Austria: Authorities indefinitely extend COVID-19-related closure of cafes, restaurants as of March 23 /update 26

Austria extends COVID-19-related closure of bars and restaurants indefinitely as of March 23; other restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities have extended the closure of cafes, restaurants, and bar terraces indefinitely as of March 23 in response to the deteriorating epidemiological situation in the country; they were previously scheduled to reopen from March 27. Other national-level restrictions remain in effect, though the government is planning to move to a regional system, in which restrictions will be set by local authorities based on localized case numbers.

A 20:00-06:00 curfew is currently in effect nationwide, 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 reopen 06:00-19:00 subject to strict social distancing protocols. 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.

International Travel Restrictions

Travelers arriving from designated risk areas must provide evidence of a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the prior 72 hours 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-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 March 23, all countries are considered risk areas with the exception of Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, 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.

Travel is only permitted from EEA countries or Andorra, Australia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and the 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.

Authorities have extended a ban on flights connecting with Brazil and South Africa until at least April 4 due to variants of COVID-19 active in those countries. Flights with the UK are permitted to resume.

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.