It’s been announced that authorities in Austria have removed all Covid restrictions for travellers entering the country.

“Travel to Austria is possible for touristic purposes. From May 16, proof of vaccination/recovery or a test is no longer needed,” according to a statement by Austria’s official travel portal.

All travellers can now travel to the country without the requirement to provide a valid vaccination or test certificate on arrival. Furthermore, travellers no longer need to complete the pre-travel clearance form.

As well as removing the entry restrictions, Austria has already scrapped domestic restrictions. Face masks are no longer required and passes to access various events and public places including restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions now don’t need to be presented. Masks are still required in hospitals, nursing homes, on public transport and in supermarkets, however.

Reports indicate authorities decided to lift the entry restrictions as a result of the low infection numbers in Austria and high Covid vaccination rates. Indeed, over the last seven days, 29,576 new cases have been reported in Austria, according to the World Health Organization.

In regard to vaccination rates, a total of 18,308,168 Covid vaccine doses have been given in Austria as of 12th May, says the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. In addition, 83.1% of the country’s population has had a first vaccine, whilst 68.7% has received a second vaccine.

Although the entry restrictions have now been removed, Austria’s federal government echoed the fact that the rules are subject to change, particularly if a concerning variant is discovered.