Information on the Coronavirus Situation 2021/2022
The temporary lockdown in Austria is carefully being lifted from 12 December. Travel to Austria – Salzburg for touristic purposes is possible from 17th of December again! Find all the detailed information here.
After the lockdown, the “2-G” rule applies again. Please find all the latest information on Austria’s COVID measures here.
That’s how the “2-G” rule works in Austria:
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).
- COVID tests (both PCR and antigen) are not valid as “entry tests”.
- FFP2 masks are required in all public areas in enclosed spaces. In restaurants/cafés/inns, you have to wear an FFP2 mask when you are not seated at your table. In all types of accommodation, FFP2 masks are mandatory in public enclosed spaces.
- Restaurants/cafés/inns have to close at 11 pm. Bars and clubs remain closed for the time being. Après-ski is not possible.
- 2-dose-vaccinations are valid for 270 days after the second dose. After that a booster jab is required. Attention: The 1-dose vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is only valid until 3 January 2022, afterwards a booster jab is needed for proof of full vaccination.
- 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).
We will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
Please be advised, that these measures are valid nationwide. Additional measures may apply in the provinces of Austria.
How Austria’s COVID-19 “Entry Tests” Work
To visit places such as restaurants and theatres in Austria, you are required to show either proof of full vaccination or a past COVID infection. In exceptional cases, negative Covid tests are also still valid. Find out everything you need to know about Austria’s “entry tests”.
For a long time, the so-called “entry tests” within the framework of the “3-G-rule” (tested, vaccinated, recovered) have been the entrance ticket to accommodation, restaurants, bars or events.
Currently, the “2-G-rule” applies in Austria. Tests are no longer permitted as proof of admission in most cases. However, there are exceptions: Business travelers can check into their accommodation with a 3-G proof for professional reasons. People who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons can also present a PCR-test in combination with a medical certificate. Children below the age of 12 do not need to show an entry test. For teenagers aged 12-15, a solution is being worked on. We will inform you here as soon as more detailed information becomes available.
If you are subject to compulsory testing, you can use the Austrian testing infrastructure free of charge during your holiday in Austria.
At a Glance
Where Entry Documents Are Required
From your hotel check-in to attending the theatre: all places that see a large number of people congregate within a smaller space will require a so-called entry test.
Proof of full vaccination OR past COVID-19 infection is required for:
- visiting a restaurant
- checking in at any type of accommodation (e.g. hotel, chalet, holiday apartment, etc.); and additionally when using services such as the restaurant at a hotel
- services that require close proximity to others (e.g. hairdresser/barber, make-up, massages)
- indoor and outdoor events (e.g. theatre, concerts, football stadium)
- leisure and sport facilities (e.g. spas, indoor and outdoor pools, gyms)
- cable cars (from 15 November)
- Christmas Markets
Where can I get tested in Austria?
- Free tests at the “Teststraßen” testing facilities
Throughout Austria, “Teststraßen” test centres can be used free of charge. You do need to book an appointment in advance. Please ask at your hotel about the nearest facility. Follow this links for local testing when needed – https://anmeldung.salzburg-testet.at/#/public/gargled-pcr-test-self-registration – when you come to point ” Select a test station” – typ in “Schnellteststation Schwarzach” then by ” Select an appointment” click on the time you want also it works when – no times are left – click on the time!!! Then keep on with registration!!! - General link for all testings and vaccination – https://anmeldung.salzburg-testet.at/#/public
- At selected chemists/pharmacies or at a dedicated lab
Please ask at your hotel about the nearest facility.
How long is my test result valid?
- PCR test (e.g. from a lab, gargle home tests): valid for 72 h; except for people over 12 years of age in Vienna: 48 h
- Antigen test (e.g. from a pharmacy, “Teststraße” testing facility): valid for 24 h (in Vienna only valid for children under the age of 12)
What You Need to Show
You need to show any one of these proofs to gain entry:
- Proof of full vaccination: The following vaccines (including mix-and-match vaccines) are recognised: BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna. Full immunisation (both doses of the vaccine OR Johnson & Johnson + 22 days OR recovery from COVID + one dose) is required. A vaccination certificate/vaccination card/vaccine passport in German or English can be used as proof of vaccination; OR
Attention! A single vaccination with Johnson & Johnson will only be recognised until 3 January 2022. After that date, a booster is required.
- Proof of past infection: An official/medical certificate proving a past infection is required.
- In exceptional cases, also a negative Covid-test is still valid: f.e. business travellers can check into their accommodation with a 3-G proof for professional reasons. People who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons can present a PCR-test in combination with a medical certificate. In Vienna, children from the age of 6 have to show an entry test. See details below.
If you are subject to compulsory testing, you can use the Austrian testing infrastructure free of charge during your holiday in Austria.
Currently, the “2-G-rule” applies for your stay in Austria. This means that during your stay, only proof of vaccination/recovery is accepted. A negative Covid-19 test is no longer sufficient. Please find more information about the new “2-G-rule” here.
During a transitional period of four weeks (until 6 December 2021), the first vaccination in combination with a PCR test is considered proof of entry.
- PCR test (from a lab, “Alles gurgelt” etc.): 72 h (Vienna: 48 h)
Accepted vaccines:
Only the vaccines approved by the EMA are recognised. At the moment those are: BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna. Please be aware that different regulations apply for ENTRY INTO Austria. For the entry tests within Austria, however, only the vaccines mentioned apply.
- 2-dose-vaccinations are valid for 9 months only after the second dose from 6 December (previously: 12 months). After that a booster is required.
- The single-dose vaccine by Johnson & Johnson is valid until 3 January 2022, after that a booster is required.
- Do I need an entry test if I am vaccinated or have had COVID before?
- No, if you are vaccinated, you do not need to show a test for 360 days after your second dose (you will need to show proof of full vaccination, meaning you are only considered vaccinated if you had both doses of the vaccine OR have a past infection + one vaccination dose). From 6 December, 2-dose-vaccinations are valid for 270 days.
- For vaccines that only require one dose, you are considered fully vaccinated starting on the 22nd day after vaccination, for 270 days.
- Attention: The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine is valid until 3 January 2022, after that a booster is required.
- If you have had COVID-19 before, you will not need to show a negative test for 180 days after your recovery.
- If convalescents are vaccinated, the first dose is valid for 360 days as proof of entry. From 6 December, the validity is reduced to 270 days.
- Since 8 November 2021, only proof of vaccination/recovery is accepted.
- Do children need an entry test?
Children under the age of 12 do not need an entry test. For children aged 12-15, a solution is being worked on.
Exemption: In Vienna, children from the age of 6 need an entry test:
- For children aged 6-11, a PCR-test no older than 72h or an antigen test no older than 48h is valid as entry test.
- For children aged 12-15, a PCR-test no older than 48h is valid as en entry test, if they are not vaccinated/recovered.
- Do I need to wear a mask if I have been tested, vaccinated, or had COVID before?
- FFP2 masks are mandatory for everybody on public transport, and in all shops and museums.
- Do children need to wear masks?
- Wherever masks are required, children from the age of 6 need a regular face mask. From the age of 14, FFP2 masks are required.
- I am vaccinated with Sinopharm/Sinovac/Covishield/Sputnik V. What should I do?
- Currently, only BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna are recognised under the “2-G” rule in Austria. However, people who have been vaccinated with Sinopharm/Sinovac/Covishield/Sputnik V. are still able to obtain a “2-G” certificate provided they can show both proof of an antibody test and a booster with BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or Moderna. Please note: The booster alone is not sufficient! The antibody test is mandatory and must be carried out before the additional jab with any of the above mentioned vaccines.
Find more information here: https://www.austria.info/en/service-and-facts/coronavirus-information/tests
Please note!! In pandemic times – it depends on the regulations if it is possible to have entertainment and if the Rustica Stadl is open or not! Till the 10th of January 2022 – the Rustica Stadl is closed and for your safety we have no entertainment! Enjoy the great skiing and the Austrian meals on the mountain and restaurants! Safety first!!!
More information at: https://siegitours.com/skiing-winter-season-covid-hygiene-and-safety
Siegi Tours is happy to assist you in planning a hassle free holiday for you:))