Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria has implemented several measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns and vaccination requirements for entry into establishments and the country itself. As of November 2021, Austria had placed millions of unvaccinated individuals under lockdown, restricting their movement outside their homes except for essential activities. The country has also opened its borders to vaccinated international travellers, recognising specific vaccines as valid proof of vaccination. This raises the question: what does it mean to be fully vaccinated in Austria?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of population fully vaccinated | 65% |
| Vaccines recognised as valid proof of vaccination | BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm |
| Vaccines recognised as valid proof of vaccination for hotels, restaurants, etc. | BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna |
| Time taken to be considered fully vaccinated | 22 days since the first dose |
| Validity of the first vaccine dose | 90 days from the date of vaccination |
| Validity of the second vaccine dose | 270 days or 365 days for triple vaccinated persons |
| Validity of the Covid certificate ("green passport") for triple vaccinated persons | 365 days |
| Validity of the Covid certificate ("green passport") for twice vaccinated persons | 180 days |
| Rules for unvaccinated people | Only permitted to leave their homes for essential reasons |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's lockdown for the unvaccinated
In Austria, "fully vaccinated" means having received the primary vaccination series against COVID-19. The country introduced temporary restrictions in November 2021, commonly known as a lockdown for the unvaccinated. Under these rules, Austrians not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 had their movements restricted and were only permitted to leave their homes for specific reasons. They were barred from entering establishments like cinemas, bars, and restaurants, which were accessible only to the fully vaccinated or those with a recent COVID recovery.
The lockdown for the unvaccinated was implemented as Austria grappled with a record wave of COVID cases. The restrictions mirrored similar "2G" rules adopted in some German states, which stood for "geimpft" or "genesen," meaning vaccinated or recovered. These rules required individuals to be fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID within the past six months to access certain venues.
In Styria, Austria, the "2G" rules were further nuanced with "2.5G" and "2G+" variations. "2.5G" allowed entry to those fully vaccinated, recovered, or with a negative PCR test. Meanwhile, "2G+" required individuals to be fully vaccinated or recovered and additionally present a negative PCR test.
The lockdown for the unvaccinated in Austria reflected the country's efforts to balance public health and safety with individual freedoms during the pandemic. It aimed to encourage vaccinations and curb the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the activities of those who chose not to be vaccinated.
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Vaccinated travellers are welcome in Austria
Austria has been taking steps to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and restrictions for unvaccinated individuals.
However, Austria is now welcoming vaccinated travellers from all over the world. The country has published a list of vaccines that are recognised by its authorities, providing clarity for those planning to visit. The recognised vaccines include BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm. It is important to note that the Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines are only accepted for entry into the country and not for accessing certain services such as hotels and restaurants.
To be considered fully vaccinated in Austria, travellers must meet specific requirements. A person is considered vaccinated if 22 days have passed since their first dose. This first dose is valid for 90 days. After receiving the second dose, the validity extends for another 270 days. For single-dose vaccines, the vaccine is valid from the 22nd day after the jab and lasts for 270 days. These rules also apply to individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 before receiving their vaccine doses.
Austria has also implemented a "green passport" or a COVID certificate, which is valid for 365 days for triple-vaccinated individuals. For those who have recovered from COVID-19 and received two vaccine doses, the certificate is valid for 180 days. This certificate can be useful when accessing certain establishments or services in the country.
It is worth noting that Austria had previously imposed temporary restrictions for unvaccinated individuals, allowing them to leave their homes only for essential reasons. However, with the improvement in the epidemiological situation, Austria is now welcoming vaccinated travellers, contributing to the revival of its tourism industry.
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2G restrictions in Austria
The "2G" rule in Austria provides access to public places only for those who are vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19. It should be noted that there is also a "3G" model, which stands for "vaccinated, recovered, or tested" and is used for specific situations. On February 12, 2022, Austria eliminated the "2G" rule at the entrance to shops, museums, and body-related services, replacing it with "3G" in restaurants and hotels. This meant that from February 19, citizens and travelers could enter restaurants and hotels with a negative COVID-19 test result, in addition to proof of vaccination or recovery. The "2G" rule was replaced by "3G" in all provinces except Vienna, where it was retained.
The "2G" system started in Austria on November 8, 2021, and on November 15, more restrictive measures were implemented. These rules meant that those without a "2G" certificate could only leave their homes for work, essential errands, individual physical activity, or to satisfy basic religious needs. At work, the "3G" rule applied, and even those with a negative test result and an FFP2 mask could enter. Children under 12 were excluded from these restrictions.
Austria has been easing its Corona measures, with retail and gastronomy returning to the "3G" rule, except for Vienna, which has maintained stricter rules. In ski areas, there has also been a relaxation of the "2G" access restriction, with proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test no longer required for cable cars, cogwheel trains, and restaurants. However, an FFP2 mask must still be worn in closed buildings, cable car cabins, trains, and restaurants.
The "2G" rule has been a source of debate in Austria, with some calling for a harmonized, nationwide solution to restrictions. As of March 1, 2022, all restrictions in Austria were expected to be lifted on March 5, indicating a move away from the "2G" and "3G" systems.
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Validity of the Covid certificate
The Covid certificate, also known as the "green passport", is recognised as valid proof of vaccination in Austria. The validity of this certificate is different for individuals with different vaccination statuses. For triple-vaccinated individuals, the Covid certificate is valid for 365 days or 12 months. For those who have been vaccinated twice or are convalescent, the certificate is valid for 180 days or 6 months.
The Covid certificate is also recognised as proof of vaccination when entering establishments such as cinemas, bars, and restaurants. However, it is important to note that travellers vaccinated with the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccine are not permitted access to hotels, restaurants, and other services while in Austria, despite their Covid certificate being valid for entry into the country.
The Austrian government has also implemented temporary new rules, restricting the movement of unvaccinated individuals. Unvaccinated people are only permitted to leave their homes for essential reasons such as working, grocery shopping, education, or seeking vaccination. This nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated was imposed to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
To be considered fully vaccinated in Austria, individuals must have received a mix of recognised vaccines. The following vaccines are recognised by the country: BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Sinovac, and Sinopharm. It is important to note that the validity of the first vaccine dose is 90 days from the vaccination date, and the second dose extends the validity by another 270 days. For single-dose vaccines, the validity is 270 days from the date of vaccination.
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Austria's vaccination rate
As of November 2021, Austrians who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are subject to temporary restrictions on leaving their homes. These restrictions are part of Austria's efforts to curb the spread of the virus and protect its citizens.
Austria has been actively working to increase its vaccination rates, with a particular focus on COVID-19 vaccines. As of 2021, studies have shown a negative correlation between vaccination rates and COVID-19 incidence rates across Austria's 94 districts. This indicates that higher vaccination rates are associated with lower COVID-19 infection rates, which is a positive outcome for the country's public health.
According to one source, as of December 2020, Austria aimed to vaccinate its entire population within a year at a constant rate, which would require vaccinating an average of 24,000 people per day. This push for vaccinations is part of the country's strategy to achieve herd immunity and protect its citizens from the virus.
Austria has also implemented the "2G" rule, which means that only individuals who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months are allowed to enter certain establishments like cinemas, bars, and restaurants. This rule is similar to those implemented in some German states and is part of Austria's effort to encourage vaccination and control the spread of the virus.
Regarding the definition of "fully vaccinated" in Austria, the country has introduced different variations of the "G" rule. Initially, the 3G rule was in place, which allowed individuals who were fully vaccinated, recovered, or had a negative test (PCR or antigen) to enter the country without restrictions. This rule has since been updated to the 2G rule, which only permits entry to those who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19. Additionally, the 2G+ rule requires individuals to be fully vaccinated or recovered, as well as have a negative PCR test. These rules are subject to change as Austria continues to monitor the pandemic situation and adjust its entry requirements accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
To be fully vaccinated in Austria, a person must have received two doses of a recognised vaccine. The first dose is valid for 90 days from the date of vaccination, and the second dose extends the validity by another 270 days.
The following vaccines are recognised by Austria: BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca (Covishield), Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna. The Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines are also recognised, but they do not permit access to certain services.
Austria has implemented a lockdown for unvaccinated people, prohibiting them from leaving their homes except for essential activities such as working, grocery shopping, education, or seeking vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals also face restrictions on accessing establishments like bars and restaurants.
There are no costs for guests or residents in Austria as the service is billed via the e-card.
