From December 19, 2020, the Republic of Austria will also recognize negative antigen findings upon entry. That's pretty much the only good news to come from the regulation released on Tuesday. In contrast to the announcements made by Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), this one does not have an “expiry date January 10, 2021”, but is unlimited.

This in no way guarantees that the "old" rules will apply again from January 11, 2021. Most recently, Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) made the “threat” that the “Anti-Christmas Ordinance” could remain in force longer than originally announced. The text that was published in the Federal Law Gazette, in contrast to the previous regulations, does not have an expiry date.

Most people will not fall under exceptions and are therefore affected by the tightening of entry regulations. These stipulate that if you have stayed in countries that are not listed on Appendix "A", a ten-day quarantine must be observed. Free testing is possible from day five at the earliest. The only new thing is that instead of the expensive PCR test, the much cheaper antigen rapid test can be used as an alternative.

You are only allowed to enter the country without quarantine if you have previously stayed in one of the following countries: Australia, Finland, Ireland, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Uruguay, the Vatican.

If this is not the case, quarantine flourishes. Unless you fall under special groups of people for which there are exceptions. There is no segregation for these if a negative PCR or antigen result can be presented that is not older than 72 hours. If the testing is only carried out in Austria, the quarantine can be ended as soon as a negative PCR or antigen test result is available.

• Humanitarian forces
• Business travelers (including, for example, 24-hour carers)
• Entrants due to a judicial summons
• Medical escorts
• Diplomats with a legitimation card

There are no restrictions whatsoever for the groups of people listed below. They do not have to go into quarantine or submit a negative corona test. Attention! The reasons for the exception must be made credible during the official immigration control and, if necessary, documented:

• People who travel in the imperative of the republic's interests.
• Transit passengers
• People who enter or re-enter as part of regular commuter traffic (at least once a month) for work purposes, unless they are carers (see above)
• People who enter or re-enter as part of the regular commuter traffic (at least once a month) for family purposes or to visit their life partner
• People who travel to the country to receive essential medical services
• People crossing foreign territory (e.g. the Great German Corner)
• People who travel to Mittelberg (Kleinwalsertal), Vomp-Hinterriss or Jungholz
• Likewise, entry for unforeseeable, urgent reasons that are particularly worthy of consideration in the family circle, such as serious illnesses, deaths, funerals, births and the care of people in need of support in emergencies, is also possible without restriction.

For entry in connection with other important events that can be planned in the family circle such as weddings, baptisms, birthday parties or the non-regular visit of the partner, the general quarantine rules according to the entry ordinance apply.