A nationwide lockdown in Austria has been implemented effective today November 22 until December 12. People are only allowed to leave home or accommodation for the following reasons: significant needs like buying groceries, and medicine, going to work, hospital, going out for recreation (open spaces), and helping out other people in need.
What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Only grocery stores and pharmacies, banks, hospitals, schools, clinics (for human and pets) and gas stations are open.
Restaurants and cafés are closed, but food pick up and delivery services are available.
Cultural centers, open markets, museums, event halls, concert halls are closed.
Viennese hotels are open only for professional reasons, meaning: they do not accept tourists that arrive for leisurely purposes, only those with business agendas. However, those who are already in Vienna at this time can stay at their accommodations as agreed. If you have family in Vienna, you are allowed to stay with them – at your own risk.
There is no requirement to quarantine for those vaccinated, so consider your and your family’s safety when staying with them.
A big difference from previous lockdowns is the airport is open for travel outside the country. (Although it’s more of a travel at your own risk unspoken rule.)
2G Rule
Unlike the previous rules, Austria imposed the 2G Rule before lockdown, simply put – “vaccinated, recovered” – having proof of full vaccination/past infection gives one access to establishments. However, since everything is closed, going around Vienna means only enjoying the open park spaces in the cold.
Rules to Enter Austria
Vaccinated and recovered persons from safe countries can enter Austria without the need to quarantine, one needs to show either a proof of vaccination, a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction), or a proof of recovery (medical certificate).
PCR Test
Upon entry, one needs to show a PCR test not older than 72 hours, issued by a medical authority. This rule is for everyone aged 12 and up. Antigen tests are no longer accepted for entering Austria.
Vaccinated
Until December 5 clarification:
– For 2-dose vaccines : vaccine certificates are valid for 360 days after the 2nd dose.
– For people with a past infection + one vaccination, vaccine certificates are valid for 360 days after the jab.
– If one already got a third/additional/booster vaccination, vaccine certificates are valid for 360 days from the third jab.
– For one-dose vaccines, vaccine certificates are valid from the 22nd day of the jab and until 270 days from the date of vaccination.
– Note: there must be at least 120 days between the second and third jab, and at least 14 days between the first and the second jab. (Could be different if you had only 1 dose.)
Starting December 6 clarification:
– The validity of vaccine certificates is reduced from 360 days to 270 days only.
Vaccines recognized in Austria:
| Recognized upon Entry to Austria | Accepted in Establishments | |
| BioNtech/Pfizer | yes | yes |
| AstraZeneca | yes | yes |
| Covishield | yes | no |
| Johnson & Johnson | yes | yes |
| Moderna | yes | yes |
| Sinovac | yes | no |
| Sinopharm | yes | no |
Recovered
A person can enter Austria for 180 days after Covid infection. A certificate of recovery, a medical confirmation from a doctor, or an official test result should be shown. Proof of neutralising antibodies is no longer recognized for entry into Austria.
Airport
Those coming from safe countries (click here for the list), are allowed to enter Austria, with a requirement to show proof of vaccine and PCR test upon entry.
Landing ban and entry restrictions
Update: On Saturday, 27 November, a landing ban for flights and an entry ban was placed for the following countries in connection to a detected virus variant:
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zimbabwe
Those coming from these countries, need to obtain a pre-travel clearance, show a negative molecular test result, and must undergo 10 days of self-isolation.
Pre-Travel Clearance
Only those coming from countries not on the safe list are required to obtain (at least 72 hours before entry) and show pre-travel clearance. More information regarding pre-travel clearance here.
FFP2 Masks
Wearing FFP2 masks is mandatory inside public transportation, train stations, bus stops, basically anywhere where people tend to gather. One must also put on an FFP2 mask upon entry into banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other public establishments that are open. It’s ok to remove your mask when walking around open spaces (parks, streets), but we recommend to put them on at all times when you’re outside. Practice safe distancing as well.
Exception
For health reasons, wearing an FFP2 mask is not obligatory for those with chronic respiratory diseases, anxiety disorders, advanced dementia, severe intellectual disability, asthma, and ADHS.
Tourism
It is unfortunately not a good time to visit Austria with all the establishments being closed down. Unless you enjoy walk outs at below 10 degrees, then you’re good to go.
Frequently Asked Questions : Austria Lockdown November 22
Can we fly-out of Vienna during lockdown?
Yes, you can go and board the plane to have your vacation. (Just make sure those coming from Austria are not banned). Make your vaccine pass, PCR-tests available, and ask your airline for particular guidelines when flying out.
Who are required to quarantine?
People coming from countries with entry restrictions (see above) must self-isolate for 10 days.
Residents of Austria can come back anytime without the need of a PTC.
I have a negative PCR test for when I arrive in Austria, is this enough?
Unfortunately, no. If you do not have a proof of vaccine or past infection, you will have to quarantine for 10 days, and you must also register digitally pre-travel.
Is my mom (or any family member abroad) allowed to come and visit us?
Yes. If a family member is coming from a safe country and is vaccinated, there is no need to quarantine. (Another, own-risk kind of decision here.)
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For all updates and individual updates on different towns and cities, please visit Austria.info.
