Updated October 26th, 2020: The government has lifted many of the numerous initial lockdown measures introduced to help counter the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Austria. For example, all shops, coffee houses, hotels, and restaurants may now open (but not clubs and discos), and kids have gone back to school in Vienna.
Almost all tourism infrastructure, including most major museums and other tourist sites, has reopened (but do not be surprised if you discover changes to normal operations).
Many restrictions on public life are in place, however.
For example, face masks are required in a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces. This includes on public transport (where it’s always been compulsory of late) but also inside railway and subway stations, in shops and museums, at open-air markets, at all events, and similar.
Another requirement is to hand over your contact details when you go to a bar, restaurant, and similar (and wear a face mask when not at your table, where no more than 6 adults can sit).
New event restrictions have also come into force. And the “traffic light” COVID alert system might also affect, for example, future events (audience numbers, cancellations etc.).
At the time of writing, the Christmas markets are generally expected to go ahead, albeit with COVID-related measures in place (such as compulsory face masks and similar).
As a private individual, I’m not qualified to offer you travel or medical advice, so check:
- Official event, service & location websites (particularly for info on cancellations, postponements, changed opening times, temporary closures and behavioural requirements)
- Your government’s travel advisory pages (there are, for example, restrictions and requirements concerning entry to certain countries from Austria and vice versa)
- The official tourism website, which has detailed info/updates in English for those planning (or on) a trip to Vienna, with various links to further information of use to travellers and visitors
Check official sources for accurate, up-to-date advice and information.