COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Austria (8 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter, including those living in the same household (i.e. holders of a “Meldezettel”).

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• It is possible to enter the country from an EU Member State or Schengen Associated country without restrictions. However, sudden restrictions may be imposed depending on the COVID-19 situation in the country of origin.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes with exception

• Health screening measures are in place at all the entry points, including airports.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Travellers may transit through Austria. A PCR test certificate is not required if the traveller is not stopping over in Austria and has an onward reservation.

• Transiting travellers must fill a transit form.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Incoming passengers must complete a entry declaration form.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates obtained outside of Austria are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes with exceptions

• All inbound travellers arriving from high-risk countries are required to present a negative PCR test certificate no older than 72 hours before their arrival or be tested within 48 hours after their arrival.

• All inbound travellers arriving from third countries must present a PCR test results issued within 72 hours prior to their arrival.

• Travellers from the UK are allowed to enter without the need of any COVID-19 test unless they had travel history in the past ten days in North East, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber regions.

• Children under 11 years do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test certificate.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes with exceptions

• All inbound travellers arriving from high-risk countries and other third countries must undergo a 10-day home quarantine. If a PCR test taken during the isolation period is negative, the quarantine can end. However, persons from the third countries are now allowed to end their quarantine by taking another PCR test earlier. Additionally, arrivals from third countries must present the confirmation of accommodation for the isolation and must cover all expenses related to the isolation measure.

• Travellers from the UK are allowed to enter without the need of any quarantine measures unless they had travel history in the past ten days in North East, East Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber regions.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• The contact tracing app “Stopp Corona” is recommended.

Airline restrictions

• Minimal

• International and domestic flights are operating with reduced capacity.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Austrian authorities have divided the entry requirements into three categories: Safe Countries, High-Risk Areas, and Third-Countries.

• The category list of the countries can be found here.

• Arrivals from safe countries are allowed without restrictions.

• Those from High-Risk areas are subject to moderate restrictions.

• Third-Country nationals are not allowed to enter unless entering from safe countries or states outside the Schengen area.

• All rail connections between Austria and the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Slovakia, Spain, and Switzerland have resumed.

• Night-train services between Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Vienna (Austria) will remain suspended until at least 2021.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• Austria remains under a nationwide overnight curfew between 20:00 - 06:00 (local time). All movements are restricted during the curfew hours, except for essential purposes.

• All regions in Austria (except for Jungholz in Tyrol and Kleinwalsertals/Mittelberg in Vorarlberg) are considered as risk zones.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• Physical distancing norms should be strictly followed.

• Indoor gatherings (e.g. in restaurants) are limited to 6 people, and outdoor gatherings are limited to 12 people.

Internal travel restrictions

• Minimal

• Local, regional, and long-distance transport are operational throughout Austria.

Non-essential shops open?

• No

• All non-essential businesses are closed.

Accommodations open?

• No, with exceptions

• Hotels are allowed to operate for business travellers only.

Restaurants open?

• No, with exceptions

• Restaurants are closed until at least 6 January 2021, except for takeout and delivery services.

Bars and cafes open?

• No, with exceptions

• All bars and cafes are closed, except for takeout and delivery services.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• No with exceptions

• Tourist sites are likely closed, due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

• Austria ski areas remain closed until 23 December. Beginning 24 December, ski areas will be allowed to operate for day skiers only.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• No

• Museums are closed.

Personal care services open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Hairdressers and other service providers have resumed operations with a reduced number of customers.

Places of worship open?

• No with exceptions

• Religious services are likely closed, due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Places of worship that remain open may make their own rules according to the local restrictions.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• All events have been cancelled. Funerals may have up to 50 mourners with strict social distancing measures. Weddings are allowed at the registry office only.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face coverings are compulsory in all public places. Children under 7 years of age are not required to wear masks.

Other

• Educational institutions remain closed and have switched to distance learning mode. However, schools are allowed to provide daycare for those parents who are unable to work from home.

• Essential businesses, car repair shops, gas stations, newsagents, pharmacies, post offices, and supermarkets, are allowed to operate between 6:00-18:00 (local time).

• Leisure and sports venues remain closed.

Aconselhamento

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.