Austria Removes All Entry Requirements Fully Reopening For Tourism

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Last Updated 3 years ago

Austria has removed all of its Covid-related entry requirements – with travelers now able to enter the country just like pre-pandemic times.

From 16 May, travelers are no longer required to present proof of their vaccination against Covid-19 – or recovery certificate – with all testing requirements having also been lifted.

Yes, you heard that right – you can now visit this beautifully-stunning nation – which is located in the southern part of central Europe – without having to adhere to a single covid-related rule.

And, this is great news for anyone looking to visit Austria – with the nation having been one of the most difficult European destinations to enter for American tourists throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

What Were Austria’s Previous Covid-Related Entry Requirements And Restrictions?

There is no denying that the Austrian authorities have enforced some of the strictest entry requirements for international visitors – especially compared to other countries in Europe. 

The nation has also continually made changes to these requirements – which at times have been challenging to keep up with.

Back in August last year (2021), Austria became the second European nation to set a vaccine passport expiry date – which basically meant that a vaccinated traveler’s ‘proof of vaccination’ would have a maximum validity period of 270 days. 

And, in November (2021) the Austrian authorities once again suspended tourism and placed the country into a full nationwide lockdown – due to a surge in Covid-19 cases.

A lockdown for unvaccinated individuals inside the country was also introduced towards the end of last year – with Austria at the time having one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe.

Since the country reopened for tourism – on 13 December, 2021 – Austria’s entry rules required travelers to:

• show proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from Covid-19
• undergo a Covid PCR test prior to traveling to the country

For those who showed their proof of vaccination or a Covid-19 recovery certificate, the requirement to undergo a pre-departure Covid test was not applicable to them.

However, the rules were soon to change once more, with vaccinated travelers – including Americans – required to have had a booster vaccine shot in order to bypass any further entry requirements.

This change to the entry rules was part of a new ‘2-G’ rule that was introduced by the nation’s authorities – which meant that travelers would now have to show proof of having had a booster shot to avoid having to undergo a pre-departure Covid PCR test.

In February of this year (2022), Austria again made changes to their entry protocols – with it becoming possible for unvaccinated American tourists to enter the county.

This was due to the country introducing its ‘3-G’ rule, which made entry possible for all travelers – whatever their vaccination status – as long as one of the following was presented upon entry:

• proof of vaccination
• a Covid-19 recovery certificate
• a negative Covid PCR or Rapid Antigen test. 

You Can Now Enter Austria Without Any Covid-Related Entry Requirements

However, fast forward to right now and Austria no longer requires travelers to show proof of vaccination – or a Covid-19 recovery certificate – and all testing requirements have also been removed.

Therefore, entering Austria is once again the same as it was in pre-pandemic times – with travelers no longer needing to worry about a single Covid-related entry requirement.

Why Should You Visit Austria?

There is no denying that Austria sits amongst some of the most breathtakingly beautiful nations in Europe.

For instance, the nation’s capital, Vienna – which boasts an array of beautiful architecture and a wide variety of entertainment options – is undoubtedly a place that meets the needs of all travelers.

The country also offers some of Europe’s most stunning scenery, including the city of Salzburg – which is where one of the most famous movies on the planet, The Sound of Music, was filmed in the mid 1960s.

You can even book yourself onto a tour that will show you around the shooting locations used for the filming of the movie.

Read more:

Over 65 Percent Of Europe Is Open To Americans Without Restrictions

Travelers Will Face Mass Flight Disruptions Across Europe This Summer

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

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