Austria: Authorities suspend flights from India as of April 30 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 34

Austrian authorities introduce flight suspension with India as of April 30, and extend existing suspensions with Brazil and South Africa.

Event

Austria has suspended flights from India as of April 30 and has prohibited entry for travelers from India; Austrian nationals and residents are exempt from the measure. An existing ban on flights from Brazil and South Africa has been extended until May 19 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-associated countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Exceptions are in place for nationals and residents of the permitted countries arriving from third countries, as well as for health workers, freight workers, diplomats, individuals in transit, and those traveling for urgent or essential reasons decided on a case-by-case basis.

International arrivals from designated "risk areas" must produce a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the 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 30, 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.

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.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are maintaining nationwide domestic restrictions as of April 30. A 20:00-06:00 curfew remains in effect until May 19, during which residents may only leave their homes for limited essential purposes. Outside of curfew hours, up to four adults from a maximum of two different households are permitted to meet socially. Nonessential retailers are permitted to operate 06:00-19:00 subject to strict social distancing protocols. In addition, individuals must keep at least two meters (six 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. Hotels remain closed to leisure travelers and catering facilities may offer takeout services only until May 19.

Tighter restrictions will remain in effect in Vienna and Lower Austria until at least May 2. Nonessential businesses will remain closed for the duration of the lockdown. In addition, the nightly curfew is replaced with all-day restrictions on movement; residents may leave their homes only to purchase essential goods and get physical exercise.

Authorities have slightly eased COVID-19 restrictions in Vorarlberg, where restaurants are permitted to offer onsite services.

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.