The entry regulations planned by the Austrian federal government can lead to a reclassification even during the stay in a holiday country. For example, it can happen that the target region is still green on departure and the color changes during the stay.

Health Minister Wolfang Mückstein (Greens) gave a first on Monday Outlook on the new regulation, which should come into force on May 19, 2021. If the country of residence is classified as “safe” (green), there will be no conditions whatsoever when you return to Austria. Red means that tests and / or vaccinations or recovery must be proven. In so-called virus variant areas, a quarantine must be started.

On request, the ÖAMTC said on this subject: “The tour operator must ensure that the family comes back safely and is not exposed to any danger. Which specific measures are required depends on the specific situation. The family behaves correctly if they follow the reports, check the Foreign Ministry's website to see if there are any specific tips about their holiday destination and contact the tour operator. "

Individual travelers cannot turn to an organizer, because they organize their trip themselves and book the individual components such as flights, hotels or excursions on their own. As a result, there is usually no coverage based on the package travel directive. Excluded from this are so-called “connected travel services”, which can arise if at least two modules are booked through one provider.

The advantages of the Package versus individual travel describes the ÖAMTC as follows: "There is a central contact person (the tour operator) and you don't have to ask each service provider individually."

Passport is no longer sufficient

The summer of 2021 will enable a comeback of vacation travel abroad, but a passport and - if necessary - a visa are no longer sufficient. Depending on the destination country, numerous documents are required when entering the country. A lot of paperwork must also be presented when returning to Austria. An electronic solution using an app is planned within the EU, but this can only be used to a limited extent for non-Schengen trips.

“Carrying documents, apart from passports and the like, can vary depending on the holiday destination. More information about the respective destination at www.oeamtc.at/urlaubsservice. Mostly an entry registration or self-declaration, a negative COVID test result, possibly a vaccination certificate or a doctor's certificate confirming that you have overcome COVID disease must be carried with you. Registration can usually be carried out online and is usually due before departure, ”the ÖAMTC told Aviation Direct.

Obtain information before departure

As a result, valid information must be obtained in good time before the start of the journey which documents are required for entry into the destination country and also for return to Austria. Otherwise, the planned vacation can end at the gate or in some countries, for example Greece and Spain, hefty fines can bloom. In this context, the ÖAMTC also recommends using travel advice in the branches of the association.

"Current information on entry and return travel regulations, travel warnings and other corona measures can be found at www.oeamtc.at/urlaubsservice. From the latest measures at a glance, to travel restrictions in Europe, detailed entry regulations for the destination country, exceptions for vaccinated or convalescent people, further links to entry regulations to Austria - all this can be found in a clear overview at the ÖAMTC holiday service ”, so the ÖAMTC on request .

Private travel insurance are not necessarily a panacea. The ÖAMTC tourism experts explain what is important when buying a special policy as follows: “In the current situation in particular, it is important that the insurance precisely covers the risks: Benefits related to Covid-19 diseases should be taken into account and not excluded. It is also important to note that a possible quarantine in connection with a Covid-19 illness is included (eg the insurance is taken out by the mother, but the child living in the same household must be in quarantine ... is that covered?) ".

Important ÖAMTC tips for vacationers:

• "Inform yourself regularly or before you start your trip about measures on site, these can change very quickly and often different regulations apply for regions or districts (with regard to opening, mask requirement, distance rules, etc.).
• If another country is to be crossed in order to reach the destination, it is essential that the measures of the transit country are also taken into account.
• Passport still valid? Waiting times at the authorities are to be expected, an appointment is advisable in good time. More information under "All information about the passport" or with the most common passport errors 
• More information about insurance coverage abroad can be found at this link
• The ÖAMTC Travel Service supports you with all trips, from preparation to orientation on site. The comprehensive offer includes free online services such as the ÖAMTC route planner, ÖAMTC country information, the ÖAMTC travel checklist and the ÖAMTC My Travel app. Members also receive free folding maps and personal travel advice at every base. More on this at www.oeamtc.at/thema/reiseplanung/ In summary, it can be said that the ÖAMTC holiday service should be taken into account when planning your holiday in the summer of 2021, as assistance with on-site Corona measures or entry and return travel regulations is guaranteed and tailored to the target country. "