Austria: Authorities ease certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions as of June 10 /update 39

Event

Authorities in Austria are easing certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions. As of June 10, restaurants and other establishments that serve food may now stay open for two additional hours until 23:59. In addition, officials have raised the limit on the number of attendees permitted at indoor and outdoor events without assigned seating from 10 to 50. For events with assigned seating, the cap is set at 75 percent of the capacity of the venue. Shops are also allowed to have one customer per 10 square meters (108 square feet) of space, up from one customer per 20 square meters (215 square feet) of space. The use of FFP2 or equivalent masks remains mandatory in public indoor spaces and outdoors at public transport facilities, markets, and demonstrations; vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months are not required to wear facemasks outdoors.

A "Green Pass" system is also in place. Individuals who can prove they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, recovered from COVID-19, or been recently tested for COVID-19 meet the requirements for the Green Pass. For vaccinated individuals, the Green Pass is valid 22 days after a dose and expires three months after the first dose and a further six months after a second dose. For individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, the Green Pass is valid for six months. Negative PCR tests confer a Green Pass for the following 72 hours; negative antigen tests for the following 48 hours; and self-tests for the following 24 hours. Green Passes are required to visit catering establishments, hotels, and sports and leisure facilities. Individuals can also be tested at the point of entry for establishments that require a Green Pass if they do not meet the other conditions.

International Entry Restrictions
Generally, nonessential travel to Austria is permitted from EU and EEA-associated countries, as well as from Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Permitted essential travel includes travel for work, study, and urgent health or family reasons. All persons arriving in Austria must satisfy one of the following conditions to enter the country:

present a vaccination certificate;
present proof of past infection and recovery;
present a negative result from a molecular COVID-19 test issued no more than 72 hours before arrival;
present a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test issued no more than 48 hours before arrival; or
take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours after arrival.

Travelers may also be subject to a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival; the self-isolation period may be ended early by receiving a negative result from a COVID-19 molecular or antigen test taken on the fifth day after arrival. Persons arriving from EU or EEA countries or other countries with a low risk of COVID-19 infection are exempt from the quarantine measures if able to provide proof of prior vaccination, past infection and recovery, or negative test results.

Arriving travelers must register with authorities prior to arrival, with some exceptions. The required Pre-Travel Clearance form and details on exceptions are available here.

A suspension of direct flights with Brazil, India, South Africa, and the UK is in effect due to concerns over COVID-19 variant strains. Entry from these countries is only permitted for Austrian citizens and residents.

Additional restrictions may be imposed 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.