Last updated October 26, 2021
Yes, Austria is open to American tourists
Austria is reopening to non-essential (tourist) travel from the US on June 24, 2021, ending a period of over a year during which American travelers were unable to visit the country.
Entry Requirements
From September 15th 2021 ONLY fully vaccinated travelers will be able to enter and stay in Austria without undergoing a quarantine. Transiting travelers are not subject to entry restrictions. You will need to present a vaccination certificate.
- Vaccine Certificate
The following vaccines (including mix-and-match vaccines) are recognised: BioNtech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Sinopharm. (Please be aware that this only applies to entering the country. Sinopharm is not valid for entering hotels, restaurants etc. within Austria.) You are considered “fully vaccinated” after the second dose of a two dose vaccine, and the validity of that vaccine is 360 days from the date of the second dose. Vaccines that only require one dose are valid from the 22nd day after that dose and for 360 days from the vaccination date.
Antigen or PCR Testing for Returning Home
If you need to get tested for your journey home, whether it is required by the airline or for re-entry into the U.S. we will help you schedule that at the most convenient location possible, at the appropriate time. For re-entry to the US you need to have a negative result from a Covid-19 viral test up to 3 days before departure (not counting the day of departure, so for a flight at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Tuesday or after.) Since May 12 2021, the CDC have approved Antigen tests for travel. Antigen tests are quicker (results in 30 minutes, not 24 hours) and cheaper (around 1/3 the price or less) than PCR tests and often more readily available. If you are flying direct back to the US, the only test you’ll need is an Antigen test. If you are transferring in another country on the way back to the US other requirements may apply. We advise to check with the airline in this case.
General COVID-19 measures to be aware of
- maintain physical distance (1.5 meters)
- maintain hand hygiene and disinfection (we will provide a personal bottle of hand sanitiser to you upon arrival)
- FFP2 respirators are compulsory in all indoor public spaces, including shops and public transport. We will provide a disposable mask of the required type for each day of your trip.
Curfews and Movement Restrictions
There is no curfew in place.
Hotels
You will need to present proof of vaccination, recovery from Covid-19 or a valid negative test certificate (the same requirement as for entry into the country) at check-in.
Restaurants
From 19 May, restaurants are allowed to reopen nationwide. To visit a restaurant, you are required to show a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination/past infection (so-called “entry tests”) and you will need to register. Maximum group size: indoors – 4 adults plus children, outdoors – 10 people. Keep a minimum distance of 2 m (6.5 ft) to people seated on other tables. No eating or drinking at the bar (applies indoors and outdoors). Eating and drinking only when seated (applies indoors)
Please note walk-ins are possible but we advise making reservations due to limited capacities. We are happy to make recommendations and help with reservations.
Sightseeing
Shops, museums, culture and leisure facilities are open. Events can take place again under strict protective measures. Some sites may be operating at reduced capacities and should be booked ahead. If there is a site you are particularly interested in visiting, please let us know ahead of time so we can check for you.
Shops and Beauty Services
All shops and beauty services are open with regular working hours. Shops have limitations on number of visitors depending on their size. As for beauty services (hairdressers, nail appointments, etc.) appointments must be made.
Estimate for next change in measures
The next major change is scheduled for July 1 2021, when most restrictions will be removed – no mandatory closing time for restaurants, no masks required in restaurants & hotels, and the FFP2 mask requirement for other public spaces will be downgraded to regular cloth/surgical masks.
Useful Links
US Embassy in Austria’s Covid-19 Info Page (not frequently updated)
Austrian Government’s Official Covid-19 Information including entry requirements