Austria: Authorities amend COVID-19-related domestic and international entry restrictions as of Dec. 21 /update 52

Authorities amend COVID-19-related domestic and international entry restrictions as of Dec. 21.

Event

Austria has eased some domestic lockdown measures as of Dec. 21 while introducing stricter entry restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Domestic Measures
The lockdown for unvaccinated persons has been extended until at least Jan. 1, 2022. In addition, effective Dec. 22, proof of vaccination or recovery will be required for hotels, restaurants, and other public places as COVID tests will no longer be accepted. FFP2 masks will be required in all public enclosed spaces and on public transport. 

Work from home is generally recommended. Return to the workplace is permitted only if the individual possesses proof of full vaccination, recovery, or a negative PCR or antigen test result taken within the previous 72 or 48 hours, respectively.

Unvaccinated persons will be allowed to leave their house Dec. 24-26 and 31 to attend gatherings of no more than 10 people. For larger groups of 11-25 people, proof of vaccination or recovery is required. The curfew for restaurants will be temporarily lifted for Dec. 31.

International Travel Restrictions
Austria has tightened entry rules as of Dec. 21. All arrivals must present proof of vaccination or recovery, as well as a negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours. Those without proof of a vaccine booster shot must submit to an additional PCR test on arrival and remain in quarantine until a negative result is confirmed.

Citizens and persons residing in Austria, as well as EU/EEA citizens and persons residing or habitually residing in an EU/EEA country without proof of vaccination or recovery are allowed to enter. However, they must register upon entry and quarantine for 10 days. Quarantine can end after five days on confirmation of a negative PCR test result.

Angola, Malawi, and Zambia have been added to the list of virus-variant countries, which also comprises Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Flights from these countries are prohibited from landing in Austria. This entry ban also applies to people who have been in these countries in the last 10 days; limited exceptions apply. In addition to the above entry requirements, any permitted travelers arriving from, or having visited, a virus-variant area in the last 10 days must complete an online pre-travel clearance form within 72 hours before entry and self-isolate for 10 days; travelers may end the quarantine period early by obtaining a negative PCR result on the fifth day after entry.

Children of any vaccination status up to the age of 17 can enter Austria without need for quarantine if accompanied by a fully vaccinated or recently recovered adult. However, those aged 12 to 17 must show proof of a negative PCR test, full vaccination, or recent recovery on arrival.

To access the pre-travel clearance form and details on exceptions, click here.

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.