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Austria Removes Testing Requirement For Travelers With Boosters

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Following an update of Austria's Covid travel restrictions this week, the latest guidance states that travelers who've received a booster jab can currently enter Austria without any additional entry requirements. The updated rules include travelers coming from the US, Canada and the UK.

Travelers to Austria who've received a full course of the Covid vaccine (one dose or two dose) as well as their recent booster jab won't have to show a PCR test for travel to Austria.

In addition, those who have official proof of recovery from the virus (part of Austria's 2-G status) and have been vaccinated aren't required to show a negative PCR test for entry.

Historic city of Graz with main square, Styria, Austria

Entry Regulations For Austria – Information For Travelers

Here's the full entry requirements for all travelers to Austria as of January 26, 2022:

  • Show proof of having received an approved two dose (or one dose J&J vaccine) OR proof of prior infection showing your date of recovery from the virus.
  • A negative Covid PCR test result from the previous 72 hours of travel OR a booster dose (which is valid for travel right after being administered).
  • At this time, proof of recovery is valid for up to 180 days from travel to Austria.
  • Children under 12 years of age don't need to show any vaccination/recovery proof or negative test if traveling with an adult carrying all required documents for travel.
  • Please note that travelers who've recovered from the virus but haven't received any prior Covid vaccines must still show a negative PCR test for travel to Austria.
  • Travelers 12 and above (anyone born on or after September `1, 2006) must show a negative PCR test result if they haven't been vaccinated.
woman cycling in Vienna, Austria

If you haven't yet received your booster and don't have a PCR test, you can still travel to Austria under the following guidance:

  • Travelers must show proof of full vaccination (one or two doses depending on vaccine type) OR proof of full recovery.
  • Register for pre-travel clearance prior to departure for Austria.
  • Self-isolate upon arrival and take a PCR test. The traveler can come out of self-isolation once they show a negative PCR test result.

To find out more information on what types of vaccines are approved for travel and which type of recovery certificates are accepted, check out Austria's official travel portal here.

tram running through Vienna old town

UK Recently Removed From List of Virus Variant Countries

In other travel news this week, Austria removed the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway from its list of virus variant countries.

This means that as of January 24, travelers coming from those countries will be subject to the same entry requirements as other nations.

family in Vienna by the Ferris wheel on a sunny cool day

Austria Shortening Validity Of Vaccine Certificates From February 1

Officials in Austria also announced this week that the EU nation will be shortening the validity of vaccination certificates within the country.

From February 1, the validity of a persons vaccine certificate will be reduced from 270 days to 180 days. Under the guidance, a booster dose will keep the certificate valid for an additional 270 days.

alpine hut in austria

Travelers should note that vaccine certificates from 270 days will still be accepted for international arrivals. However, access to a number of establishments such as restaurants, bars, museums and more will be limited, as only certificates from the past 180 days will be accepted for entry.

As reported in SchengenVisaInfo, an official in Austria stated that: “From February 1, 2022, two-dose vaccinations are only valid for 180 days in Austria (exception: 210 days for under 18-year-olds). However, for entering, the 270 days remain in place. The booster vaccination is valid for 270 days in both scenarios.”

A man on vacation hiking in Austrian Alps. Wearing warm clothes and backpack. He took a break to rest and enjoy in beautiful landscape. Winter day. Mountains are covered with snow. View from behind.

EU Updated Guidance For Vaccine Certificates And Travel

This week's update coincides with the update recently made by the EU Council on vaccination certificates throughout the bloc. From the beginning of February, all vaccine certificates will remain valid for up to 270 days or less.

The official recommendation by the Council is that nations limit the validity of their accepted vaccine certificates for travel and require a booster dose for certificates to be updated.

skiing in austria

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Netherlands To Remove Quarantine Requirement For Travelers With Boosters

UK To Officially Remove All Testing Requirements For Vaccinated Travelers

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