Austria: Authorities ease certain domestic COVID-19 restrictions for vaccinated and recovered individuals as of mid-December /update 51

Event

Austria has eased certain domestic COVID-19-related measures as of mid-December. The new directives essentially lift the nation's previously imposed lockdown, albeit only with regard to persons who are fully vaccinated against or have recovered from the virus; those who are not vaccinated or recovered remain subject to the lockdown restrictions with only very limited exceptions. The new regulations, which vary somewhat by region, generally allow nonessential stores, as well as certain cultural establishments such as theaters and museums, to reopen for fully vaccinated and recovered persons; some regions have also allowed restaurants and hotels to reopen.

Domestic Measures
Employers are required to ask employees to work from home. Unvaccinated individuals who have no proof of past infection are only permitted to leave their homes for essential purposes, such as buying groceries, exercising, or traveling to medical appointments. Officials have indicated that COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory from Feb. 1, 2022.

Vaccination certificates are valid for 9 months from the date of the second dose; a booster shot is required to extend the certificate's validity further. Certificates of recovery are valid for 180 days.

Wearing an FFP2 mask is generally required in indoor public spaces, including on public transport. Local authorities have the power to introduce tougher measures if they see fit; tighter measures are in place in some areas as a result.

International Travel Restrictions
As of mid-December, travelers from several countries with a high incidence of COVID-19 variants are prohibited from entering Austria. These areas currently include South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe; flights from these countries are prohibited from landing in Austria. Limited exceptions to the entry ban apply, including for Austrian citizens and residents. Permitted travelers arriving from or having visited a virus variant area in the last 10 days generally must complete an online pre-travel clearance form within 72 hours before entry, present a negative result from a molecular COVID-19 test (e.g., a PCR test) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, and self-isolate for 10 days. Travelers may end the quarantine period early by obtaining a negative result from a molecular COVID-19 test taken on the fifth day after entry.

Nonessential travel is permitted from all other countries. To enter Austria, travelers must either present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, proof of past COVID-19 infection (e.g., a positive PCR test result or a certificate of recovery), or a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Travelers who present a negative test result generally must register online for pre-travel clearance within 72 hours before entry and self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival; these travelers may exit the quarantine period early upon receipt of a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken five days after arrival. Travelers unable to meet these requirements must pre-register with authorities and take a PCR test within 24 hours after arrival.

Travelers from low-risk locations and those with proof of full vaccination or past infection do not need to complete the pre-travel clearance form or undergo a quarantine period upon arrival. Austria classifies the following as low-risk locations: EU and EEA-associated countries, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Jordan, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay, and Vietnam.

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

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.