(Updated January 26th, 2022)
Be sure to get your COVID information from official websites, particularly the websites of the Viennese and Austrian authorities. VisitingVienna.com is not an official information source, but just an independent blog written by a private individual.
Austria is tackling COVID through various regulations. The below is my rough interpretation of just some of the prevailing COVID rules of particular interest to visitors in Vienna, but this is not a substitute for official information.
Unfortunately, as a private individual, I’m not qualified to offer you travel or medical advice, especially since the regulations contain many ifs, buts, exemptions, and details, and can change.
So…check official sites for the latest on COVID in Vienna and Austria and for up-to-date detailed info on COVID-related regulations. Options include:
- Municipal government site: Vienna’s official info on COVID that also includes the city’s own local requirements, which have commonly been stricter than national ones
- Tourism office of the City of Vienna: information for travelers
These links are provided as a courtesy only, not an endorsement. Also be sure to check:
- Official event, service & location websites, particularly for info on any cancellations, postponements, and their entry and behavioural requirements for visitors
- Your government’s travel advisory pages, also regarding, for example, any restrictions and requirements concerning entry to Austria and returning from Austria
Vienna
The city is open, but with some restrictions on public life. All hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions, for example, are open to those who count as fully vaccinated or certified recovered from a recent COVID infection.
Notable examples of continuing restrictions:
- The “night gastronomy” (locations like nightclubs, discos, and some bars where guests are likely to mix significantly) remains closed until further notice. Closing times are earlier (10pm at the time of writing) than normal for other parts of the gastronomy sector, like restaurants
- COVID status and behavioural requirements are in place (see below), notably for events
- A full lockdown continues for those who are not defined as fully vaccinated or certified recovered from a recent COVID infection. This is what people call a “lockdown for the unvaccinated,” though some exceptions apply. This particular lockdown looks set to end on January 31st, according to recent newspaper reports
Be sure, though, to check with official sites on when specific locations, events, etc. are actually open and under what circumstances.
Everything is subject, of course, to COVID developments and future changes to COVID regulations.
What do we mean by COVID status and behavioural requirements?
Masks
An important ongoing behavioural requirement is that FFP2 face masks are obligatory in Vienna in many situations. For example, when using public transport or taxis. Many other locations and events may also require (or insist) on them, including museums, indoor concert venues, and stores.
FFP2 masks are also required when outdoors where it is not possible to broadly keep to minimum 2m social distancing from those outside your household or people you are particularly close to.
Again, check official sites and official sources of information for the details and any exceptions and new changes to mask rules. In my experience, mask compliance is extremely high in the city.
Registration
Various locations and services (e.g. gastronomy and many events) have also long been required to record your contact details.
Vaccination and test status
A great many services, locations and activities here in Vienna are limited by law (or at their own discretion) to those guests, visitors, etc. who fulfil certain COVID status requirements.
This is what we might call the G status system. The three main Gs are:
- “Genesen”: certified as recovered from a recent COVID infection
- “Getestet”: have a timely and valid negative COVID test result using an approved test
- “Geimpft”: fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine, with clear definitions of when you count as fully vaccinated and when that status expires
Check official sites and official sources of information for the details, all status definitions (e.g. when you count as fully vaccinated or recovered and how you prove it, length of validity of test results), exceptions, what to do if you test COVID positive, etc..
The main different levels of status requirements are:
- 3G: you must satisfy at least one of the above requirements
- 2.5G: as 3G, but only approved, valid and timely PCR tests count as evidence of a negative test result
- 2G: you must be fully vaccinated or certified recovered
- 2G+: as 2G but a valid, negative, timely PCR COVID test is also required
- Stricter requirements apply in certain circumstances. For example, requiring a booster jab
- These codes and definitions are becoming a little amorphous as we get into boosters and more granular status restrictions, so always check what a location means when using them
2G is currently broadly mandatory for a huge range of services, locations and activities. These include, for example, museums, non-essential stores, restaurants, coffee houses, and many more. This 2G requirement is independent of the full lockdown for the unvaccinated, and should continue even after the latter ends.
Status requirements for events depend on the size and location. Indoor events with assigned seating have a tiered system with 2G, 2G+ or “2G+ with a timely booster jab needed as well” as requirements, depending on audience numbers. Check direct with events for their specific conditions for attendance.
Again, check official sites and official sources of information for the details, definitions, restrictions, and any exceptions or changes to the rules.
Don’t forget…
- Note that some locations, services, and/or events may have their own entry requirements beyond the minimum demanded by national and city law.
- Austria’s provinces are (as always) at liberty to implement their own tougher restrictions than defined nationally (but not weaker ones!), so rules may differ should you leave Vienna
- Again, do check official sites for the latest details and small print on the COVID situation and on prevailing and forthcoming regulations and when and where they apply.