• Austria is entering the winter season with a great sense of responsibility
• The 2G rule will be effective across Austria from 8th November
• Austria's hosts are very well prepared 

Austria is one of many European countries currently seeing an increase in cases. The Austrian federal government implemented a five-step plan a few weeks ago, which will now be accelerated. This means: From Monday 8th November, the 2G rule (vaccination or recovery) will apply at restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, cultural, leisure, and sports facilities, as well as in cable cars. These measures are necessary to curb infection rates. They will also help ensure that winter holidays can take place in Austria. In addition, a survey carried out by the Austrian National Tourist Office in September found that vaccination rates amongst those interested in a winter holiday in Austria are around or higher than 80 percent. (Survey results from Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Great Britain)

Austria proved back in summer that responsible tourism is possible during the pandemic. As a responsible host country, it is now putting all necessary measures in place to protect its guests and hosts in winter, too. "With strict, clear, and predictable regulations, we are entering the winter season with a great sense of responsibility. The tourism industry is well prepared for the implementation. It is clear that those who are vaccinated will continue to feel hardly any restrictions, and that will also apply to tourism and our winter guests from abroad, of course," says Lisa Weddig, Managing Director of the Austrian National Tourist Office.

The following rules will thus come into force on Monday 8th November 2021:

• Where the 2G rule will apply from Monday:
  • Accommodation establishments
  • Restaurants, bars and clubs
  • Leisure and sports facilities
  • Cultural institutions
  • Cable cars
  • Services requiring close physical contact (e.g. hairdressers)
  • Events for over 25 people
• COVID tests of any kind (both PCR and antigen) are no longer valid as "entry tests".
• There is a four-week transition period for the introduction of the 2G rule. During this time, the first dose of vaccination in combination with a PCR test will be sufficient – meaning there will be no need for full immunisation within the transition period.
• FFP2 masks are required in retail venues, museums, and libraries.
• Vaccinations are now only valid for nine months (previously 12 months) after the second dose, after which a booster is required (usually the third dose). There is a transition period of three weeks.
• Children up to the age of 12 are currently exempt from entry rules, and this will continue to apply. A solution is being worked on for minors aged 12 and over.

Contact:

Mag. Claudia Riebler

Head of Corporate Communications

Tel.: +43 (0) 1 58 866-299

claudia.riebler@austria.info

www.austriatourism.com/presse/