As coronavirus infections hit a record high on Friday, the Austrian government imposes a new national lockdown.
The temporary lockdown is in effect from 22 November until 13 December at the latest. Travel to Austria for touristic purposes will only be possible again after this period.
After the end of the current lockdown, the 2-G-rule (proof of full vaccination/past infection) will be in effect again in Austria, as well as FFP2 mask requirements in many areas. To keep locals and visitors safe, the following measures will be in place:
For hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, leisure centres, gyms, cultural institutions (cinemas, theatres etc.), Christmas markets, ski lifts/cable cars and body-related services (such as hairdressers) proof of full vaccination/recovery is mandatory (children under the age of 12 are exempt).
For events with 25 people or more proof of full vaccination/recovery is mandatory (children under the age of 12 are exempt).
COVID tests (both PCR and antigen) are no longer valid as “entry tests”.
FFP2 masks are required on public transport and in all retail businesses and museums.
2-dose-vaccinations are valid for 9 months only after the second dose from 6 December (previously: 12 months). After that a booster jab is required for a valid proof of full vaccination. Attention: The 1-dose vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is only valid until 3 January 2022, after that date a booster jab is required as well.
Up until 6 December, proof of the first dose plus a negative PCR test is valid for hospitality businesses, body-related services and events.
Children under 12 years are currently exempt from entry rules; for minors between 12 and 15 years, a solution is being worked on (Exemption: In Vienna, children from the age of 6 require an entry test).
