Coronavirus in Tirol: the most important questions and answers

Latest information

• Since Monday, 15 June there have been no health and identity checks at the borders with Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Liechtenstein. This means the situation will be the same as before the Coronavirus epidemic - travellers from those countries will be able to come to Austria without having to present a negative test or go into quarantine. But, 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. 
• The rules for accommodation providers can be found here.
• The rules for all other tourist infrastucture, leisure attractions and sightseeing locations can be found here.
• The rules for the hospitality industry can be found here.
• No major events will be permitted until at least 31 August 2020. Smaller events will be allowed step by step before then. 
• 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:
  • on public transport
  • at indoor events (except when sitting in your assigned seat)
  • in cable cars, funicular railways, coaches and in sightseeing boats
  • in food shops (e.g. bakeries, butcher's shops, patisseries)
  • in petrol stations where food can also be purchased
  • in banks, post offices and postal service partners
  • in pharmacies, nursing homes, hospitals and health resorts, and in places where health and care services are provided
  • at service providers if the minimum distance of one metre cannot be maintained (unless the risk of infection can be minimised using other appropriate protective measures).
• Here you will find the latest numbers on coronavirus infections in Tirol.

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. 

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

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.

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.
• Reserve in advance if possible.
• Face masks are recommended when in crowded places
• 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 for up to 100 people. Social distancing must be maintained and the wearing of a face mask is recommended.
• 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.

In huts which have not been able to create spatial separation in sleeping quarters, a distance of at least 1.5 metres must be maintained between persons not living in the same household. 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.

In huts which have not been able to create spatial separation in sleeping quarters, a distance of at least 1.5 metres must be maintained between persons not living in the same household. 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?

• Events with large groups of people without fixed seating (e.g. weddings)
  • Since 29 May: events for up to 100 people permitted
  • From 1 August: events for up to 200 people permitted
  • No curfew for closed events up to a maximum of 100 people.
• The following rules apply to events with fixed seating:

Indoor

• Since 1 July: events for up to 250 people permitted
• From 1 August: events for up to 500 people permitted, or up to 1,000 people with the approval of the local authorities
• From September: events for up to 5,000 people permitted

Outdoor

• Since 1 July: events for up to 500 people permitted
• From 1 August: events for up to 750 persons permitted, or up to 1,250 with the approval of the local authorities
• From September: events for up to 10,000 people permitted

Staff needed to carry out the event are not included in these maximum numbers.

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

• If possible, use contactless payment

• Follow instructions given by staff

• Do not shake hands or hug

• Observe the relevant hygiene measure

Since 1 July:

• Staff are no longer obliged to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth. It is, however, recommended that staff continue to wear one.
• Establishments can open between 5:00am and 1:00 a.m. The closing time of 1:00am does not apply to private groups if the names of the people in the group are provided to the owner of the premises at least three days in advance.
• In future the same simplified provisions used for the accommodation sector will also apply to buffets. This means that self-service can be offered again, provided that the risk of infection can be minimised by taking special hygiene precautions.

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.