Austria: Authorities extend COVID-19-related ban on flights from Brazil, and South Africa until April 18 /update 29

Austria extends COVID-19-related ban on flights from Brazil and South Africa until April 18. Expect disruptions.

Event

Authorities in Austria have extended the nation's existing ban on flights from Brazil and South Africa until at least April 18 in an effort to spread of variants of COVID-19 active in those countries. Cargo, repatriation, humanitarian, and medevac flights are exempt.

Travel to Austria is generally only permitted from EEA countries, as well as Andorra, Australia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Vatican City. Exceptions are in place for nationals and residents of the permitted countries arriving from third countries, as well as health workers, freight workers, diplomats, individuals in transit, and those traveling for urgent or essential reasons decided on a case-by-case basis.

Travelers arriving in Austria from designated risk areas must produce a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the prior 72 hours prior to arrival, or an antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Such travelers must also self-isolate for 10 days on arrival, though they can end self-isolation early by taking an additional 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 April 5, all countries are considered risk areas with the exception of Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the Vatican City. All travelers, regardless of point of origin, must register with authorities prior to arrival; the required Pre-Travel Clearance form is available online

Domestic restrictions
As of April 5, a 20:00-06:00 curfew remains in effect, during which residents may only leave home for limited essential purposes. Outside of curfew hours, up to four adults from a maximum of two different households are permitted to meet. Nonessential retailers are permitted to operate between the hours of 06:00-19:00 subject to strict social distancing protocols. In addition, individuals must keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from members of other households. The use of FFP2 or equivalent facemasks is required on public transport and in supermarkets and pharmacies; fabric coverings are not permitted.

Authorities in certain areas in Austria introduced localized COVID-19 lockdowns over the Easter period in an effort to prevent a spike in the spread of the UK variant of the virus. The lockdowns will be in place until April 11 in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. During these periods, nonessential businesses will be closed in the respective areas. In addition, the nightly curfew will be replaced with all-day restrictions on movement; residents may leave their homes only to purchase essential goods and get physical exercise.

Additional restrictions may be set by local authorities based on localized case numbers. 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.