zealand

- Singapore

- South Korea

- Iceland

- The Vatican

However, entry from Brazil, India, South Africa, and the United Kingdom is prohibited. A landing ban is also in place for these countries, with some exceptions, such as for humanitarian workers and those summoned by the courts.

All travellers to Austria, except those transiting without stopping, must fill out a form. Travellers from high-risk countries or those where coronavirus variants are prevalent must also show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or recovery from the virus.

Entry requirements for Austria

The requirements for entering Austria depend on several factors, including your vaccination status, country of origin, and reason for travel. Here is a detailed breakdown of the entry requirements:

Vaccination Status

To enter Austria, individuals are typically required to provide proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test. This is often referred to as the 3G rule ("Getestet, Geimpft, Genesen," which translates to "Tested, Vaccinated, Recovered"). However, specific requirements may vary depending on the country of origin and other factors.

Country of Origin

The entry requirements for Austria differ based on the country of origin. Here is an overview:

• EU/Schengen Area: Travellers from EU/Schengen countries are generally allowed to enter Austria without restrictions. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries within this area may be designated as "high-risk," and additional requirements may apply.
• Non-EU/Schengen Countries: Travellers from non-EU/Schengen countries may have additional entry requirements, such as providing proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test. Entry from certain countries with a high epidemiological risk may be restricted or prohibited.
• Virus Variant Countries: Entry from countries designated as "virus variant" areas may be prohibited, except for specific exemptions, such as Austrian citizens, EU/EEA citizens, or visits for professional or urgent family reasons.

Reason for Travel

The entry requirements may also vary depending on the purpose of your travel. For example, commuters, individuals travelling for urgent family reasons, or those transiting through Austria without a stopover may have different or simplified entry requirements.

Testing and Quarantine

Testing and quarantine requirements can vary based on the country of origin and vaccination status. In some cases, individuals may be required to undergo quarantine upon arrival, especially if they are coming from high-risk areas. The duration of quarantine can range from 5 to 10 days and can often be shortened with a negative COVID-19 test.

Children

Children under a certain age may be exempt from testing and vaccination requirements. The specific age limit can differ depending on the country's regulations and the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

Official Sources and Further Information

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, it is recommended to refer to official sources, such as the websites of the Austrian Federal Ministry and the European Union's Re-open EU platform. These sources will provide the most accurate and timely information regarding entry requirements, as the regulations may change frequently.

Rules for children entering Austria

When travelling with children, you will need to bring some additional travel documents. The documents you need will depend on the following factors:

• Your country of departure, transfer, and destination
• Your country of residence

It is advised to check the embassy website of the country you are visiting. For detailed information, you can also check the travel documents tool.

Travel Documents

Children of European Union citizens travelling from, to, or via EU countries need to carry their own passport or ID card. Having their names entered in their parent's passports is no longer permitted. This restriction does not apply to document holders of the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Consent Form for Minors

If your child is travelling alone, with only one parent or guardian, or with an adult who does not have parental authority, you will need to complete a consent form before going through security control.

If your child has a different last name than you, bring the family booklet or birth certificate to prove your connection.

Extra Documents for Specific Destinations

You might need to bring various additional documents for your child for specific destinations. You can find detailed information about all destinations in the travel documents tool.

All children younger than 18 years and travelling to Barbados without a parent or legal guardian need to bring a letter of authorisation from their parent or legal guardian. When travelling alone, their parent or legal guardian needs to submit a request to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) via [email protected].

For travel to and from Brazil, all children born in Brazil need to bring several documents, regardless of their company.

For travel to and from South Africa, some children require special documentation: children with South African nationality and children of any nationality travelling as unaccompanied minors.

Covid-19 Related Rules

As of May 2022, there are no entry requirements for children regardless of vaccination status. However, arrivals to Germany (Munich Airport) and transit to Austria require all passengers (over 12 years) to show proof of full vaccination, recovery within the last 6 months, or a negative test (PCR or LFD / 48-hour validity) on arrival. Children under 12 are exempt from testing.

Exemptions to entry rules

The circumstances under which you can enter Austria depend on your reason for travel, and on your vaccination or recovery status.

Exemptions for Austrian citizens and residents

Austrian citizens, members of the EU/EEA, and persons having legal authorisation to live in Austria are exempt from the rule that travellers from the United Kingdom must quarantine for ten days upon arrival in Austria. Within 180 days of arriving in Austria, these travellers need to be vaccinated entirely or have recovered from COVID within the last 72 hours and complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before arrival.

Exemptions for family reasons

Those with urgent family needs are exempt from the rule that travellers from the United Kingdom must quarantine for ten days upon arrival in Austria. Within 180 days of arriving in Austria, these travellers need to be vaccinated entirely or have recovered from COVID within the last 72 hours and complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before arrival.

Exemptions for those whose presence is in the country's best interests

Those whose presence is regarded to be in the country’s best interests are exempt from the rule that travellers from the United Kingdom must quarantine for ten days upon arrival in Austria. Within 180 days of arriving in Austria, these travellers need to be vaccinated entirely or have recovered from COVID within the last 72 hours and complete a pre-travel clearance form not more than 72 hours before arrival.

Exemptions for children

Children under the age of 12 do not need to present a test result if they travel with an adult. If the accompanying adult is required to self-isolate, the child must do the same. The child and the adult can then exit their respective states of self-isolation at the same moment. The same rules apply to children who are travelling alone. Children aged 12 to 15 who are not fully vaccinated can use a “Holiday Ninja Pass” to enter ski-resort venues.

Exemptions for cross-border commuters

Cross-border commuters are also allowed to enter without restriction.

Exemptions for people in transit

People in transit are also allowed to enter without restriction.

Exemptions for those travelling from Germany

When the rules were announced on May 18th, Germany - which was coloured red at the time - was also announced as an exception. This means people can arrive from Germany without restriction.

Entry requirements for UK citizens

As of January 24th, 2022, there is no longer any distinction based on which country you travel from after Austria scrapped its virus variant list. However, this has been scrapped and reinstated at different points during the pandemic, so this could change.

To enter Austria, UK citizens need to follow the 2G+ rule. This means that you need proof of 2G (two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine or recovery from the virus) as well as either proof of a booster dose or a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours on entry to Austria.

Only a few groups are allowed to enter Austria without 2G proof, including Austrian and EU residents, as well as pregnant women and people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

If you meet the 2G requirement but do not have a booster or negative PCR result, then you need to fill out the pre-travel clearance form before travel and enter quarantine on arrival, which can be ended after receiving a negative PCR test result. If you recovered from Covid-19 after receiving a full course of vaccination, you do not need to show a negative PCR test result.

Children aged 12 and under do not need to show any entry proof. Children up to the age of 17 are able to enter Austria without needing to quarantine if they are accompanied by fully vaccinated or recovered adults, but between the ages of 12 to 17 they still need to have their own proof of 3G.

In some cases, you will need to fill out a pre-travel form giving details about your personal information and the duration and location of your stay. You can find an English-language online version of the form here.

To enter Austria, you must have been vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine or one approved by the WHO. The WHO approval requirement means vaccines from more manufacturers are accepted. This includes:

• Comirnaty (BioNtech/Pfizer)
• Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca
• Covishield from Serum Institute of India
• COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen from Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals
• Moderna
• Sinopharm SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated (InCoV)
• Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine, SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine (Vero Cell), Inactivated

Recent changes to the entry requirements

From June 15th, 2021, measures in Austria have been relaxed. People now only need to wear a mask on public transport and in the health sector, such as in pharmacies, hospitals, etc.

From May 19th, 2021, Austria's coronavirus quarantine requirement was lifted. Entry from most countries was unrestricted, other than areas deemed 'high risk' or where variants of the virus were prevalent.

Entry requirements for US citizens

US citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria for a holiday of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, they will need to ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their planned date of departure from the Schengen area, and it is recommended to have six months' validity to avoid needing to prove their departure date. US citizens will also need to show proof of sufficient funds and a return plane ticket.

From spring 2025, travellers from the US will require an ETIAS travel authorisation to enter Austria.

If a US citizen intends to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days, or wishes to work in Austria, they must obtain an Austrian visa. This can be done by applying at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria, or by applying in Austria before their 90-day stay has expired. Applications for residence permits may take up to six months to process.

Frequently asked questions