Navigating Covid In Austria: What You Need To Know

what to do if you have covid austria

If you have COVID-19 in Austria, you must quarantine at your own expense until medically cleared. Austrian mobile testing teams will visit you periodically to conduct a new PCR test to determine your viral load and whether you are still contagious. A PCR test cycle threshold of 30 or above generally indicates that you are fit to end your quarantine. Your airline may require a negative antigen test or a fit to fly doctor's note, as PCR tests may show positive results for up to three months after infection. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive, you can call 1450 from an Austrian phone or +43-1-1450 from a U.S. phone to reach the Austrian health authorities.

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Testing: Negative PCR test no earlier than 3 days before arrival

If you are planning to travel to Austria, you must follow the country's COVID-19 entry requirements. While there is currently no mandatory vaccination requirement, it is recommended that you are fully vaccinated before travelling.

For your test to be valid, you must take a molecular biological test for SARS-CoV-2 (PCR, LAMP) no earlier than 3 days before your arrival in Austria. Antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 are also accepted, but self-administered tests are not. Your test result must be valid for 72 hours since sample extraction for PCR tests, and 24 hours for antigen tests.

You will need to present your negative test result when you apply for your Austria Pre-Travel Clearance. This can be done online, and you will need to provide your personal and travel information, as well as your passport details and payment. The cost of the Pre-Travel Clearance depends on the processing time, with Standard Processing Time (24 hours) costing USD 20.00, Rush Processing Time (8 hours) costing USD 35.00, and Super Rush Processing Time (4 hours) costing USD 60.00.

Please note that the testing requirements may change, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the latest rules. Failure to do so may result in denied entry to Austria.

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Quarantine: Mandatory if positive, at your own expense

If you test positive for COVID-19 in Austria, you must quarantine at your own expense until you are cleared by medical authorities. Austrian mobile testing teams will visit you periodically to conduct a new PCR test to determine your viral caseload and whether you are still contagious. A PCR test cycle threshold of 30 or above generally indicates that you are fit to travel and can be released from quarantine.

As a PCR test may show positive results for up to three months after infection, your airline may require a negative AntigenSchnell (rapid antigen) test or a "fit to fly" doctor's note. You are permitted to leave your quarantine location after five days to obtain a new COVID test. However, you must wear an FFP2 mask the entire time, even outdoors.

To receive assistance in English, dial 1450 from an Austrian phone or +43-1-1450 from a U.S. phone. Stay on the line through the German recording, and when a live person answers, request an English speaker. Your case officer will provide additional information and may schedule a mobile testing team to visit you.

Please note that the U.S. Embassy cannot intervene in Austria's quarantine, testing, or boarding requirements. The penalties for violating Austria's COVID regulations are severe and may include fines, detention, and charges for endangering the public health.

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While there is no mandatory vaccine requirement for COVID-19 in Austria, it is recommended that you are fully vaccinated before travelling to the country. This will ensure that you can enjoy a safer experience while abroad and reduce the risk of severe illness.

Being fully vaccinated will also simplify your travel plans, as you will not need to self-quarantine after arriving in Austria or before returning to your home country. However, it is important to note that individual airlines may have their own specific policies regarding testing and vaccination requirements, so be sure to check with your airline before travelling. Additionally, keep yourself informed about the latest entry requirements for Austria, as these may change.

If you are not fully vaccinated, it is recommended that you avoid non-essential travel to Austria, especially if you are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Unvaccinated travellers should follow the local recommendations and requirements in Austria, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

In addition to COVID-19 vaccinations, it is also a good idea to ensure that you are up to date with other routine vaccinations before travelling to Austria. This includes checking if you need any destination-specific vaccinations, such as tick-borne encephalitis if you plan to visit wooded areas.

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Face masks: Required on public transport and indoors

Face masks are required on public transport and indoors in Austria. This includes planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the country. Masks are also mandatory indoors at transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

It is important to note that travelers are not required to wear masks in outdoor areas of public transport, such as on the open deck of a ferry or the top deck of a bus. However, if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and need to leave your quarantine location to obtain a new test, you must wear an FFP2 mask the entire time, including outdoors.

When choosing a face mask, it is recommended to opt for a well-fitting, high-quality mask, such as an FFP2 mask, to ensure maximum protection for yourself and others. These masks are designed to effectively filter airborne particles and provide a higher level of protection than cloth masks or surgical masks.

In addition to wearing masks, individuals in Austria should also follow other preventive measures, such as maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from others whenever possible and practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when handwashing is not feasible. These measures work together to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of the community.

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Social distancing: Stay 6 feet apart from others

If you are in Austria and have COVID-19, it is important to follow the country's social distancing guidelines. Here are some detailed instructions to adhere to the rule of staying 6 feet apart from others:

Firstly, try to maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet (or 2 metres) between yourself and individuals who are not a part of your household. This is especially crucial when you are in public spaces such as parks, shops, or sidewalks. If you happen to be in an enclosed space with others, such as an elevator or a small room, try to position yourself as far away from others as possible. It is also beneficial to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid crowded areas to minimize the risk of close contact with others.

When queuing or walking in busy areas, keep a safe distance from those in front of and behind you. If you are in a situation where you need to interact with someone, such as a shop assistant or a delivery person, ensure you take a few steps back to maintain the recommended distance. It is also advisable to avoid common greetings that involve physical contact, such as handshakes or hugs, and opt for a friendly wave or verbal greeting instead.

If you are in a public space that is particularly crowded, consider leaving and returning at a quieter time if possible. This will help you avoid close contact with others and reduce the risk of infection. When using public transportation, try to maintain distance from other passengers as much as possible. If the bus, train, or tram is too crowded, consider waiting for the next one to ensure you can keep a safe distance from others.

Additionally, if you are an international traveller visiting Austria, it is important to be aware of the country's entry requirements and regulations. While Austria currently does not require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry, it is always good to check for any changes or updates to these requirements before your visit.

Frequently asked questions

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19 in Austria, dial 1450 from an Austrian phone (or +43-1-1450 from a U.S. phone). If you need assistance in English, stay on the line through the German recording, wait for a live person to answer, then request an English speaker.

Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must quarantine in Austria, at their own expense, until cleared by medical authorities. Austrian mobile testing teams will generally visit every 48-72 hours to conduct a new PCR test to determine your viral caseload and whether you are still contagious. A PCR test cycle threshold of 30 or above is generally considered "fit for travel" and to be released from quarantine.

Austria accepts molecular biological tests for SARS-CoV-2 (PCR, LAMP) and antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 (antigen tests for self-testing are not accepted). The tests must be valid for 72 hours and 24 hours, respectively, since sample extraction.

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