Austria Post-Pandemic: Updates on Travel Restrictions

2020 was a whirlwind of a year primarily because of the Covid-19 global pandemic. For more than an entire year, countries went on lockdown, closed their economies, and restricted domestic and international travel all over the world. Not to mention world events had to close and traditions were broken. It was nothing anyone has ever seen before. Now, however, in 2021, it seems like a new day has dawned. Little by little, things are getting back to normal. Here in Austria, plans are already set on reopening borders and welcoming tourists back to the country. Here are the latest updates.

As reported by SchengenVisa Info, Austria plans to start reopening by May 19, 2021. Particularly, to travelers coming from fellow EU member-states. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz confirmed this when he made an official announcement back in April. 'The light at the end of the tunnel is near,” he stated. With that said, those entering Austria are required to strictly follow health protocols and quarantine rules to prevent any upsurge of Covid-19 cases in the country. They include self-isolating within ten days upon arrival in the country and submitting a negative Covid-19 test by the end of quarantine. For now, those who wish to go to Austria for essential travel can fill out a digital “pre-travel clearance” form in order to be granted entry.

Moreover, May 19, 2021, will also see various businesses reopening and starting operations again. From restaurants and bars to museums and gyms, establishments will be granted permission to welcome guests again by this time. At the same time, travelers coming from certain countries—specifically Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, and Iceland—will be allowed to enter Austria without having to follow quarantine rules. The same goes for EU citizens traveling to Austria for business. Other than that, those coming from other countries around the world will still be required to follow Austria's health protocols upon arrival.

Nevertheless, Austria may push forward to reopening the country entirely once the EU's Digital Green certificates have been made available. They plan to start this new vaccine system by June 2021, allowing those within the EU to travel freely throughout the continent. The Digital Green Certificate will serve as an electronic document proving that the traveler has either been vaccinated, tested negative, or has fully recovered from Covid-19. They do not, however, act as an alternative to valid passports and Schengen Visas. You'll still need all of these to enter Austria or any other EU country by summer 2021.

With all these latest updates, it won't be long now till Austria will fully reopen to travelers within and outside of the EU. By then, things will probably get back to normal and tourism will thrive once more in this beautiful country!

Remember that traveling to Austria means you can also stay in the many luxury homes here!