Entry requirements were tightened for arrivals from ‘virus variant’ areas on Christmas Day, including the UK.
Inews reports that on Christmas Day, Austria imposed new entry restrictions on arrivals from the UK, which it considers a virus variant area because of rapidly rising Omicron infections.
Entry without quarantine is permitted for those who can provide proof of a booster jab in addition to two previous Covid vaccinations, as well as a negative PCR test. This can be demonstrated using the NHS Covid Pass.
Those who are double jabbed – without a booster – and have certification of recovery from Covid within the last 180 days can also enter Austria. All others – both the unvaccinated and those who have not had a booster jab – are banned. Under 12s are exempt from the new measures.
Teenagers born before 1 September 2006 (aged 15 and over) arriving from the UK need to be fully vaccinated and have received the third booster jab and also need a negative PCR test (48 hours) to enter Austria. The Foreign Office has warned that the new rules are being “rigorously enforced” in Austria. They include the requirement of a negative PCR test result, which is not more than 48 hours old.
It means that festive travel and ski holidays face more hurdles, and family trips with older teenagers, who have not received a booster jab, are no longer possible. Austria came out of lockdown on 12 December, but the unvaccinated must remain at home other than for work, study, healthcare or exercise.
The new measures also apply to arrivals from the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway. A limited number of exceptions apply to EU and Austrian residents, who must quarantine on arrival in Austria.
(Story source: Inews)
