Austria: Authorities to tighten COVID-19 entry requirements from Feb. 10 /update 21

Austria to expand international entry measures due to COVID-19 from Feb. 10, ease domestic restrictions from Feb. 8.

Event

Authorities will tighten international entry requirements from Feb. 10 as part of their ongoing response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Travelers arriving from designated risk areas will need to provide evidence of a negative polymerase (PCR) or antigen COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. At present, and until further notice, travelers from risk areas must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, though they can end self-solation early by taking a COVID-19 test after five days. Cross-border commuters and those in transit are exempt from this requirement; business travelers are also exempt from the quarantine requirement if they can provide proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. As of Feb. 5, all countries are considered risk areas, with the exception of Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, and Vatican City.

In addition, travel is only permitted from EEA countries or Andorra, Australia, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, the UK, and Vatican City. Limited exceptions are in place for nationals and residents of the permitted countries, health workers, freight workers, diplomats, individuals in transit, and urgent or essential reasons decided on a case-by-case basis. Flights connecting with Brazil, South Africa, and the UK are suspended until at least Feb. 7 due to a new variant of COVID-19 active in those countries. All travelers, regardless of point of origin, must register with authorities prior to arrival; the required Pre-Travel-Clearance form is available online.

Authorities are also maintaining domestic restrictions as of Feb. 5. A 24-hour curfew is in effect, during which time residents may only leave home for limited essential purposes. Nonessential retailers, cultural sites such as museums and libraries, and personal care services, including hairdressers, must close. In addition, people must remain at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from members of different households, and FFP2 facemasks or equivalent are required on public transport and in supermarkets and pharmacies; fabric coverings are not permitted.

From Feb. 8 until at least the end of February, the curfew will be relaxed 0600-2000; outside of curfew hours, up to four adults from a maximum of two different households will be permitted to meet. Nonessential retailers will be permitted to reopen subject to strict social distancing protocols.

Authorities could amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.