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    Ski and Winter Holidays in Times of Coronavirus

    Time for winter holidays! Find out which measures are in place to ensure a safe winter in Austria.

    Last update: 22 September

    From skiing to city trips: Austria's winter is waiting. In times of coronavirus, many winter activities are subject to special safety measures and regulations. You will need to show proof of vaccination, past infection or a negative test to access many areas - learn more about these so-called "entry tests" here.

    In general, Austria is working with a 3-stage system, with stricter rules going into effect depending on the Coronavirus situation. At the moment, stage 1 is in effect.

    Please note: Many accommodations are currently offering very flexible cancellation conditions. We recommend you contact your preferred establishment to discuss the options. Many tour operators, such as Crystal Ski, Inghams, and Ski Solutions, have also developed programmes to make sure you can book your holiday with confidence.

    Cable Cars

    • FFP2 masks required
    • During the winter season: proof of vaccination, past infection, or negative test required
    • no capacity restrictions

    Christmas Markets

    • Stage 1 (currently in effect): proof of vaccination, past infection, or negative test required
    • Stage 2: antigen self-tests no longer accepted
    • Stage 3: only PCR tests accepted as "negative test"

    Après-Ski

    • Stage 1 (currently in effect): proof of vaccination, past infection, or negative PCR test (!) required
    • Stages 2 and 3: proof of vaccination or past infection required (tests are no longer accepted)
    Obertauern
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    Austria's 3-Stage Model for Autumn and Winter 2021/22

    Stage 1

    (currently in effect)

    • For entry to hotels and restaurants, for cable cars (during the winter season), to enter Christmas markets, and for gatherings from 25 people, you will need to show proof of vaccination, past infection, or a negative test
    • FFP2 masks are required for everyone on public transport, in cable cars, and essential businesses such as supermarkets, chemists, petrol stations, banks. FFP2 masks are required in all shops and museums for those that are not vaccinated or have recovered from COVID.
    • Après-Ski: Proof of vaccination, past infection, or negative PCR test (!) required. Antigen tests are not sufficient.

    Stage 2

    (7 days after exceeding threshold of 300 intensive-care beds occupied)

    • Proof of vaccination or past infection required for night clubs, après-ski, and events without assigned seating with more than 500 attendees
    • Antigen self-tests no longer accepted as proof (e.g. for restaurants, Christmas markets etc.)

    Stage 3

    (7 days after exceeding threshold of 400 intensive-care beds occupied)

    • Proof of vaccination, past infection, or negative PCR test (!) required. Antigen tests are no longer sufficient anywhere.
    • Après-Ski: Proof of vaccination or past infection required. A negative tests is no longer sufficient.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which tests are valid for entry and for how long?
      • PCR test (from a lab, "Alles gurgelt" etc.): 72 h (Vienna: 48 h)
      • Antigen test at the chemist, in a testing facility etc.: 24 h (except Vienna from 1 Oct)
      • Monitored self-test: 24 h (except Vienna)
      • Antigen test under supervision in the respective company: only applies to the specific occasion (except Vienna)
    • Do I need an entry test if I am vaccinated or have had COVID before?

      No, if you are vaccinated, you do not need to show a test for 360 days after your second dose (you will need to show proof of full vaccination, meaning you are only considered vaccinated if you had both doses of the vaccine OR have a past infection + one vaccination dose).

      For vaccines that only require one dose, you are considered fully vaccinated starting on the 22nd day after vaccination, for 270 days.

      If you have had COVID-19 before, you will not need to show a negative test for 180 days after your recovery. Proof of neutralising antibodies is valid for 90 days.

      For night clubs, proof of vaccination/recovery or a negative PCR test are required.

    • Do I need to wear a mask if I have been tested, vaccinated, or had COVID before?

      FFP2 masks are required on public transport, in cable cars, and in essential businesses (supermarkets, chemists etc.) for everyone. Individuals who are not vaccinated or recovered also need to wear FFP2 masks in all other shops and museums. In Vienna only, a face mask (from 1 October: FFP2 mask) is required in all shops, theatres, and cinemas.

    • Do children need an entry test?

      Yes, children from the age of 12 need an entry test. In Vienna, children from the age of 6 need an entry test.

    • Do children need to wear masks?

      Wherever masks are required, children from the age of 6 need a regular face mask. From the age of 14, FFP2 masks are required.

    • Does Austria recognise the EU digital COVID certificate?

      Yes, Austria accepts the EU digital COVID certificate (a.k.a. "green passport"), either in digital form (QR code on smartphone) or as a hard copy. The certificate can be used as proof when entering the country and within Austria wherever it is required (hotels, restaurants etc.).

    • Is the EU digital COVID certificate compulsory?

      No. Wherever proof of vaccination, past infection or a negative test is required, this can also be provided via other recognised documents (vaccination certificate or test certificate in German or English, etc.).

    • Nobody knows what will happen next in the pandemic. Should I book a holiday?

      Many accommodations currently offer very flexible cancellation policies. It is best to contact the accommodation of your choice and discuss your options. Find everything you need to know about cancellation conditions in times of Corona here. We look forward to welcoming you soon on a holiday in Austria!

    • Will there be après-ski this season?

      Après-ski will be possible under strict security measures. Analogous to the night gastronomy, the following applies: Admission only with vaccination, past infection or PCR test or in stage 2 and 3 only with vaccination or past infection.

    Find Out Which Measures Are In Place In Your Ski Resort

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