Austria: Authorities remove several countries including UK, Russia, India, and South Africa from COVID-19 virus variant list as of Aug. 15 /update 43

Event

Authorities in Austria have eased restrictions on international travelers from the UK, Russia, South Africa, India, Nepal, Botswana, and Zambia by removing these countries from the COVID-19 virus variant area list. As of Aug. 15, entry is no longer prohibited for non-Austrian travelers arriving from these countries. In addition, travelers from these seven nations who have been fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine upon entry. Travelers who are not vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days; the quarantine period can be ended after the fifth day for individuals who test negative for COVID-19.

Nonessential travel from Brazil, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe remains prohibited for non-Austrian citizens and residents. Permitted essential travel includes travel for work, study, and urgent health or family reasons. Arrivals from these locations must register with the authorities and quarantine as above; they must also present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.

All persons arriving in Austria must satisfy one of the following conditions to enter the country:

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

Generally, nonessential travel to Austria is permitted and quarantine is not required for arrivals from EU and EEA-associated countries, as well as from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Macau, Montenegro, Moldova, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the US.

Travel from other countries is permitted subject to the above requirements, though unvaccinated travelers must register with authorities prior to arrival and self-isolate for 10-days; 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. For the required Pre-Travel Clearance form and details on exceptions, click here.

Domestic Restrictions
A "Green Pass" system is 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 becomes 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.

The use of FFP2 or equivalent masks remains mandatory in enclosed public spaces; vaccinated individuals and those who have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months are not required to wear facemasks outdoors.

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.