Lexi Webster
Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists. From its stunning Alpine landscapes to its vibrant cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, it's no wonder that tourism is the country's biggest industry. When travelling to Austria, it's important to keep in mind that Austrians are proud of their culture and traditions, and they take their rules and regulations seriously. English is widely spoken, but it's worth noting that Austrians speak local dialects of Austro-Bavarian German, which may be difficult to understand in some regions. With friendly yet reserved locals, delicious food, and unique experiences, Austria is a must-visit destination. However, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and be mindful of potential tourist traps and cultural differences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | Austria's nationwide lockdown was lifted on December 12, 2021 |
| Entry Rules | Tourists need proof of vaccination or recovery to enter the country. Tourists also need to obtain pre-travel clearance before travelling to Austria. |
| Domestic Rules | Many public venues will require proof of vaccination or recovery and a negative PCR test. Masks are required on flights to Austria and in many indoor settings. |
| Quarantine Rules | Travellers from most countries worldwide will need to quarantine for ten days on arrival. |
| Regional Differences | Upper Austria had a lockdown in place for all until at least December 17, 2021. Carinthia, Styria, Salzburg, and Lower Austria opened shops and Christmas markets from December 13, 2021, but hotels, restaurants, and cafes only from December 17, 2021. Vienna reopened shops and Christmas markets from December 13, 2021, and hotels, restaurants, and cafes from December 20, 2021. |
| Travel Options | Many flights have resumed into Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. Austrian Air has the most flight availability, but other airlines flying directly into Austria include Lufthansa, Swiss Air, Air Serbia, LOT, Wizz Air, Eurowings, and Laudamotion. |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's lockdown
Austria has implemented several lockdowns since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. On 15 March 2020, a ban on public gatherings of more than five people was announced, and restaurants were ordered to close beginning on 17 March. Günther Platter, the governor of Tyrol, announced a one-week lockdown for the entire province. Tyrol residents were required to stay at home except for essential reasons such as buying food or medicine, visiting the doctor, or walking their dogs.
On 30 March, the Austrian government announced that they would be conducting random COVID-19 tests. From 1 to 6 April, the SORA Institute conducted random tests on 2000 candidates in affected regions, with 1544 candidates tested. The results, announced on 10 April, showed a prevalence of infection in the non-hospitalized population of around 0.33%. By the end of April, new cases had stabilized to around 20 to 50 per day, and the government began easing the lockdown on 20 April.
However, in mid-August, cases started to rise again, leading to the declaration of a second wave on 13 September by the Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz. On 17 November, a second hard lockdown was imposed until 6 December to reduce new cases and relieve hospitals. During this period, ski resorts and cable cars were closed, and Christmas markets were not allowed to operate until 30 November. Shops, personal services like hairdressers, and professional sports training were allowed to continue with restrictions. A curfew was also in place from 8 pm to 6 am until 12 November.
As cases continued to rise, a third hard lockdown was implemented from 26 December until 24 January 2021. This lockdown was later extended until 7 February due to the discovery of mutations of the UK and South African COVID-19 variants in the country. During this time, hotels were closed to tourists, and museums remained open with local regulations, requiring visitors to wear FFP2 masks and maintain a 2-metre distance.
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Entry requirements
As of December 2021, Austria has lifted its nationwide lockdown, and several regions will reopen to tourists. However, Upper Austria will remain in lockdown until at least December 17, 2021. Carinthia, Styria, Salzburg, and Lower Austria will open shops and Christmas markets from December 13, 2021, and hotels, restaurants, and cafes from December 17, 2021. Vienna will follow a similar step-by-step reopening, with shops and Christmas markets opening from December 13, 2021, and hotels, restaurants, and cafes from December 20, 2021.
In general, Austria is a safe country for tourists, with low crime rates. However, tourists should be cautious and take some precautionary measures to protect themselves from pickpocketing, scams, and other petty crimes, which can occur, especially in tourist areas and big cities. It is recommended to secure valuables, leave them in a safe place, and not carry a lot of things when sightseeing. Additionally, knowing some basic German phrases can be helpful, although many people in Austria, especially in big cities, speak English.
Regarding entry requirements, Austria has tightened its rules due to the Omicron variant. All tourists, regardless of their country of origin, must provide proof of a booster vaccine, full vaccination status, and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. This applies to everyone aged 12 and over and includes day trips. Additionally, masks are required on flights to Austria, and an FFP2 mask is mandatory in hospitals, elderly and nursing homes, public transport, taxis, and customer areas of vital trade, such as supermarkets.
Citizens of third countries without an agreement with Schengen countries, including Austria, require a visa. However, US tourists do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. It is always recommended to check the latest travel advisories and updates from official government sources before planning a trip to Austria.
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Regional restrictions
As of December 2021, Austria has lifted its nationwide lockdown, but regional restrictions remain in place. Upper Austria will continue its lockdown until at least December 17, after which hotels will be open. Carinthia, Styria, Salzburg, and Lower Austria are opening shops and Christmas markets from December 13, but hotels, restaurants, and cafes will only open from December 17. Vienna will also reopen in stages, with shops and Christmas markets opening from December 13, and hotels, restaurants, and cafes from December 20. Hotels, Christmas markets, restaurants, and cafes will use the 2G rule, requiring proof of vaccination or recovery, and an FFP2 face mask. Night gastronomy (bars and clubs) will remain closed until January, and there is an 11 pm closing time for restaurants nationwide.
As of December 22, 2021, Austria has tightened its entry requirements due to the Omicron variant. All tourists, including those from the UK, must show proof of a COVID-19 booster dose, full vaccination status, and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival.
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Face masks
In general, it is mandatory to wear face masks in most public settings in Austria. This includes enclosed public spaces, public transport, and shops. The type of mask required varies; in most public settings, FFP2 masks are mandated. However, children under 14 are allowed to wear non-FFP2 masks, and children under 6 are exempt from wearing masks altogether.
Specific rules and regulations regarding face masks in Austria include:
- Face masks are mandatory in places of worship, and proof of vaccination or recovery (2G rule) or a negative PCR test (2G+ rule) may also be required for entry.
- In museums, face masks and social distancing of at least 2 meters are mandatory.
- On flights to Austria, face masks are required due to the country's ongoing rule, aligning with the EU recommendation that masks should be worn if the destination country has a mask mandate.
- In Vienna, Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Styria, face masks are mandatory in all shops.
- In restaurants, face masks and social distancing are required, with varying regional restrictions.
- For tourism accommodations and catering establishments, comprehensive health measures are in place, which may include the mandatory use of face masks.
It is important to note that regulations and restrictions regarding face masks and tourism in Austria may change over time. Therefore, it is advisable to check for the latest updates and local guidelines before planning any travel.
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Safety for tourists
Austria is a very safe country for tourists, with low crime rates and a high quality of life. Vienna, in particular, is considered safe for female travellers, even at night. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to remain vigilant and take some precautionary measures to ensure your safety. Here are some key considerations for tourists visiting Austria:
Health and Safety Precautions:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria has implemented health and safety measures to protect tourists and locals. Face masks and social distancing may be required in certain places, and travellers may need to obtain pre-travel clearance, undergo quarantine, and present a negative COVID test upon arrival. It is important to stay informed about the latest regulations and plan your trip accordingly.
Petty Crime and Scams:
While Austria has a low crime rate, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and popular landmarks like St. Stephen's Cathedral. Be cautious of distraction tactics used by thieves to target tourists. Keep your valuables secure, leave your passport and excess valuables in a hotel safe, and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Natural Disasters:
Austria is susceptible to natural disasters such as storms, floods, avalanches, and snow pressure. If you plan to visit mountainous regions, check local avalanche warnings via the Lawinen.at website. Additionally, high-altitude areas like the Grossglockner, Innsbruck, and the Ötztal Alps can cause altitude sickness, so it is important to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol consumption when adjusting to the altitude.
Transportation:
Austria has a well-developed and safe public transportation system. Vienna's transport system relies on honesty, so there are no formal ticket checks. You can use the subway, local train, tram, bus, or taxi, depending on your preference. Official taxi services and apps like Bolt offer reliable and fairly priced rides. If you plan to drive, be aware that you must purchase a vignette (toll sticker) for Austria's highways, available at gas stations, border crossings, or online.
Language and Culture:
English is widely spoken in Austria, especially in major cities, but learning a few basic German phrases like "thank you" and "excuse me" will be appreciated by locals. Knowing some German can make your stay easier, especially outside the big cities. Austria has a mild climate, but be prepared for potential weather changes, as early spring and late autumn can be unpredictable.
Visa Requirements:
Citizens of countries with no agreement with Schengen countries, including Austria, will need a visa. However, tourists from the US, UK, and Canada do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after your visit, and ideally, aim for six months of validity.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2021, Austria has implemented a series of lockdowns and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as of December 12, 2021, Austria's nationwide lockdown was lifted, allowing tourists to enter the country.
As of December 2021, tourists from all countries, except virus variant areas, must provide proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 to enter Austria. Additionally, a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival is required.
Yes, as of December 2021, Austria has implemented the 2G rule, requiring proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 for entry into various establishments. An FFP2 face mask must be worn in certain settings, and there is an 11 pm closing time for gastronomy businesses. It is important to stay updated on both national and regional restrictions, as rules can vary across regions.
