Travellers who have already received a booster dose do not need to present a pre-entry test when reaching Austria, the latter’s authorities have revealed.
On the other hand, those who have only completed their primary vaccination but have not received an additional vaccine dose must complete a pre-travel clearance registration, provide a vaccination certificate as well as a negative PCR test, which must be taken within 72 hours before arrival, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
“When travelling to Austria, proof of double-vaccination/recovery is required as well as a negative Covid test or a booster jab,” the statement of Austria’s official travel portal reads.
In addition, the same has explained that starting from February 1, the country will shorten the validity of vaccination certificates from 270 days to 180 days.
This means that vaccination certificates of persons who have not received a booster shot will be valid only if the last vaccine dose has been taken within the last 180 days.
Nonetheless, it has been explained that those who have completed their vaccination within the last 270 days are still permitted entry to the country but not allowed access to the majority of places while in Austria.
Differently from adults, the authorities noted that vaccination certificates would remain valid for 210 days for persons under 18.
“From February 1, 2022, two-dose vaccinations are only valid for 180 days in Austria (exception: 210 days for under 18-year-olds). However, for ENTERING, the 270 days remain in place. The booster vaccination is valid for 270 days in both scenarios,” the Austrian authorities explained.
As soon as a person receives a booster shot, the validity of their certificate will get extended for another 270 days, meaning that they will be able to travel to Austria for another nine months without having to follow additional entry rules.
Regarding the requirement to receive an additional vaccine dose, it has been highlighted that children under 12 are exempt from it.
Nationals of the countries mentioned above can now enter Austria without having to follow the quarantine requirement, provided that they have completed their vaccination process, have recovered from the virus within the last 180 days, or have received a booster shot.
Nonetheless, travellers from these countries are still required to present a negative test. The requirement to present a test upon arrival applies only to those who have not received an additional dose.
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