A few days ago, Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) announced that people who come to Austria on non-stop flights from Spain, Cyprus and the Netherlands must complete a PCR test. Antigen findings will no longer be recognized in the future.

The change is due to come into force next Tuesday and only affect travelers who come from the three countries and cannot present a negative PCR test or proof of vaccination. These must fill out the so-called Pre Travel Clearance and, according to the entry regulations, have a PCR smear taken "immediately" at the airport.

However, there is one important exception: If the test station is closed or overloaded, it is permissible that the smear can be taken within 24 hours. Families with small children can also take advantage of this special arrangement. In any case, the ordinance stipulates that the district administrative authorities should check whether the test requirement has been complied with.

The mere sampling does not trigger a quarantine. Official segregation only takes place if the test result is positive. Anyone who refuses to have the PCR smear taken at the airport or does not do it within 24 hours can be subject to an administrative penalty of up to 1.450 euros.

Those who have recovered can also be exempted from the obligation to carry out a PCR test, but only if the infection was not more than 90 days ago. Evidence may be issued no earlier than 14 days after the initial diagnosis. The proof must contain the information that based on the findings there is no risk of infection.

Children under the age of 12 are still exempt from compulsory PCR testing. The same provisions apply to them as to those accompanying them, mostly their parents. Put simply, this means that, according to the current state of information, they can enter together with their tested, recovered or vaccinated parents without quarantine.