Austria: Authorities maintaining COVID-19 restrictions as of Sept. 1 /update 44

Austria enforcing COVID-19-related international entry restrictions as of Sept. 1; domestic measures remain in place.

Event

Authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions as of Sept. 1 as part of measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Generally, travel is permitted 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, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the US. Travelers from other countries may also enter, though unvaccinated arrivals must register with authorities before 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.

All permitted arrivals 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.

Antigen test results are not accepted for unvaccinated arrivals from Cyprus and Spain who cannot provide proof of recovery from the virus.

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 before arrival.

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 (48 hours in Vienna), negative antigen tests for the following 48 hours (24 hours in Vienna), 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.

Local 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.