What you should know before your trip
Holidays in Austria are possible
All over Austria, restaurants, hotels, cultural and leisure facilities and of course cable cars are open. Holidays in Austria are possible for those who have been completely vaccinated and those who have recovered. We look forward to welcoming you!
Here is an overview of the current Corona measures relevant to your vacation in Vorarlberg:
Basic rules
- 2G in accommodation establishments, gastronomy, cable cars, etc.
- FFP2 obligation in all enclosed spaces and in public transport
- FFP2 obligation also outdoors where the recommended minimum distance of two meters from people outside the household cannot be maintained. Exceptions to this are situations where the minimum distance of two meters is only briefly undershot, such as when simply "walking past" the sidewalk, etc.
Gastronomy, accommodation and leisure establishments
- Prerequisite for visiting is a 2G-certificate (vaccinated or recovered).
- FFP2 mask obligation indoors: Applies to guests as soon as they get up from the table. In accommodation when entering generally accessible areas. Operators and employees must also wear an FFP2 mask in closed rooms when coming into contact with customers.
- The closing time is set at 10 p.m. (also on New Year's Eve) and the registration obligation for guests must be observed - unfortunately, the opening of night catering can only take place from 10 January 2022 at the earliest.
- Per table: maximum of ten persons plus a maximum of ten underage children or a joint household.
- General ban on night-time catering, including apres-ski, stand-up catering and bars.
- FFP2 obligation for collection (collection also possible for unvaccinated persons despite "lockdown for unvaccinated persons").
Reduction of the validity of the Green Pass from February 1st, 2022
The validity of the Green Pass after two vaccinations will be reduced to six months on February 1st, 2022. For a certificate that is still valid, a third vaccination (booster) is required, which extends the Green Pass for a further nine months. EXCEPTION: For persons under the age of 18, the vaccination certificate is valid for 210 days (i.e. 7 months) after two vaccinations.
Change in validity of Janssen vaccination certificates
From 3rd of January 2022, vaccination certificates for a single Janssen vaccination within Austria are invalid. In order for affected persons to receive a valid vaccination certificate, a further vaccination is required at the earliest 28 days after the first vaccination. For the further vaccination, an EMA-approved mRNA vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer or Moderna) should preferably be used. Within Austria, however, the further vaccination is not recognised as a "booster". This means that in a "booster setting (currently only concerns events with more than 1,000 people) it would require a 3rd vaccination.
Recovery + 1st dose of Janssen
For persons who have undergone recovery prior to vaccination, it is still possible to present a combination of a recovery certificate (certificate of segregation, medical certificate or certificate of recovery) and a Janssen vaccination as a valid 2G proof.
Austria's borders are open, tourist trips are possible for vaccinated and recovered people from all countries in the world. Here is an overview of the current entry requirements.
- Entry into Austria is permitted with a 2.5G proof (vaccinated or recovered). In addition, a valid PCR test (not older than 72 hours) must be presented if a booster vaccination cannot yet be proven.
- This entry regulation also applies to countries that were still considered virus variant areas up to January 23 (including the Netherlands, Great Britain, Denmark and Norway).
- If the PCR test or the booster vaccination cannot be proven, entry is possible, but immediate quarantine is required after entry. This is only terminated when a PCR test has been carried out after entry and a negative result has been confirmed. In this case, registration through pre-travel clearance is also obligatory. Please note that it may take 24 hours or more for the test result to be available. We therefore strongly recommend entering the country with a negative PCR test.
- Exceptions apply to children under 12 years of age, they do not need a 2G detection and PCR test. Exceptions also apply to children of school age, they can enter the country with a negative PCR test. Proof from the so-called "Ninja Passport" or "Holiday Ninja Passport" is also valid (see Holiday Ninja Passport regulations). Children and young people of school age born after 31 August 2006 can make use of this regulation. Children and adolescents who do not fall under this regulation require a 2G proof as well as a negative PCR test or a booster vaccination. ATTENTION: Special regulations apply to the stay in Austria - information can be found in the children section.
- Also exempt from the requirement of a 2G certificate are pregnant women and persons who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons. They need an appropriate medical certificate and a negative PCR test.
- For commuters, the usual 3G rule remains in place.
- For Austrian citizens, EU and EEA citizens and persons residing in Austria who do not have a valid vaccination certificate and for whom none of the exceptions listed above apply, a mandatory ten-day quarantine must be taken after entry (free testing possible from the 5th day at the earliest). In this case, registration via pre-travel clearance is also mandatory.
Further important information for your entry into Austria can be found HERE.
Which certificates are valid for entry?
- A vaccination certificate issued in German or English (e.g. EU green passport, vaccination card, vaccination passport) about a complete immunisation with a vaccine approved in Europe counts as proof of vaccination. Validity: 270 days from the date of the 2nd vaccination. Vaccines with only one vaccination (e.g. Johnson & Johnson) are valid from the 22nd day after vaccination for a total of 270 days from the day of vaccination. A further vaccination (booster) extends the validity by another 9 months.
ATTENTION: As of February 1, 2022, the period of validity of the vaccination certificates for access to 2G settings in Austria will change: The first series of vaccinations (2 vaccinations or recovery + 1 vaccination) will then only entitle you to access 2G settings (e.g. accommodation, gastronomy, mountain railway). The certificate is valid for 210 days for persons under the age of 18. The vaccination certificate of the booster vaccination (3 vaccinations or recovery + 2 vaccinations) extends the validity for another 270 days. - Vaccines currently approved for entry (as of December 21): Comirnaty BioNtech / Pfizer; Vaxzevria / AstraZeneca; Moderna; Janssen from Johnson & Johnson (1 dose) **; Nuvaxovid from Novavax, Sinopharm / BIBP *; Sinovac-CoronaVac Vaccine *, Covaxin from Bharat Biotech International *, Covovax from Serum Institute of India *. Cross vaccinations are allowed.
* It is possible to enter Austria with these vaccinations, but they are not valid as proof of 2G within Austria).
** The one-time vaccination with Janssen ONLY enables entry, but not a visit to a restaurant or hotel or other 2G settings, since the one-time vaccination is not recognized as 2-G proof within Austria. - A certificate of recovery is a medical or official confirmation in German or English of an infection that has been overcome in the past six months. If convalescents have been vaccinated, the first dose is valid for 270 days from the date of vaccination. Evidence of neutralizing antibodies is not valid as evidence for entry.
- The test evidence (in addition to 2G) is the PCR test that is not older than 72 hours from the time the person was taken. The test must be confirmed by an authorized body (such as a pharmacy, test street). Antigen tests are not valid!
- So that you can plan and book your holiday with us in the Montafon without any worries, many hosts offer the possibility of cancelling your booking free of charge under certain conditions. You can recognise the participating establishments by the "Carefree Booking" feature. The offer is valid for bookings via montafon.at or direct bookings with the host.
- Please inform yourself once again about the applicable regulations before you arrive! You can find the most important information at vorarlberg.travel/visiting-safety/entry-and-return. An interactive travel planner with the applicable rules can be found here: reopen.europa.eu
Vaccinated – recovered
Regardless of whether you want to visit restaurants, the theatre, skiing areas or the swimming pool: the safety formula “vaccinated or recovered” applies everywhere.
Vaccinated
Vaccines recognised in Austria: Comirnaty by the manufacturer BioNTech/Pfizer, Spikevax by the manufacturer Moderna, Vaxzevria by the manufacturer AstraZeneca , Nuvaxovid/Novavaxand COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen by the manufacturer Janssen*. Proof of vaccination is the vaccination card, a confirmation from the doctor and also the EU "green passport".
From the day of complete immunisation (second vaccination), the vaccination certificate is valid for 270 days (from February 1st only for 180 days); a further booster vaccination extends the validity by another 270 days. EXCEPTION: For persons under the age of 18, the vaccination certificate is valid for 210 days (i.e. 7 months) after two vaccinations.
*Evidence of vaccination for a single dose with Janssen is not sufficient for valid 2G evidence.
For persons who had a positive PCR test or proof of neutralising antibodies at least 21 days before vaccination, vaccination is valid for 270 days from the date of the first vaccination (From February 1st only for 180 days).
Recovered
If you have survived a coronavirus infection within the last 180 days, please bring a doctor's confirmation of a positive PCR test or a certificate of recovery or an official segregation order with you.
Regulations for children and young people
The obligation to show a valid 2-G certificate does not apply to children up to the age of 12.
For children and young people between the ages of 12 and 15 (compulsory school age), the Ninja Pass (school test pass) is treated as equivalent to the 2-G pass and is therefore also valid as proof of access to restaurants, accommodation or cableways. For the school-free period (e.g. Christmas holidays), every child of compulsory school age between 12 and 15 years needs the Holiday Ninja Pass. The Holiday Ninja Pass is also valid for our guests from abroad between 12 to 15 years of age (cut-off date 01.09.2006), who are not or not fully vaccinated.
After the end of the ninth school year, young people must also have a 2-G certificate in order to be allowed to enter the concerned areas.
Exceptions
The obligation to present a 2G certificate does not apply to persons who cannot be vaccinated without risk to life or health and to pregnant women (medical certificate required in each case). In such cases, a PCR test must be submitted, which must not have been taken more than 72 hours previously.
The Montafon offers various free options for all guests.
1. PCR tests & antigen tests at the Provincial Test Centre:
The province of Vorarlberg offers a free testing service throughout Vorarlberg. In Montafon, the permanent test centre is located in the Kulturbühne Schruns and is operated by the province of Vorarlberg in cooperation with a laboratory partner Monday to Sunday. Registration in the Covid portal of the province is necessary, where appointments for PCR tests or antigen tests can then be booked.
Full information & opening times at montafon.at/coronatest
2. PCR tests for self-testing:
PCR gargle tests for home use can be collected free of charge from all pharmacies and Spar and Suterlüty branches, where they can also be returned for examination in the laboratory. The PCR gargle test requires registration at www.vorarlberg.at/vorarlberggurgelt . This must be done before the tests can be collected. This online registration entitles you to receive test kits and guides you through the use of the test. A maximum of three tests are issued per person per week. The test sample, i.e. the rinsing solution after gargling, is returned to a pharmacy or one of the participating Spar & Suterlüty branches and goes from there to the laboratory every day. The test result is communicated by SMS message within 24 hours of collection.
Full information & opening times at montafon.at/coronatest
Guests may and can be vaccinated free of charge at the official vaccination centres of the province of Vorarlberg - pre-registration is necessary - the place of stay in Vorarlberg (e.g. hotel address) should be given as the address.
This also allows, for example, booster vaccination for the extension of the certificate. A vaccination confirmation (e.g. entry in the yellow vaccination certificate) will be issued at the time of vaccination. Please enquire in advance whether your home country accepts this confirmation and whether an official entry (e.g. in the EU green passport) is possible.
When registering for vaccination, you can choose between the vaccines from Biontech Pfizer and Moderna.
Children
Information for our youngest guests
Vaccinated/recovered/tested
- Children up to the age of twelve do not need a certificate.
Wherever adults require a 2G certificate, the following applies to children over the age of 12:
-
Either vaccinated or recovered (2G)
OR ALTERNATIVELY
- For school-age children from Austria up to 9th grade, the "Ninja Pass" (school test pass) is valid as proof of 2G. For the school-free period (e.g. Christmas holidays), every child of compulsory school age between 12 and 15 years (cut-off date 01.09.2006) requires the Holiday-Ninja-Pass.
- The Holiday-Ninja-Pass is also valid for our young guests from abroad between the ages of 12 and 15 (cut-off date 01.09.2006). In the Montafon there are also free test opportunities for this.
Entry into Austria
Children under the age of 12 do not need a 2G test or a PCR test for entry. For children over the age of 12 the following is required:
- EITHER vaccinated or recovered + PCR-tested
- OR PCR-tested or proof from the so-called "Ninja Passport" or "Holiday Ninja Passport"(see regulations Holiday-Ninja-Pass).
Children and young people of school age born after 31 August 2006 can make use of this regulation.
Mandatory masks:
- Children up to the age of six do not need a mask.
Wherever adults require an FFP2 mask, the following applies to children from the age of 6:
- Children from the age of 6 until the age of 14 can wear a normal mouth-nose protection.
- Children from the completed 14th year of age must also wear an FFP2 mask.
Ex. age declaration:
- up to the completed sixth year of life = up to the day before the 6th birthday
- from the completed sixth year of life = from the day of the 6th birthday
Return journey to the home country
Please find out in good time what the rules are for your return journey to your home country. The interactive travel planner at reopen.europa.eu will help you plan your trip.
The Holiday Ninja Pass is an exemption for not or not completely vaccinated or not recovered young people of school age between 12 and 15 years (cut-off date: 01.09.2006) from Austria and abroad to obtain an officially recognised 2G status in Austria even without complete vaccination.
Detailed information on the Holiday Ninja Pass can be found HERE.
The prerequisite for the passport is consistent testing. This means that at least 3 tests must be carried out within 5 days, at least 2 of which must be PCR tests. If a consistently valid test certificate with PCR and/or antigen test is available within these 5 days and is also carried, this means equality with the 2G status, even for days 6 and 7 without further test certificates. This allows the stay in Austrian accommodation facilities, restaurants, leisure facilities and the use of cable cars.
The validity period is 48 hours for antigen tests and 72 hours for PCR tests. The start of the Holiday Ninja Pass does not have to coincide with the holiday week. Two 7-day cycles may be necessary for one holiday week.
Exception: If, in an individual case, a PCR test proof cannot be presented due to an untimely evaluation (longer than 24 hours) or lack of availability, the proof of an antigen test is permissible instead as an exception (provided this can be credibly demonstrated).
The Holiday Ninja Pass document is available for download on the website www.sichere-gastfreundschaft.at/holiday-ninja-pass. t should be noted that in addition to the passport itself, all test evidence for the duration of the holiday or holiday stay must be documented and presented in order to be able to guarantee the 2G status.
Holiday week from Saturday to Saturday:
- PCR test (sample collection) Friday morning (day 1) - valid until Monday morning.
- Saturday (day 2) arrival with negative PCR test result from day 1 (Friday)
- Antigen test Sunday morning (day 3) - valid until Tuesday morning
- PCR test Monday morning (day 4) - valid until Thursday morning
- (Thus, the Holiday Ninja Pass is valid from Saturday morning (when the test result of day 1 is available) until Thursday midnight (day 7))
- PCR test Thursday morning (= day 7 or day 1 of the 2nd week) - valid until Sunday morning
- Saturday (day 3) return home
Monday-Sunday
- Antigen test day 1 (Monday) - valid until Wednesday
- PCR test Tuesday - valid until Friday
- PCR-Test Thursday - valid until Sunday
Holiday Ninja Pass valid until Sunday 24h (Day 7)
Saturday-Thursday
- PCR-Test Sampling Day 1 (Friday) - valid until Monday
- Antigen test Sunday - valid until Tuesday
- PCR-Test Monday - valid until Thursday
Holiday-Ninja-Pass valid until Thursday 24 h (day 7)
You can find more examples HERE.
The 7-day rhythm is flexible, which means that the testing series can be started on any day of the week. If, in individual cases, a PCR test proof cannot be presented due to an untimely evaluation (longer than 24 hours), the proof of an antigen test is permissible instead as an exception (provided this can be credibly shown).
Compulsory schooling begins on 1 September following the child's sixth birthday and lasts for nine school years. A child shall be deemed to have completed one year of age at the end of the day preceding his or her birthday.
If a child completes his or her sixth year by 31 August of a year, he or she is compulsory to attend school on 1 September of that year. If a child reaches his/her sixth birthday between 1 September and 31 December, he/she is not obliged to attend school until 1 September of the following year.
Thus, all persons born before the cut-off date of 1 September 2006 are no longer subject to compulsory schooling.
I do not go to school in Austria, may I still use the Holiday Ninja Pass?
Yes, young people of compulsory school age from abroad who have not been vaccinated or have not been fully vaccinated are also provided with the Holiday Ninja Pass in English and German. This is officially recognised as a 2G certificate in conjunction with the corresponding test certificates.
My day skiing in the Montafon
The 2G-rule applies to the purchase of a one day ski pass from 15th of November.
- The 2G regulation applies to the purchase of a season ticket or multi-day ticket.
- Vaccinated and recovered persons only have to show their 2G certificate once when purchasing the ticket. An than they are able to use the ticket until the certificate expires.
- Children under the age of twelve are exempt from the 2G-rule. For young people between 12-15 years of age, the Corona Test Pass "Ninja Pass" of the school tests is also acceptable as 2G proof.
- In case of issuance of multi-day tickets by third parties (e.g. by accommodation providers), the corresponding 2-G check can also be carried out by them.
- If season tickets were already sold before the ordinance came into force, the 2G proof must be presented before entering for the first time.
- The 2G-rule doesn't apply to the use of the cable car or cogwheel railway to cover necessary basic needs of daily life (for example to reach the place of residence or work, to ensure basic supplies, etc.).
The FFP2 mask requirement applies in all closed rooms, especially in the checkout areas, when queuing, in gondolas and covered armchairs. It applies outdoors where the recommended minimum distance of two meters from people outside the household cannot be maintained (e.g. when queuing at the lift).
Children up to the age of six do not need a mask, children from the age of six to the age of 14 are also allowed to wear normal mouth and nose protection.
Irrespective of the current legal requirements, the queuing areas are organised in such a way that groups of people standing close together are avoided as far as possible. Please keep your distance from strangers if possible.
All cable cars and chair lifts are ventilated as well as possible during the ride. Please also ensure ventilation during the ride (open windows, open the weather protection hood, etc.)
All the cable cars are regularly disinfected with a special cold fogging device. The special cold fog produces a long-lasting, floating mist of droplets that eliminates 99.99% of all viruses, bacteria and spores on surfaces within a very short time. The active ingredient leaves no residue, is non-toxic, pH neutral, kind to the skin and eyes and 100% biodegradable.
You will find hand sanitiser dispensers at the cable car stations, in the mountain restaurants and in the sanitary facilities.
Here you are able to conveniently buy your ski pass, multi-day winter ticket or your winter saison ticket online:
Accommodation
Find available hostsOur accommodation providers look forward to welcoming you.
- A 2G certificate is always required for staying at the accommodation facility and for using services.
- In areas open to the public, FFP2 is compulsory.
- Food is served in the same way as in the catering industry.
- Each accommodation has a prevention and hygiene concept and a trained COVID 19 officer.
- Many hosts are offering the option of free cancellation in certain other circumstances: border closure, travel warning with an obligation to self-isolate (quarantine). Carefree booking
- You can identify the participating businesses by the “Carefree booking” feature. The offer is valid for bookings made via montafon.at or directly with the host.
For stays for urgently necessary professional reasons, 3-G (Vaccinated or Convalescent or Tested) still applies. However, a 2G certificate is required for the use of the gastronomic facilities of accommodation establishments.
Restaurants & mountain huts
Opening timesOur gastronomic establishments will spoil you with culinary delights.
Our restaurants are looking forward to welcoming you.
- The 2-G rule applies to the gastronomic establishments.
- Food and drinks may only be consumed while seated (in open-air snack and food stands, food may also be eaten at a standing table).
- There is no bar operation or standing catering.
- FFP2 masks are compulsory away from the seating area.
- For optimal contact tracking, guest registration is compulsory.
- Closing time is at 10 pm.
- Per table: maximum of ten persons plus a maximum of ten underage children or a joint household.
- Each establishment has a prevention or hygiene concept and a trained COVID 19 officer.
- Night catering and après-ski venues remain closed after the end of the lockdown.
Take-Away & Delivery Service
- Numerous catering establishments in the Montafon offer a pick-up & delivery service.
- An FFP2 mask must be worn during collection.
- Food and drinks may not be consumed within 50 metres of the business premises
Tourist events
As a general rule:
- For events with 25 or more people, the 2-G rule applies.
- FFP2 masks are compulsory indoors.
- Compulsory registration
- Events are only permitted until 10 pm
Upper limits for persons:
- Events without assigned seating: indoor & outdoor 25 persons (e.g. birthday parties, weddings).
- Events with allocated seating: indoor 500 persons, outdoor 500 persons (e.g. concerts, cinema, theatre).
- For the time being, the upper limit of 300 persons applies to the serving of food and drinks.
An individual COVID-19 prevention concept is drawn up for each event and COVID-19 officers are on site at all times.
- Where necessary, measures are installed to control the flow of visitors.
- All guests are registered by means of a data protection-compliant registration tool to enable efficient contact tracing.
- For events without visitor restrictions, active entry and exit management is operated to ensure spacing.
- In addition, when serving food and serving beverages, food service measures will apply.
- For events with allocated seating, tickets are only sold in advance online and at advance booking offices.
Tests, health checks & apps
Austria was among the first countries to rely on regular and nationwide preventive COVID-19 testing for all those who work in accommodation facilities. Since the start of testing, the Montafon has been one of five pilot regions in Austria to conduct these tests multiple times a week for staff in the hotel and catering industry as well as for the local population and visitors.
We offer free tests for our guests several times per week, so that the necessary certificates are available for the journey home. For more information, please visit montafon.at/coronatest
All tourism staff are subjected to daily health checks (temperature and symptom checks). When a case is suspected, tests are carried out immediately and the members of staff are required to isolate from the business immediately.
The companies have trained coronavirus safety officers in a wide variety of departments, who ensure that the current guidelines are in place and complied with immediately. They are happy to help you with specific questions at any time.
Should you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, etc.) during your stay, you are required to call the Austrian emergency number 1450. The instructions and further steps (testing, isolation, etc.) are then given by the authorities and these must be followed without fail. You must also inform your host and self-isolate if necessary.
In an emergency, please always call 144 or 112. Please also let emergency services know that the symptoms could be caused by a suspected case of COVID-19. Do not under any circumstances visit a doctor’s surgery in person if you suspect you have COVID-19.
Contact tracing, i.e. managing contacts, is an indispensable tool in tracing the chain of infection and disrupting it as early as possible. For this reason, guest registration has been introduced at restaurants in Vorarlberg.
Many of our caterers and leisure businesses rely on the Digital COVID-19 Guestbook operated by the Salzburg-based company MTMS. There is no need to install an app to register. It is sufficient to scan the QR Code with your mobile phone when you enter the facility.
XSUND - The Vorarlberg health app (xsund.at). Here is the place where you can find doctors and their opening hours as well as the opening times of pharmacies, plus emergency numbers and important tips for emergencies. Please note: you are required to wear an FFP2 face mask in all health facilities and appointments must be made to see a doctor! If you call the hotline 1450, specialists will answer all your questions regarding medical matters.
We also recommend installing the “Stopp Corona app” – the official app of the Austrian Red Cross.
Your safe journey home
Coming home in good health
For the return journey, the regulations of your home country apply. The interactive travel planner at reopen.europa.eu will help you plan your trip, and there is also an additional overview available from Österreich Werbung.
As a general rule, we recommend that you take a Coronatest before leaving Austria or immediately after arriving in your home country.
For official information on entry requirements to Germany, click HERE
Guests from Germany must register at www.einreiseanmeldung.de before travelling home and upload their proof of vaccination or convalescence there. Unvaccinated guests must undergo a 10-day quarantine upon their return. Free testing is possible after the fifth day at the earliest.
For unvaccinated children under 12 years of age, a 5-day quarantine on return cannot be avoided according to the currently valid regulations.
For official information on entry requirements to Switzerland, click HERE
The return journey to Switzerland is possible without pandemic-related measures, as exemptions apply to Vorarlberg as a border region.
Netherlands
Persons aged 12 and over require either a negative test certificate, proof of recovery or proof of full vaccination when entering the Netherlands. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from providing proof.
Completion of the Health Declaration Form is only required if arriving by air.
Belgium
Before returning to Belgium, all persons - regardless of their means of transport, length of stay in Belgium or nationality - must complete a Public Health Passenger Locator Form (PLF) online. Based on the evaluation of the PLF and the risk behaviour, a possible quarantine and test request is sent by SMS or mail.
Current COVID-19 figures in Vorarlberg
These measures are continuously updated and adapted to the legal requirements.
As of: January 4th 2022
