Austria's Minister of Health Rudolf Anschober (Greens) issued the new entry regulation on Wednesday evening, which will apply from February 10, 2021. This does not agree, at least in part, with the announcement by Interior Minister Karl Nehammer (ÖVP).

So said the last-named politician on Tuesday In a tone that is reminiscent of a sheriff in a western film that in future it will no longer be possible to be free and that ten days of quarantine must be served. Nothing more can be read about this in Rudolf Anschober's ordinance. The Ministry of Health also made it clear in a broadcast that free tests are still possible after five days. The regulation can here be found.

Entry ban for UK citizens

Citizens of the United Kingdom will no longer be allowed to enter Austria. There are a few exceptions, for example for business travelers. Citizens of EU countries are still allowed to enter the Alpine republic from the UK. The Ministry of Health writes: “Due to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, entry from the said national territory will be treated as equivalent to that from a third country. This means: Entry is generally prohibited, with the exception of EU citizens, business travelers and students ”.

According to the ministry, the following are generally not covered by the tightening: “There are still no entry restrictions for people arriving from countries with a low number of infections (listed in Appendix A), provided they have stayed in these countries or in Austria for the past 10 days. The following countries are also in Appendix A: Australia, Finland, Greece, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and the Vatican (Japan does not apply) ”.

Are there any special exceptions?

Yes. "Entry without restrictions is still possible under certain conditions - for example in the case of unforeseeable, urgent reasons that are particularly worthy of consideration in the family circle or if absolutely necessary medical services are used," says the Anschober Ministry ". Specifically, this means that these groups of people are still exempt from the obligation to quarantine and test.

What will change for "normal" travelers?

From February 10, 2021, a negative corona test (antigen or PCR) must be presented upon entry. Alternatively, a medical certificate stating that you are not infected with Covid-19 can be presented. The certificate may generally not be older than 72 hours.

May be of importance for business travelers: Findings from laboratories, test lanes, doctors and pharmacies issued in Austria are also recognized, provided that they are not older than 72 hours at the time of entry.

The Ministry of Health also writes: “The negative test result must be presented at any inspection. B. also as part of a traffic control. The mandatory ten-day quarantine must still be started; However, there is still the possibility of ending this early after the fifth day with a new negative test ”.

Attention: Self-tests are not recognized!

Can you “free yourself” from quarantine?

Yes, after five days at the earliest. Negative results from antigen and PCR tests are recognized. For the purpose of testing, you can also leave the quarantine at home directly.

Who bears the costs for the tests?

These are basically to be borne by yourself. You can do this in laboratories, at numerous doctors and in pharmacies. Aviation Direct has an interactive map with the authorized pharmacies at this link provided.

Some cities and federal states have test roads where you can be tested free of charge. These can also be used. More detailed information can be found on the homepages of the respective state government or city.

Can the test be made up for in Austria?

Yes, if you have a place of residence in Austria, then within 24 hours of entry. If you want to be freed from the "quarantine", you can have yourself tested a second time after five days at the earliest.

Do I have to fill out an electronic entry form?

Yes. This is mandatory unless you fall under one of the few exceptions. Most "normal travelers" - now also commuters - are obliged to fill out the form. The form ("Pre-Travel-Clearance") must be presented in digital form or printed out during an inspection.

The official form of the Republic of Austria can be found at this link.

Do business travelers have to be in quarantine?

No. These are still exempt if the test result is negative. However, the conditions have generally been tightened. The ministry writes: “In addition, the amendment clarifies in legal terms how the exception reason“ entry for professional reasons ”can be made credible - for example through confirmations from the employer, delivery notes, order confirmations or confirmation of the date of an interview. In any case, a time component must also be specified and taken into account. For example, a stay of several weeks is not permitted if the appointment is only scheduled for 3 days. "

What will change for commuters?

So far, this group of people has been largely excluded from all bureaucratic measures. What is new is that they have to present a negative test result at least once a week. This means that this must be carried with you and must be presented to a control body upon request. At the time of the review, it must not be older than seven days. Both PCR and antigen are recognized.

How is the word “commuter” defined?

The Ministry of Health writes: "Commuters are people who enter at least once a month for professional or private reasons or for training purposes."

Do commuters have to register for entry?

Yes, but there are differences, as the Ministry of Health explains: “Electronic registration using pre-travel clearance is also required for commuters. They have to re-register each time the data is changed, but at least after 7 days. Commuters who arrive less than once a week register before entering the country. Online registration for commuters is compulsory from Wednesday, February 10.2th, pre-registration can be carried out from Sunday, February 7.2th. If online registration is not possible, a printed form can be filled out in exceptional cases and handed in during an inspection. "

Do commuters have to be quarantined?

No. As part of the regular commuter traffic, visits for work and family reasons are also covered. It is essential that this take place at least once a month. The only new thing is that the entry registration must be completed and a negative test result, which must not be older than 72 hours, must be presented.