Austrian Travel Restrictions for Ski Holidays

Ski holidays are currently uncertain for many travelers as Austria has agreed to enforce quarantine measures on arrivals from the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Travelers who have received their booster shot and can present a negative PCR test will be exempt from quarantine.

The Austrian government has confirmed that the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have been reclassified as virus variant regions due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, resulting in generally prohibited entry from these locations.

Starting from Christmas Day, Austria will enforce a 10-day quarantine for arrivals from these virus variant countries; however, this period can be reduced to five days with a negative COVID-19 test. Fully vaccinated individuals, who have received their booster shot, will be exempt from quarantine, provided they present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Children under 12 do not need proof of vaccination if accompanied by fully vaccinated adults, nor are they required to take a test.

Austria’s measures put Alpine ski holidays into question for many UK travelers who are currently banned from visiting France for non-essential reasons until mid-January.

Moreover, Austria has tightened entry regulations for visitors from other regions, necessitating proof of vaccination or recovery for entry. International travelers must also present either a recent negative PCR test or a booster vaccination certificate. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and have been vaccinated at least once thereafter do not require a PCR test.

Is Austria Out of Lockdown?

Following nearly three weeks in lockdown aimed at curbing the Delta variant spread, Austria reopened on December 13, just in time for the holiday ski season—specifically for fully vaccinated individuals.

The lockdown, which commenced on November 22, involved the closure of restaurants, hotels, and Christmas markets. Since then, the number of new infections has eased across the country, although Omicron cases continue to rise rapidly.

However, the country remains largely locked down for unvaccinated individuals. Austria will operate under 2-G rules nationwide, which require proof of full vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 to enter most establishments.

Changes Post-Lockdown

Travelers to Austria will encounter notable changes as the nation strives to curb the spread of both Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19.

Under the 2-G rules, individuals aged 12 and older must provide proof of full vaccination or recovery from the virus to enter hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gyms, museums, cinemas, theatres, Christmas markets, ski lifts, and services like hairdressers.

It’s important to note that providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test is no longer a sufficient alternative to being vaccinated.

Additionally, FFP2-grade masks are mandatory in all public indoor spaces. Guests must wear masks in restaurants and cafes when not seated.

Moreover, travelers should plan accordingly, as restaurants and cafes will close by 11 p.m., while bars, clubs, and après-ski activities at ski resorts remain halted.

This article was first published on December 10, 2021, and has been updated as of December 22, 2021.