Trevor KucheranAustria was one of the most visited countries in the world prior to the pandemic and received over 28 million visitors a year. The country is well known for its beautiful mountains, skiing, castles, palaces and stunning architecture.
Austria has now reopened for tourism and is accepting international visitors from a long list of countries. Here are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Austria and everything you need to know before booking your trip.
Update Nov 2: Austria has recently seen a surge in cases, and is going into lockdown. Specific lockdown requirements and rules listed below.
Countries Permitted to Enter Austria
Travelers coming from the following countries are permitted to enter Austria.
- European Union Members (including United Kingdom)
- Schengen Area Countries and EFTA nations
- European Micronations: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, The Vatican
- Select approved third-party nations
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
Nations with Required Testing:
EU/Schengen area nations that DO require testing:
All travelers from the below approved countries must present a medical certificate confirming a negative COVID-19 PCR Test no older than 72 hours before arrival.
- Andorra
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- France
- Portugal
- Romania
- Spain
- United Kingdom
Quarantine Entry Requirements
Tourism and Non-Essential Travel: As of December 19, 2020 all travelers entering Austria from the approved EU/EU+ nations will have to quarantine for 10-days upon arrival.
Austrian Nationals Returning Home: Nationals who have been in a high risk country in the previous 14 days must either bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, or be tested on arrival and quarantine while awaiting test results.
Entry by Third-Party Nationals Who Have Been in Schengen-Zone for 14 Days
If a traveler from a non-approved third-party country (example: USA or Canada) is travelling to Austria from inside the Schengen area, and have been in the area for at least 14 days already, must have a medical certificate proving a negative COVID-19 test result AND are additionally obligated to commit to a 10-day self-quarantine.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Austria.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Austria
All visitors must abide by the following COVID-19 health requirements while in Austria:
- Social distancing of 1 metre
- Avoiding hugging, kissing or hand shaking
- Face masks are required in all shops and on public transportation
- Frequent hand washing
Update Nov 2:
Due to rising Coronavirus cases the Austrian government have decided to implement a second lockdown from November 3 until January 18, 2021. Measures include:
- Hotels are closed to leisure travellers/tourists; only business travellers are allowed to stay in hotels. Visitors who are already staying at a hotel when the measures take effect are allowed to remain there until their scheduled departure.
- Restaurants and bars can only offer takeout/delivery services, dining in is not permitted.
- Events such as concerts, plays, exhibitions etc. are cancelled.
- Museums, theatres, cinemas, gyms, pools, zoos, amusement parks, and other culture and leisure facilities must close (exception: libraries).
- All ski resorts are closed to the general public during lockdown. Ski area openings scheduled for November have been postponed to December. Professional ski teams will still be able to train.
- Cable cars are closed.
- Christmas markets cannot take place until 30 November.
- Shops can remain open; there must be at least 10 square metres (110 sq-ft) of space per customer. Personal services such as hairdressers can also remain open.
- Until 12 November, a curfew is in place (8 pm – 6 am).
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
A COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available. Austria has not made any announcements regarding if a proof of vaccination record (POVR) will be required for entry in the future.
Visa Entry Requirements For Austria During COVID-19
Austria is currently not accepting visa applications at its embassies and consulates.
Austria Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- See if your country is approved to visit Austria
- Check if your country requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test
- Follow all Austrian health protocols
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Sources: Austrian Embassy/ Ministry of Tourism
Disclaimer: Current Austria travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Originally published August 25, 2020 with updates