Austria Lifts Lockdown for Citizens Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Austria lifted its temporary lockdown on Sunday, weeks after the country implemented tightened restrictions due to the rise of the omicron variant.

However, lockdown measures are still in place for those unvaccinated, and masks will be required for all on public transportation, inside stores, and inside public spaces, according to a report from The Associated Press. In addition, restaurants will continue to have limits on occupancy and instituted an 11 p.m. curfew Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced last week.

Travel into Austria for tourists also opened Monday after it was suspended for 24 days during the most recent lockdown, according to an update from the Austrian Government. As businesses begin to reopen, individual provinces can impose tighter restrictions if needed, Reuters reported.

For vaccinated travelers looking to enter Austria, a negative COVID-19 test and vaccination certificate are required. A rapid antigen test is not accepted. Austria also requires a vaccine card for entry into public indoor spaces for leisure activities such as going to restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. On the mountain, a vaccine card is required to ride in a chairlift, or cable car. For these activities, the Austrian government deems a COVID-19 test as insufficient and full vaccination is required.

Beyond the lockdown, Austria (which ranked among the happiest countries in the world) will require its entire population to get vaccinated by Feb. 1, 2022. Currently, about 85% of the country has been vaccinated, according to Reuters, which is tracking inoculation rates around the world.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies Austria as a "Level 4" destination, indicating a "very high" level of COVID-19 transmission and warning Americans to "avoid" traveling there.

With the omicron variant and increasing COVID-19 cases, the United States now requires a negative test taken 1 day prior to entry for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.