Due to the corona pandemic, there are a few things to consider when traveling to Austria during winter holidays. An overview of the incidence, rules and current information here.
Vienna – The first snow in October announced winter in Austria – and with it in many places ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking. For many Germans, the southern neighboring country, especially with its federal states near the border such as Tyrol, Salzburg and Vorarlberg, is therefore one of the most popular destinations for winter holidays. In times of Corona, however, there are also a few rules to be observed here.
For example, the Corona summit made up of the Viennese government and representatives of the nine Austrian federal states decided to tighten the corona rules in Austria again at the beginning of November. The 2G rule applies nationwide from Monday (November 8th, 2021) until further notice for events with more than 25 people, cultural establishments, restaurants, cable cars and other sports establishments as well as hotels. Even body-hugging services such as visits to the hairdresser may only be used after recovery or vaccination. The EU’s “Green Pass” is recognized as proof (e.g. via the CovPass smartphone app).
Sharp increase in corona numbers in winter – the new 2G rule in Austria does not apply to children
The background to the measure is another sharp rise in the corona numbers in Austria. At the beginning of November (as of November 6, 2021) the seven-day incidence nationwide was 560, the health authorities had reported 9,943 new infections with the coronavirus for the previous day. The step-by-step plan of the Austrian government had provided that step 4 of the emergency plan would only come into force for 500 corona patients treated in intensive care units nationwide. However, the development of the numbers would have given Federal Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP) and the representatives of the federal states reason to believe that this mark could be reached within a few days without measures.
Children under the age of twelve are exempt from the newly adopted 2G rule. The Federal Government also announced that “a workable solution” is being worked on for children and young people over the age of twelve. According to the Austrian federal government, there is also a transition period until December 6th for all those who are vaccinated against the coronavirus. Accordingly, proof of a primary vaccination and a PCR test are valid 2G proof up to this date. At the beginning of November, 66.7 percent of people in Austria were vaccinated (as of November 5, 2021).
Winter vacation in Austria despite Corona: These rules currently apply
- Since November 8th, 2021, 2G proof is required for restaurants, hotels, museums, cable cars and events with more than 25 people.
- Entry into Austria is possible from most countries without quarantine.
- The 2G rule does not apply to children under the age of 12. A rule is being worked on for people over the age of 12.
- Important apps: Cov Pass for proof of the “Green Pass” of the EU and Stop Corona for anonymized contact tracking.
- FFP2 masks are mandatory in retail, public transport, museums and libraries.
When traveling to Austria: note that the corona vaccination is up to date – FFP2 mask requirement
Also with regard to the validity of vaccination certificates, some rules in Austria changed at the beginning of November. At their corona summit, the federal and state governments decided that a booster vaccination will be necessary nine months after the second corona vaccination. So if you were vaccinated for the second time on March 1st, for example, you need proof of a booster vaccination from January 1st. Vaccinated people who have received the single-use vaccine from US manufacturer Johnson & Johnson must all have a booster vaccination from January 3rd.
Also as part of the intensified pandemic measures at the beginning of November, it was decided to reintroduce the nationwide obligation to wear FFP2 masks. This now applies in all retail, in local public transport, in museums and libraries.
Entry to Austria currently mostly without quarantine – the mobile phone app “Stop Corona” is often compulsory
Entry into Austria is possible from most European countries without quarantine – however, travelers must be able to prove that they have been vaccinated, recovered or tested. In addition, tourists may not have visited any countries for which quarantine rules apply in Austria ten days before entering the country. A current overview of the entry requirements to Austria can be found on the website of the tourism authority.
What is necessary in many places on site is the “Stop Corona” mobile phone app, which can be downloaded free of charge for Android and iOS devices. The app follows the specifications of “Privacy Preserving Contact Tracing” and works in a similar way to the “Corona Warning App” or “Luca” in this country. (ska)
