Coronavirus in Tirol: the most important questions and answers

Latest information at a glance:

• In public spaces, a minimum distance of one metre must be maintained to all people not living in the same household. The wearing of a face mask covering the nose and mouth is mandatory in the following situations:

  • in (food) shops

  • on the premises of service providers and in all forms of customer contact

  • on public transport and in taxis

  • at indoor events (except when sitting in your assigned seat)

  • in cable cars, funicular railways, coaches and in sightseeing boats

  • in local authority buildings

  • in schools outside the classroom

  • in pharmacies, nursing homes, hospitals and health resorts, and in places where health and care services are provided

  • in locations subject to the Austrian Act on Hygiene at Swimming Pools and Bathing Waters (with the exception of showers and indoor swimming pools)

  • at markets and trade fairs (indoor and outdoor)

--> Please be aware that different rules may apply in different regions and provinces of Austria. These are determined by the Corona Traffic Light System. 

• The Corona Traffic Light System is a tool developed by the Austrian government to indicate the risk level in the different parts of Austria. Based on the latest epidemiological data, a commission of experts gives each region, each province and Austria as a whole one of the following colours:

  • Red: very high risk. Uncontrolled outbreaks, widespread distribution of the virus.

  • Orange: high risk. Strong accumulation of cases (no longer attributable to individual clusters).

  • Yellow: intermediate risk. Moderate accumulation of cases (attributable to individual clusters).

  • Green: low risk. Individual cases, isolated clusters.

Details on the Corona Traffic Light System and the current situation in all provinces and regions can be found here (German).

How many Covid-19 cases are there in Tirol?

Find here the latest numbers on Covid-19 infections in Tirol.

Are there restrictions on entering and leaving Tirol?

• Since Monday, 15 June there have been no health and identity checks at the borders with Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. This means the situation will be the same as before the Coronavirus epidemic - travellers will be able to come to Austria without having to present a negative test or go into quarantine. 
• People wishing to enter Austria from countries which are currently subject to a travel warning must bring with them proof of a negative Covid-19 test (PCR test) or, alternatively, quarantine themselves for a period of 14 days.
• Austria is currently subject to travel warnings from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Belgium and Norway. This means that since Saturday 22 August travellers from Austria must register and quarantine for a period of 14 days. Travellers from Austria arriving in Norway must quarantine for 10 days (regulation in place since 19 August). We recommend contacting the foreign office of the land you wish to travel to in order to get the latest information.

Here you get an answer if you are allowed to travel to Austria from your home country.

Can I use public transport to travel around Tirol? 

Wearing protective face masks covering the nose and mouth is mandatory on public transport. Moreover, a minimum distance of one metre must be observed on public transport wherever it is possible.

• Since Monday 18 May 2020, public transport in Tirol has been running at full capacity again.
• Since Monday 18 May 2020, regional trains in Tirol have been running at full capacity again.
• Since Monday 15 July 2020, long-distance rail services have been running at full capacity again.

Which guidelines apply in tourist accommodation establishments?

All accommodation providers are open to guests since 29 May 2020.

• Keep at least one metre distance from other people except for people from the same household or fellow travellers staying in the same accommodation.
• When entering indoor communal areas, guests must wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth.
• Reserve in advance if possible.
• Do not travel if you are showing signs of illness. Contact your host if you develop any signs of illness during your stay.
• For dining areas, theexisting regulations for the gastronomy industry apply.
• Seminars are allowed according to the rules concerning events.
• Mountain huts: Four rules must be observed this summer when staying overnight in mountain huts:
  1. Visit huts only if you are fit and healthy.
  2. Bring your own face mask.
  3. Book in advance (online or by telephone) – without reservation no overnight stay is possible this year.
  4. Use your own sleeping bag and pillow case.

Further details can be found on the website of the Austrian Alpine Club (German).

Which guidelines apply to mountain sports, leisure facilities and places of interest?

• Leisure facilities, cable cars, swimming pools and tourist attractions are allowed to open since 29 May 2020.
• Mountain huts: Four rules must be observed this summer when staying overnight in mountain huts:

1. Visit huts only if you are fit and healthy.
2. Bring your own face mask.
3. Book in advance (online or by telephone) – without reservation no overnight stay is possible this year.
4. Use your own sleeping bag and pillow case.

Further details can be found on the website of the Austrian Alpine Club (German).

• Recommendations of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce for using cable cars in summer can be found here (German). In cable cars, too, a minimum distance of one metre or the wearing of face mask for large gatherings of people generally applies.

• Recommendations of the Austrian Alpine Club for mountain sports

  1. Stay on the safe side: Don’t push the limits when doing alpine activities. Consider the corona-related risks and complications during rescue operations in the mountains. More than ever, only head into the mountains if you are fit and healthy!

  2. Keep your distance – at least one metre: If this is not possible, wear a face mask. Certain mountain sports (e.g. mountain biking) may also require greater distances (see below).

  3. Stay in small groups: Keep in mind that it becomes more difficult to socially distance as the group size increases. Avoid busy trails and places.

  4. Refrain from usual rituals: For example, no shaking hands, hugs, kisses at the summit, sharing drinking bottles with others, etc.

  5. Take along face mask and disinfectant: As well as the normal emergency equipment, make sure you have a face mask and disinfectant in your rucksack.

  6. In an emergency, as always: As a first aider, proceed according to the generally accepted first aid guidelines and, additionally, use a face mask.

  7. Wear a face mask when travelling together in vehicles: In addition, only two persons (including the driver) may be carried in each row of seats. Use public transport where possible.

  8. Observe the rules in the huts: When staying overnight in mountain huts, in addition to a face mask you must also bring your own summer sleeping bag and pillow case. Sleeping places must be reserved in advance.

Which guidelines apply to events?

• Large-scale events with no allocated seating (e.g. weddings)

--> Up to 100 people outdoors and up to 10 people indoors

-->No curfew for private events with up to 100 people

The Austrian government recommends restricting private celebrations to no more than 25 people.

• Events with allocated seating which have been approved by the local authorities and have a Covid-safe prevention concept are subject to the following rules:

-->Indoors: events up to 1,500 people

-->Outdoors: events up to 3,000 people

These numbers do not include members of staff needed to carry out the event.

Which guidelines apply to the hospitality industry?

Restaurants are now allowed to keep their premises open for guests until 1:00am. This includes mountain huts. Certain rules apply, including the following:

• The opening hours are limited to 6:00 until 1:00 a.m.

• Stay at least one metre away from people who do not belong to your group

• Face masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn by staff

• In indoor spaces, guests must wear a face mask when not sitting at their table

• A maximum of ten people are allowed to sit at one table

• Food may only be served to people who are seated

• If possible, use contactless payment

• Follow instructions given by staff

• Do not shake hands or hug

• Observe the relevant hygiene measure

For buffets the same rules apply as those currently in place for accommodation providers. This means it is once again possible to offer self-service provided the risk of infection can be minimised using special hygiene measures.

Can I cancel my holiday?

Detailed information can generally be provided by your accommodation provider, the online booking platform you used to book your holiday, your travel company or, where relevant, your travel insurance provider.

Moreover, the Austrian Association for Consumer Information (VKI) provides a hotline for legal questions relating to travel: 0800 201 211 (Monday to Sunday, 9:00 until 15:00). If you are already abroad, you can find online advice (German only) here.