Following the May 19 ease-up on tourism in Austria, the country will further introduce changes on July 1. Entry of people travelling from certain countries is still not allowed. Some restrictions are placed on travellers coming from particular countries, while the rest of those who are arriving from countries deemed as safe need not undergo quarantine. Here’s the country categories:
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“Low epidemiological risk States / Areas” List 1
These are countries with a low incidence rates, tourists from these countries are required to show proof of negative test/vaccination/past infection and doesn’t need to self-isolate.
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“Virus variants Areas and States of concern” List 2
- Travel reasons allowed for business travel, medical reasons, etc.
- Need to register online in advance and obtain Pre-Travel Clearance, required to show proof at the border (digital or hard copy). You can find more information on the pre-travel clearance here and the form you need to fill in before travelling here.
- Negative PCR test (NOT antigen test) no older than 72 hours required.
- Ten day quarantine required after arrival (can take a test after 5 days, to end quarantine early).
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Other States and Territories
Entering Austria is possible from countries not listed on the two lists above. All travellers from those other states and territories need to show either proof of full vaccination (starting on the 15th day after their second dose) OR proof of past infection OR a negative COVID test.
Entry Requirements
Travellers who want to enter Austria (with approved visa) are required to show any proof of a Vaccine, a Negative COVID Test, or Proof of Past Infection as mentioned above depending on the country category an individual comes from.
Vaccine certificate
Travellers who have full vaccination (starting on the 15th day after their second dose) can show their proof of vaccination and do not need to self-isolate or quarantine and do not need to register for Pre-Travel Clearance.
Approved vaccines
The following vaccines have been approved by the EMA/WHO, there is no official list of what Austria acknowledges, but since WHO has approved it, a report on June 23 says that Austria has recognised it as well.
- Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty)
- AstraZeneca EU (Vaxzevria)
- Johnson & Johnson (COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen)
- Moderna (Spikevax)
- AstraZeneca-SK Bio (Vaxzevria)
- Serum Institute of India (Covishield)
- Sinopharm BIBP
- Sinovac
Negative COVID Test
Those who have a certificate of negative COVID test need to register digitally in advance to obtain Pre-Travel Clearance. They need to self-isolate for 10 days, but can take a test after 5 days and if still negative can end quarantine.
Proof of Past Infection
Travellers who have proof of a past infection need to register digitally in advance to obtain Pre-Travel Clearance. They also need to self-isolate for 10 days, but can take a test after 5 days and if still negative can end quarantine.You can get the formula to fill up here.
Pre-Travel Clearance (PTC)
Still like the last regulation, certain travellers 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.
Vienna and Austria Travel, Stay Safe
With a fast rollout of vaccinations, COVID cases in Vienna, and Austria has been low in recent weeks.Travelling is a good way to unwind, discover cultures, learn about many things about other people. But with the restrictions we are in for over a year, it hasn’t been easy. Form some of us itchyfeets, the pandemic has taken a toll on our adventurous selves. As many countries open again for tourism, we hope you get to see your dream city soon. Just remember to prepare not only your visa (if needed) but the requirements regarding safety and health as well…
We’re set to get our shots next week, and we’ll fill you in with the process. Meanwhile, wherever you are travelling, observe safety protocols and follow rules, to keep others safe as well.
