Austria reopens to American travelers today: Here's what you need to know
Austria has lifted its travel restrictions and reopened its borders to U.S. visitors.
As of Thursday, June 24, American citizens and residents are allowed to enter Austria without the need to quarantine, provided they meet the requirements of Austria's COVID-19 travel protocols. The U.S. embassy in Austria confirmed the change in its travel policy on its website.
If a visit to Salzburg or Vienna is now back on your summer travel radar, you'll have to provide any of the following three options to enter Austria:
- Proof of vaccination (vaccination certificate);
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19 (from a doctor or public authority in the past six months); or
- A negative COVID-19 test result (either a PCR or rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival).
Only certificates issued in English or German by medical authorities will be accepted. Also, you will have to have been in the U.S. for at least the past 10 days before making the trip to Austria.
If you can't provide any of the documentation and/or test results mentioned above upon entry, you will be required to take a COVID-19 test at your own expense within 24 hours of your arrival in Austria. In this case, travelers will have to register in advance using the pre-travel clearance form found here. (This pre-registration is not required for U.S. travelers who can provide the necessary documents).
Despite a recent crackdown on U.K. visitors due to the spread of the Delta variant of the virus, Austria has relaxed many of its COVID-19 restrictions as it seeks to restart summer tourism. The United States now falls into Annex A, which is how Austria categorizes "low-risk" countries or territories.
It should be noted that Austria still requires masks to be worn inside hotels, museums, restaurants and public transportation. Hotels, restaurants and other spaces may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry.
Some restrictions will be lifted on July 1. You can find the detail here.
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