Coronavirus in Tirol: the most important questions and answers

When coming to Tirol from a country where the COVID-19 situation is stable, entry is possible without restrictions. Visitors must have resided in the country they travel to Tirol from for at least 10 days.

Countries with a stable COVID-19 situation: Andorra, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal (except Lisbon and Norte regions) San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (Canary Islands only), Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, United Kingdom.

When entering from a country where there is not a stable COVID-19 situation or from all countries not mentioned above:

• Entry only with a negative PCR test not more than 72 hours old.
• If the test cannot be carried out abroad, entry can still be granted and the PCR test must be carried out in Austria within 48 hours of arrival.
• Until a negative test result is presented, visitors must quarantine for up to 10 days and must provide proof of where they will be staying during this period.
• The costs of the test and any accommodation costs must be paid for by the visitor.
• If the test result is negative, the quarantine can be terminated.

These countries include:

• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Lisbon and Norte (Portugal)
• Île-de-France (Greater Paris) and Cote d'Azur (France)
• Prague (Czech Republic)
• Israel
• Spain (except the Canary Islands).

• Tirol is on the country’s “red list”.
• Travellers returning from Tirol to Belgium no longer have to provide a negative PCR test (this rule will remain in place until at least 15.11.2020).
• Travellers must register online. The authorities will then decide whether or not a ten-day period of quarantine is required.

More Information (in Dutch)

More Information (in Czech)

• Travel warning for all of Austria.
• Entry from Austria to Denmark only possible with a valid reason (cannot be replaced by a negative PCR test).
• Legally binding information on entry requirements only from Danish authorities (Tel.: +45 7020 6044).

More Information (in Danish)

Information in French

• Travel warning for the federal provinces of Tirol, Vorarlberg and Vienna (except Jungholz and Kleinwalsertal).
• German visitors are still allowed to travel to and stay in Tirol. However, the German government is recommending its citizens to leave high-risk areas immediately.
• Visitors entering Germany from Tirol must have a negative PCR test (not more than 48 hours old).
• Visitors without a test must quarantine for 14 days.
• Since 15 September 2020 travellers who have been to a high-risk area at any point in the last 14 days are entitled to a free test within 10 days of entering Germany. Further information is available on the website of the German Federal Ministry of Health.
• Commuting, freight transport and border crossings for family reasons are excluded from the quarantine measures.
• It is still permitted to travel through Germany to another country.
• Important! There are different regulations in place in Germany’s federal states. For more information click here.

On 8 November the new quarantine regulation for travellers returning from high-risk areas will come into force. It states, among other things, that quarantine will in principle end at the earliest five days after entry if the person provides a negative test result. However, there will be exceptions to this rule.

Also people arriving from high-risk areas will have to register online before entering the country. Those who fail to comply with this obligation to register risk being fined. Exemptions ­will continue to apply to commuters and other travellers crossing into and out of specific border regions.

More Information (in German)

Information in Italian

• Travel warning for Tirol (does not apply to Hinterriß and Jungholz in Tirol as well as to the Kleinwalsertal Valley in Vorarlberg).

  Mandatory ten-day quarantine for travellers arriving from Tirol (cannot be avoided by presenting a negative PCR test).

More Information (in Dutch)

• Travellers arriving from the federal provinces of Vienna, Salzburg and Burgenland must quarantine.
• This applies to people who have stayed in Vienna for more than 24 hours within the last 10 days.
• It is still possible to travel through Switzerland to another country.

• Travel warning for all of Austria.
• Travellers arriving from Austria must register upon arrival.
• Travellers arriving from Austria must quarantine for 14 days (cannot be avoided by providing a negative PCR test).

Travelling to Austria is possible without any restrictions from Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic (except Prague) and many other European countries. Travellers coming to Austria from these countries do not need to provide a negative PCR test and do not have to complete any forms before or during arrival.

Yes. All ski resorts will be open for the winter season 2020/21. You can find a list of all the ski resorts and their opening dates here.

No. You do not have to book your lift pass in advance. Some ski resorts are offering the option to purchase your lift pass online before you get to the resort in order to minimise crowding at the ticket desks. Visit the ski resort’s website to find out more about the buying your lift pass online.

The following rules have been agreed on in order to maintain social distancing on the ski lifts and cable cars wherever possible:

• Cable cars are subject to the same rules as public transport. This means passengers and staff must wear face masks covering the nose and mouth.
• Face masks must be worn in all enclosed ski lifts (gondolas, etc.) as well as at the ticket desks and when queuing for the lifts.
• Social distancing of at least one metre must be maintained at all times. If necessary, the number of people allowed onto each lift will be limited in order to ensure space.

Yes. The restaurants in the ski resorts are open subject to certain legal requirements. These include mandatory wearing of face masks (guests and staff) in enclosed areas. Groups must include no more than six people (not including children). Measures are in place to ensure there is plenty of space between groups. Food and drink may only be consumed while seated.

Yes. The après-ski bars will be open this winter. Guests must wear a face mask when entering and leaving the building. Drinks may only be consumed at tables. Drinks may not be consumed at the bar.

Yes. Hotels and other accommodation providers will be open this winter. Please get in touch with the owners for more details. Accommodation providers in the region have put in place comprehensive measures to meet the legal safety requirements and offer guests a safe and enjoyable stay.

Yes. All ski schools are open. Guidelines have been developed by the local ski schools aimed at providing a safe and enjoyable skiing experience for all guests. Groups must be no larger than ten people, including the instructor. Ski and snowboard instructors coming to Austria from other countries must provide the ski school with a negative PCR test.

Yes. Ski and snowboard equipment can be hired just like in previous winters. All the rental shops in the region maintain strict social distancing and have increased their disinfection regimes for hire equipment.

Yes. All public transport in Tirol is operating a normal timetable. A face mask covering the nose and mouth must be worn on public transport. For information on timetables please visit www.vvt.at. It is also possible for guests to travel to Tirol by train, coach or plane from neighbouring countries. More information 

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

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 and outdoor events
• 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)

• Since Monday, 15 June there have been no health and identity checks at the borders with 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, respectively Tirol is currently subject to travel warnings from Germany, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Belgium and Norway. This means that 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.

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.

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).

• 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.

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

--> Up to 12 people outdoors and up to 6 people indoors (Also applies to things such as yoga courses, friends playing cards together, vernissages, exhibitions, training courses not absolutely necessary for work purposes. Please note that these rules do not apply to funerals.)

The Austrian government recommends restricting private celebrations to no more than 6 people.

• Public events in Tirol are now restricted to a maximum of 250 people seated with no alcohol being served - all larger events must be approved by the responsible authority.

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

• A minimum distance of one metre must be maintained to other people who do not live in your household and a face mask must be worn at all times.
• These rules also apply to social activities carried out by groups in enclosed spaces.
• In general, the rules do not apply to work-related activities (including professional sport, music, etc.).
• Events with more than 200 people must present a COVID-19 prevention concept and have a named COVID-19 safety officer. 
• Events must end by 1:00 (this includes private events, though additional rules may apply at local level).
• Events may not serve food and drink.
• Events held in private households do not have to end by 1:00.
• Drive-in cinemas and other cultural events (theatre, concerts, comedy nights, etc.) attended by people sitting in enclosed vehicles are not subject to the rule on the maximum number of people allowed to attend.
• Funerals can be attended by up to 100 people. For weddings held indoors the maximum number of people allowed to attend is six.

Christmas markets are subject to the general safety rules. This means that within the market area (indoors and outdoors) a minimum social distance of one metre must be maintained to other people who do not live in your household. A face mask must be worn at all times.

When it comes to food and drink, Christmas markets are subject to the same rules as hospitality venues. As with all bars, restaurants, cafés, etc. the Christmas markets must shut at 22:00.

Restaurants are now allowed to keep their premises open for guests until 10:00 pm. All restaurants, cafés, bars, etc. require guests to provide their contact details. This includes mountain huts. Certain rules apply, including the following:

• The opening hours are limited to 6:00 until 10:00 p.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 six people (plus children) 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.

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 Friday, 9:00 until 12:00). If you are already abroad, you can find online advice (German only) here.