Hallo Again! May 19, Vienna Opens To The Public

We care about your safety and  health, so please take extra precautions when travelling.

Vienna, and Austria as a whole is easing up on the restrictions placed regarding hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment areas that would tend to gather crowds. This includes  theaters, opera houses, concert halls, museums, cinemas and even the home of Vienna’s famous giant ferris wheel, the Prater.

Vienna has had a number of lockdowns placed after the first one in a span of 14 months, easing a little in between for a month or two.

Starting on May 19, guests that are not from high-risk areas could easily present a certificate or proof of either vaccination, negative test result, or recovery are allowed entry.

With these, we still encourage safety; by putting masks on, and observing distancing as much as possible, and following protocols. With vaccines rolling out around the world, many cities might follow suit. Here are the important points to look at.

Safety measures

So what would be allowed and what’s required per May 19?

Immunity

The general rule is you can enter Austria if you belong to these group of people:

Vaccinated

• Those that have immunization after receiving two partial vaccinations (A person is considered vaccinated on the 22nd day after the first dose, lasting for 3 months. This extends for another 6 months after the second dose.)

Tested

• Those who underwent a molecular test (e.g. PCR test). Must show a certificate not older than 72 hours from the time of sampling.
• Antigen test of an authorized provider/medical authority (no self-tests): Must show certificate not older than 48 hours from the time of sampling.
• Children below 10 are not required to show a test.

Recovered

• Those who contracted the virus at some point, hospitalized. Those who tested positive but has little to no symptoms. Depending on the situation, requirements are as follows:-Must show official hospital discharge certificate: with  6 months validity.
  -Must show medical confirmation of a prior infection confirmed by means of a molecular test: with  6 months validity.
  -Proof of a positive test for neutralizing antibodies: Must show certificate with 3 months validity.

Registration via Pre-Travel-Clearance (PTC)

Travellers coming to Austria must register online for a Pre-Travel Clearance (PTC), the registration form can be found here. This must be done 72 hours before entry at the earliest; commuters must renew every 28 days.

Quarantine

Austria has listed countries without quarantine requirement here. All others need to show proof of vaccination, which allows them to not undergo a 10-day quarantine. If only a negative PCR test is presented, one must go into quarantine, which may be shortened to 5 days if they take the test again and results turn negative.

Landing Ban: South Africa, India, and Brazil

• Only travel for certain purposes are allowed (business travel, medical purposes).
• Must present a negative PCR test no older than 72h required.
• Must do a 10-day quarantine (but allowed to take PCR test after 5 days, can end quarantine if negative).

Protocols

Public Transportation

FFP2 masks are mandatory when boarding a train, bim, or bus, even at train stations. While others do not observe distancing anymore, it is still a wise thing to do.

Venues, hotels, and cultural event places

-Guests can present either a negative Corona test, proof of vaccination (valid for 22 days from first dose) or a confirmation that one has recovered from Covid. PCR tests are valid for 72 hours, antigen tests for 48 hours, self-tests with digital solution for 24 hours.

-Vaccinated, recovered, and tested persons can dine in. Those who do not have a negative test may get tested in the restaurant (valid only for the duration of the visit). Guests, like most cafés have been doing, must register (for tracing). Restaurants restrict guests to 10 people (+ children)  per table outdoors, while only 4 (+ children) per table indoors. Closing time is at 10 pm.

-Hotels reopen to leisure guests. Tested, vaccinated, and recovered persons are allowed to stay in Vienna again.

-Theaters, opera houses, concert halls, cinemas, and other cultural institutions are allowed to accommodate a maximum of 50 % of the seats. In theaters, distancing will be observed by having one seat free between groups of visitors. Entry is only possible for those who have been tested, recovered, or vaccinated.

-FFP2 masks are mandatory to wear in museums. 20 m² per person must be ensured. Access tests are not required.

-Events for a gathering of people as fairs, congresses and such will be possible again. A maximum of 1,500 people may attend indoors, and a maximum of 3,000 outdoors. Organizers are required to give assigned seating, access only for those tested, recovered or vaccinated.

-For wellness areas (in hotels or spas), outdoor pools and indoor sports facilities/fitness centers a 20 m² per guest is mandatory. Vaccinated, recovered, or tested persons are allowed to use these facilities.

-Spas and recreational facilities such as the Vienna Prater are allowed to reopen.

FFP2 Masks

It is mandatory to wear FFP2 masks in all of the above areas, in public transportation vehicles, train stations, and where close proximity to people is expected. Of course, you can always wear a mask even when there are no people around to ensure your safety. (And remove it to breathe fresh air once in a while, too.)

May 19, Vienna Opens To The Public, Stay Safe

There’s anticipation to what would happen as Vienna opens to the public; this means job openings again, having more time for recreation, but also having to risk the number of infection going high again. While Vienna’s healthcare system is prepared, it is wise to always be careful. As tourists, make sure that you know what your travel insurance policies cover.

Disclaimer: Information on this page has been researched thoroughly. However, rules change, so please monitor the Austria.info site as well. We advise you to coordinate with your local embassies regarding restrictions on your own country, and also talk to your doctor before deciding to travel. Stay Safe!