Vienna Considers Easing Restrictions from 1 July

Due to the continued rise in Covid-19 vaccination rates and the drop in case numbers, there will be a further relaxation of restrictions in Austria on July 1.

Minimum distancing requirements and capacity limitations will no longer be in place. The 3G rule (tested, recovered, vaccinated) will remain in place for events and congresses as well as trade and consumer fairs with more than 100 participants. Gatherings attracting more than 100 people must be registered with the district authority, and permits are required for events with 500 or more attendees.

It has been possible to host events in Vienna since May 19, 2021. With very strict regulations in place initially, measures have been gradually eased throughout June. And July 1 will see virtually all restrictions lifted. 

Rules for events 

All restrictions on participant numbers, limitations on capacity at locations and minimum distancing measures will be lifted with effect from July 1. Events can take place with no upper limits on participant numbers as a result. The seating designation requirement for events with more than 51 participants is also being lifted. Events attracting over 100 people must be registered, and prior authorization must be granted for gatherings of 500 or more. Food and drink can also be provided  at events. Requirements regarding registration of all participants will remain in place until furter notice. 

At congresses, trade and consumer fairs as well as meetings with more than 100 persons, all participants must also demonstrate that they pose a low epidemiological risk in line with Austria's "3G" rule: i.e. they have to provide a negative test, or proof of recovery or vaccination. Under these conditions, masks are no longer required. 

What proof is accepted?

1. Vaccinated: participants are considered vaccinated from the 22nd day after the first dose, lasting for three months from the vaccination date. After the second dose, the validity extends for another six months (i.e. the vaccination is then valid for 9 months in total from the first vaccination date). Vaccines that only require one dose are valid from the 22nd day after the vaccine is administered and for 9 months from the vaccination date. This also applies to people who have recovered from Covid-19 and received only one dose of any vaccine.
2. Tested: participants need to show a PCR test no older than 72 hours or an antigen test (conducted at a testing facility or pharmacy) no older than 48 hours. 
3. Recovered: persons able to demonstrate that they have recovered from Covid-19 do not have to show a negative test result for six months, provided that they have quarantined or have a doctor's certificate, an official test result, a vaccination certificate/vaccination card/vaccine passport or an official/medical certificate  proving a past infection. Certification of antibodies is valid for three months from the time the test was conducted.

Vienna Convention Bureau has summarized the latest guidelines for events. Click here to see their coronavirus FAQs. 

All the latest Covid-19 information on traveling to Austria, testing facilities and on-site regulations are available here.