Austria: Authorities to ease COVID-19 restrictions from May 19 /update 36

Austria to ease COVID-19 measures from May 19; significant business and international travel restrictions continue.

Event

Authorities are easing a number of restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 due to declining infection rates. Officials previously ended the nightly curfew on May 15. From May 19, nonessential shops and cultural centers are permitted to operate and all businesses can remain open until 22:00. Gatherings of up to four people are permitted indoors and up to 10 people outdoors, except for between 22:00-05:00 where the outdoor limit on gatherings remains at four people. The use of FFP2 masks or equivalent remains mandatory in public indoor spaces and outdoors at public transport facilities, markets, and demonstrations.

Authorities are also introducing a "Green Pass" system from May 19. 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; from June authorities will roll out an app for individuals to prove they have the Green Pass. For vaccinated individuals, the Green Pass is 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. From May 19, 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.

International Entry Restrictions
From May 19, non-essential travel to Austria is permitted from EU and EEA-associated countries and Australia, Israel, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. Travelers must possess evidence that would qualify them for a Green Pass (vaccine certificate, proof of past infection, or a negative COVID-19 test) or take a test within 24 hours of arrival. Authorities designate some of these countries as "risk areas." Travelers from risk areas must also self-isolate for five days on arrival and take a test at the end of the self-isolation period. As of May 19, Croatia, Cyprus, Lithuania, Netherlands, and Sweden are designated risk areas. Exceptions are in place for cross-border commuters and individuals in transit.

Non-essential travel is not permitted from other countries. Essential travel includes work, study, and urgent health or family reasons. Individuals entering from these countries must present evidence that would qualify them for a Green Pass in order to enter, self-isolate for five days on arrival, and take a test at the end of the self-isolation period.

Authorities have suspended flights with Brazil, India, and South Africa due to concerns about COVID-19 variants in those countries. Entry from these countries is only permitted for Austrian citizens and residents. Permitted arrivals who have spent any time in these countries in the previous 10 days must possess a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the previous 24 hours.

All travelers, regardless of point of origin, must register with authorities prior to arrival; the required Pre-Travel Clearance form is available online. Exceptions are in place for transport workers and individuals in transit.

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. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.