From May 19, 2021, new entry rules will apply in Austria. The forced quarantine practiced so far - with a few exceptions - should then largely be a thing of the past. The written version of the ordinance of the ministry headed by Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens) has not yet been published in the Federal Law Gazette.

The responsible Ministry of Health explains to Aviation Direct that in future the traffic light map of the European ECDC will be used as a guide. As a result, it depends on the color in which the state from which you come is shining. With green and orange, entry is free for everyone. Specifically, this means that no test or vaccination certificate will be required.

If an area lights up red, proof of the vaccination against Covid-19 is required when entering Austria. Alternatively, those who have recovered can submit a corresponding certificate. Travelers who do not meet either of the two options are required to present either a negative antigen or PCR test. The maximum period of validity must be observed. According to the current state of information, this should be limited to 48 hours for rapid tests and 72 hours for PCR. Regardless of this, no quarantine is required in Austria under the conditions listed if you are coming from “red areas”.

If the last whereabouts are marked as “dark red” on the ECDC card, almost the same requirements apply as for “red”. The big difference, however, is that regardless of the vaccination, test or convalescence status, a ten-day forced quarantine must still be entered into. Free testing is possible after the fifth day. The current provisions are therefore continued in the “dark red” category.

Entry registration remains for the time being

According to the Ministry of Health, there should be exceptions for commuters regardless of the color that lights up on the ECDC card. Special exemptions, for example for humanitarian reasons, are also provided. Details are currently being worked out in the Mückstein Ministry.

It is currently planned that the entry form ("Pre Travel Clearance") will still have to be completed. However, this has not yet been finally decided, especially since the so-called Green Pass could serve this purpose in the future. The ministry wants to inform about the relevant decisions as soon as possible.