Austria Loosened Entrance Restrictions but Imposes Validity Period for Vaccine Certificates

Austria has loosened entrance restrictions, removing the need for travelers from the United Kingdom to self-isolate if they are completely immunized against Covid-19. However, as of today, 18th Auguist, the validity of vaccinations will be limited.

The United Kingdom has been on a list of seven countries that are no longer classified as “virus variant areas” since Sunday (15th August).

However, according to the Austria.info travel portal, vaccinations are valid for 270 days after the second dosage for vaccines that require two doses, and for 270 days after the first dose for immunizations that only require one.

It comes amid concerns that vaccine immunity is eroding.

The vaccine validity for UK travelers who were completely vaccinated in January will expire in October, according to the Telegraph. Those who were double-jabbed by the end of April would be eligible for a pass that would last until January 2022.

According to the report, the news is the latest blow for fully vaccinated holidaymakers, who will have hoped to have seen their travel rights increase, not curtail.

“Over the weekend, a government source warned that Britons who have received two doses of a Covid vaccine may no longer be considered ‘fully jabbed’ and exempt from quarantine once the booster roll-out has begun.”

Visitors from the United Kingdom coming to Austria must now produce confirmation of vaccination, recovery from Covid infection, or a negative test upon entry into the country, following the relaxation of restrictions on Sunday.

Except for minors under the age of 12 traveling with fully vaccinated adults, non-vaccinated British holidaymakers will still be required to quarantine.

Austria has been on the British green list since August 8, according to the traffic light system for international travel, which means that tourists returning to the UK do not need to self-isolate if they have not been vaccinated.

Austrian hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as museums, culture, and leisure, are open, according to the Austria.info portal.

Visitors will be required to present either a negative Covid test or confirmation of vaccination/past infection in practically all public indoor and outdoor areas.

On public transportation and in other public places, face masks are mandatory.