
From Monday: Austria abolishes the 3G rule upon entry
From Monday, May 16, 2022, you will no longer need 3G proof to enter Austria. Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) has lifted the controversial regulation. Regardless of which country you come from, there are no longer any corona-related restrictions. The amendment to the entry regulations still stipulates that special rules apply when coming from so-called virus variant areas, but not a single country is currently classified as such. However, this "back door" is deliberately left open in order to be able to reintroduce restrictions at short notice if necessary. Until now, the so-called 3G proof was required for entry into Austria, which could be provided by means of a test result, proof of vaccination or certificate of recovery. The so-called "green pass" will no longer be required from Monday. The Austrian government relaxed the regulations quite late compared to other European countries. "I am pleased that our weeks-long demand for the 3G rule to be lifted when entering Austria has finally been heard and implemented. This has eliminated – late but still – a massive competitive disadvantage compared to other European destinations," said Gregor Kadanka, chairman of the Association of Travel Agents in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). "Rigorous restrictions do not achieve anything, as experience has taught us. Rather, we must learn to live with the pandemic. What tourism needs now is a clear path back to success and certainly no brakes. This is crucial for all of us, because tourism secures jobs and prosperity and - with an added value of 29,7 billion euros before Corona - makes a significant contribution to the entire business location." Previously, the tourism industry together with its professional association