Coronavirus in Tirol: the most important questions and answers

Latest information

• Entering and leaving Tirol is currently possible in exceptional cases. The borders with Germany and Switzerland will be fully opened on 15 June 2020. 
• Accommodation providers (hotels, apartments, private rooms, etc.) will be allowed to open to guests from 29 May 2020, subject to certain restrictions.
• All other tourism-related infrastructure, leisure facilities and sights will also open from 29 May 2020.
• Restaurants have been open again since 15 May 2020. The following rules and restrictions apply when visiting restaurants, bars, cafés, etc.
• No major events will be permitted until at least 31 August 2020. Smaller events will be allowed step by step before then. Further details
• On 1 May 2020 the initial nationwide lockdown measures were lifted. The minimum distance of one metre must continue to be observed in public places. When entering indoor public places, a face mask covering the nose and mouth must be worn.
• 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?

• Germany: From 15 June 2020, the borders between Germany and Austria will be fully open again.
• Italy: All minor border crossings are closed. Checks are being carried out at the open border crossings. Only people who live or work in Tirol are currently allowed to enter. Travelling from East Tirol to North Tirol via South Tirol (Italian territory) is now permitted once again. However, please be aware that certain conditions imposed by the Austrian and Italian governments apply.
• Switzerland: All minor border crossings are closed. Checks are being carried out at the open border crossings. Only people who live or work in Tirol are currently allowed to enter. From 15 June 2020, the borders between Austria and Switzerland will be fully open again.
• Travelling through Tirol is generally permitted. Travelling from East Tirol to North Tirol via South Tirol (Italian territory) is permitted.
• Until the borders are fully opened, entering and leaving Tirol will only be allowed in the following exceptional circumstances:
  • commuting for work,
  • transport of goods,
  • visiting spouses, partners and relatives,
  • important family occasions such as weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies,
  • visiting one’s own property in Tirol as well as visiting allotment gardens and self-owned agricultural, hunting and forestry land.

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 18 May 2020, long-distance rail services within Austria have been running a regular timetable again. There are currently no trains to Italy, Germany and Switzerland. These services will be resumed when the national borders with these countries are opened.

Which guidelines apply in tourist accommodation establishments?

All accommodation providers will be allowed to reopen to guests from 29 May 2020.

• A minimum distance of one metre is the basic rule for accommodation providers.
• Employees who have contact with guests must wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth. Guests must also wear a face mask when in entrance and reception areas.
• Reserve in advance if possible.
• 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: Dormitories (e.g. large sleeping areas with mattresses next to each other) are permitted as long as a minimum distance of two metres is maintained or protective measures are taken to separate the individual sleeping areas.

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

Leisure facilities, cable cars, swimming pools and tourist attractions will be allowed to reopen from 29 May 2020.

The following attractions and facilities were allowed to reopen on 15 May 2020:

• animal parks and zoos,
• museums and exhibitions,
• libraries,
• sightseeing boats,
• drive-in cinemas,
• dance schools.

Details for cable cars are currently being drawn up. Here, too, the minimum distance of one metre and the wearing of a face mask for large gatherings of people is generally applicable.

Which guidelines apply to events?

Major events will not be allowed to take place until at least 31 August 2020.

• From 29 May 2020:
• Indoor and outdoor events with up to 100 guests permitted
• From 1 July 2020:
• Events with up to 250 guests permitted
• Cinemas can reopen
• From 1 August 2020:
• Events with up to 500 guests (events with a special security concept: up to 1000 visitors) permitted

Which guidelines apply to the hospitality industry?

Restaurants, cafés and bars reopened on 15 May 2020. The following rules must be observed:

• The opening hours are limited to 6:00 until 23:00.
• People living in the same household or a maximum of four adults plus their children (under 18 years) may sit at the same table.
• The minimum distance of one metre does not have to be observed around each table, but it must be maintained between the different tables.
• As an alternative to the one metre rule, suitable protective measures are also permitted to separate tables. Guests must be shown to their table by staff.
• Staff must wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth, but the guests sitting at the table do not have to. However, masks must be worn by guests when entering and leaving the premises and when walking to and from the toilets.
• Seats will be allocated to diners. Guests cannot choose where they want to sit. It is recommended to reserve tables in advance.
• At buffet, food and drinks will be served by a member of staff or will be pre-portioned ready to take away.
• There will be no bar service.
• Nightclubs, bars and discos will remain closed for the time being.

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.