Latest information at a glance:
In September, the Austrian government decided on the following multi-step plan for managing Coronavirus over autumn and winter. Moving from one step to the next is based on the percentage of intensive care beds taken up by Covid-19 patients.
From 15 September (Step 1):
- Increased checks on measures already in place.
- Lateral flow antigen tests only valid for 24 hours.
- FFP2 face masks mandatory instead of standard face masks (in places where standard face masks are currently required).
- Recommendation to wear FFP2 face mask in shops (mandatory for unvaccinated people).
- For events of 25 people (previously 100 people) and more, the 3G Rule applies. All people must have a valid test, be vaccinated or have proof that they have had and recovered from Coronavirus.
- For hospitality locations and accommodation providers, the 3G Rule applies. All people must have a valid test, be vaccinated or have proof that they have had and recovered from Coronavirus.
- Nightclubs and après-ski locations are subject to the same rules. This means all people must have proof of a negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, or proof that they have had and recovered from Coronavirus. No lateral flow antigen tests or antibody tests will be accepted.
- People using cable cars and ski lifts must wear an FFP2 face mask. From the start of the winter season (October) the 3G Rule will apply. People must carry with them at all times proof of they have been tested, vaccinated or had and recovered from Coronavirus. Random checks will be carried out. Please be aware that all people, including those have been tested, vaccinated or had and recovered from Coronavirus, must nevertheless wear an FFP2 mask.
- For Christmas markets the 3G Rule applies. All people must have a valid test, be vaccinated or have proof that they have had and recovered from Coronavirus.
If more than 15% of intensive care beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients, Step 2 will come into force seven days later:
- Nightclubs, après-ski locations and large events without allocated seating will be subject to the 2G Rule (access only for people who have been vaccinated or have had and recovered from Coronavirus).
- Do-it-yourself lateral flow antigen tests will no longer be accepted in places where the 3G Rule applies.
If more than 20% of intensive care beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients, Step 3 will come into force seven days later:
- Locations where the 3G Rule had previously applied will now only be accessible for people with a negative PCR test as well as those who have been vaccinated or had and recovered from Coronavirus.
See current requirements for people entering or returning from Tirol under "Travel Warnings" in the Dashboard below:
The following relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions will apply from 1 July 2021:
- Persons entering Austria from a country with a low incidence of infections do not have to fill out a pre-travel clearance form anymore. However, they must provide prove that they have tested negative, have received a vaccination (more than 21 days ago), or have recovered from a past infection.
- No mandatory closing time for restaurants anymore.
- No more capacity restrictions in restaurants regarding the size of groups. The “Three Gs” rule still applies (geimpft, getestet, genesen – vaccinated, tested, recovered).
- The capacity of night clubs in which guests are predominantly not seated is limited to 75%. Only vaccinated persons or those with a negative PCR test result (not older than 72 hours) are allowed to enter night clubs.
- No minimum distance applies anymore.
- No more mask requirement in restaurants and bars, hotels, accommodation, or recreational facilities (neither FFP2 nor regular cloth masks). The “Three Gs” rule applies (geimpft, getestet, genesen – vaccinated, tested, recovered). You must continue to wear a face mask in indoor spaces, on public transport, in public spaces as well as customer areas of business premises.
- No maximum capacity limits for cultural events.
The “Three Gs” rule applies (geimpft, getestet, genesen – vaccinated, tested, recovered) in the following areas:
- When entering Austria
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotel and accomodation
- Recreation facilities (e.g. zoos)
- Events with more than 100 guests
- Sport facilities