What you should know before your trip
The Austrian federal government has decided to adapt the CoV-rules and presented a step-by-step plan based on the utilization of the intensive care capacities:
1st stage: 10 percent utilization of intensive beds (200 beds throughout Austria) - applies from September 15, 2021
- Stricter controls on the measures in place
- Antigen tests are only valid for 24 hours
- FFP2 mask instead of mouth and nose protection is mandatory where a mask is currently required (e.g. in public transport, in the supermarket, in the mountain railways)
- People who do not have a valid proof of vaccination or recovery must also wear an FFP2 mask in other business premises. These include general shops (e.g. clothing stores), museums & exhibitions, libraries
- Compliance with the "3-G" applies to gatherings of 25 people or more (previously 100 people or more)
2nd stage: 15 percent intensive care bed occupancy (300 beds across Austria) - comes into force seven days after the occupancy is exceeded
- Access to night gastronomy & events with more than 500 people without assigned seats only for vaccinated and convalescent people
- Antigen self-tests (living room test) are no longer valid as "3-G evidence"
3rd stage: 20 percent intensive care bed occupancy (400 beds across Austria) - comes into force seven days after the occupancy is exceeded
In addition to proof of vaccination or recovery, only PCR tests are accepted as test proof wherever the “3-G proof” gives access. Antigen tests are no longer acceptable as evidence of admission.
- Our recommendation: make an appointment for a corona test shortly before your departure, unless you have already been vaccinated or have recovered. This way, you can safely cross the border and will also have a valid negative test result which you can use when checking in at your accommodation. PCR tests must be no more than 72 hours old when presented at check-in, and rapid antigen tests no more than 24 hours.
- A vaccination document issued in German or English, for example, the yellow vaccination certificate, counts as proof of vaccination. A certificate of recovery is a medical or official confirmation in German or English of an infection overcome in the past six months. Proof of neutralising antibodies is equivalent to the certificate of recovery and must be no more than 3 months old at the time of entering the country.
- As long as proof (vaccinated, tested, recovered) can be presented upon entering the country, no entry registration (pre-travel clearance) is necessary. If no such proof can be presented, it is mandatory to take a test within 24 hours in Austria and fill in the pre-travel clearance form (if possible electronically) before entering the country.
- Children must be tested from the age of 12.
- If, contrary to expectations, the test result before arrival is positive, the free corona cancellation insurance of the state of Vorarlberg will reimburse you for the cost of cancelling accommodation and meals.Many hosts offer the possibility to cancel bookings free of charge under certain conditions, in order for you to be able to plan and book your holiday with us in the Montafon without any concerns. You can identify the participating businesses by finding the “Carefree Booking” feature. The offer is valid for bookings via montafon.at or direct bookings with the host.
- Register before your arrival in the Corona Portal of the state of Vorarlberg: this will make it even easier for you to benefit from the free antigen self-tests after your arrival, which will give you access to restaurants, sports, cultural and leisure facilities.
- Please inform yourself once again of the applicable regulations before your arrival! You can find the most important information at vorarlberg.travel/en/visiting-safely/entry-and-return. You can find an interactive travel planner with the applicable rules here: reopen.europa.eu
Tested – vaccinated – recovered
Regardless of whether you want to visit restaurants, the theatre, football grounds or the swimming pool: the safety formula “vaccinated, tested or recovered” applies everywhere. (An exception is made for night clubs, here only PCR tests or vaccinated apply.)
The vaccination certificate, a confirmation from the doctor and the EU’s "green pass" are valid as proof of vaccination. From the day of complete immunization (second vaccination), the vaccination certificate is valid for 12 months (ATTENTION: first vaccination is not sufficient, a further booster vaccination extends the validity for a further 360 days). Vaccines for which only one vaccination is intended (e.g. from Johnson & Johnson) are valid from the 22nd day after the vaccination, for 9 months from the day of the vaccination. For those who have recovered and who have previously been vaccinated, the vaccination is valid for 12 months from the time of vaccination.
Both PCR tests and rapid antigen tests are permissible for testing. PCR tests are valid for 72 hours, rapid official antigen tests and supervised self-tests for 24 hours. For entries to Austria, you can also carry out an unsupervised rapid antigen test (home test) and register the result on the test platform of the state of Vorarlberg. This kind of test is valid for 24 hours.
If you have recovered from a Coronavirus infection within the last six months, please bring a confirmation from your doctor or the official notice to self-isolate with you. Alternatively, proof of antibodies no more than three months old is also applicable.
For children, testing or the presentation of evidence of a low epidemiological risk is compulsory from the age of 12.
Vorarlberg is the “World Champion in testing”. No other place has been tested more for the coronavirus than our state. The 400,000 citizens of Vorarlberg got tested for the virus more than 3 million times in the past months. Tourism employees are also tested on a regular basis. You, too, will benefit from this extra safety during your holiday.
The safety formula "vaccinated, tested or recovered" is your ticket to restaurants, culture, sports and leisure activities during your entire stay: You need the proof when you first check in at your accommodation – also for holiday flats or campsites, for example.
You also need it every time you enter restaurants, inns, swimming pools, theatres, museums and much more during your stay. This also applies to the restaurant, breakfast room, fitness room, indoor pool etc. at your accommodation. An exception is made for night clubs, here only PCR tests or vaccinated apply.
Don't worry: this will cost you a maximum of five minutes per day and not a single euro! Your host will provide you with a free rapid antigen test for each day of your holiday. You can then register the result in just a few steps on the website of the state of Vorarlberg. Your host will be happy to support you if necessary.
Alternatively to these antigen self-tests (home tests), you can also use the extensive testing facilities of the Vorarlberg municipalities. Official antigen tests are also free of charge and valid for 48 hours. The fee-based PCR tests are valid for 72 hours.
For children, testing or the presentation of evidence of a low epidemiological risk is compulsory from the age of 12.
In event of a positive rapid antigen test, contact the health hotline 1450 and inform your host! The authorities will immediately arrange for a PCR test, the result of which will be available after a maximum of 48 hours. You will have to stay in your room until then and will of course be provided for by your host. The Republic of Austria covers costs of 75 euros per overnight stay during the quarantine period. If the PCR test is also positive, a decision will be made in consultation with the health authorities about a controlled journey home.
Regardless of whether you want to visit restaurants, the theatre, football grounds or the swimming pool: the safety formula “vaccinated, tested or recovered” applies everywhere. For this purpose, the Montafon offers various free options for all guests.
1. Rapid antigen tests & self-tests under supervision:
A rapid antigen test detects viral proteins specific for COVID-19. The sample material is obtained from a nasal swab. The test result will be visible after about 20 minutes.
The state of Vorarlberg offers a free rapid test service all throughout Vorarlberg. In the Montafon, the permanent test centre is housed in the Kulturbühne Schruns and operated by the state of Vorarlberg in cooperation with the Red Cross. There is also another test station in Gaschurn.
The antigen test entitles the holder to the use of accommodation, sports facilities and close proximity services as well as to visit restaurants, events, swimming pools, etc. for 24 hours. In addition, the test is also valid for commuters and people entering the country.
Full information & opening times at montafon.at/coronatest
2. Home test for self-testing:
A SARS-CoV-2 test for self-testing (home test) is an antigen test that is taken by the respective person on themselves in the front nasal area without supervision. This test can be done regularly at home (which is why it is called “home test"). This self-test must be registered via the test platform of the state. After registering, the test platform will guide you through the steps of taking the test.
The home test entitles the holder to the use of accommodation, sports facilities and close proximity services as well as to visiting restaurants, events, swimming pools, etc. for 24 hours.
This will cost you a maximum of five minutes per day and not a single euro! Your host will provide you with a free home test for each day of your holiday. The test is just as simple as brushing your teeth. You can then register the result in just a few steps on the website of the state of Vorarlberg .
Please note: only the tests that are provided with a QR code from one of the official issuing points are valid. Tests brought by the guests cannot be registered.
3. PCR test:
Free PCR tests can also be carried out in the test center in the Kulturbühne in Montafon. The result will be transmitted in the course of the following day, prior registration via the test platform of the state is necessary.
The Kur Apotheke offers a PCR testing service with its test streets at the Thöny campsite in Schruns. Registration prior to having a test done is mandatory. The multilingual report will be issued on the same day if the sample is taken before 2 pm. The PCR test costs 55.00 euros. REGISTER
Full information & opening times at montafon.at/coronatest
Many hosts offer the possibility of cancelling a booking free of charge under certain conditions, in order for you to be able to plan and book your holiday with us in the Montafon without any concerns. You can identify the participating businesses by finding the “Carefree Booking” feature. The offer is valid for bookings via montafon.at or direct bookings with the host.
Money-back guarantee in the event of infection with COVID-19 or quarantine before arrival
To give you the feeling of greatest possible security when booking, EVERY overnight stay in Vorarlberg in the 2021 summer season is protected by free cancellation insurance.
If you or a family member from the same household tests positive for COVID-19 before departure, the insurance will cover the cancellation costs for accommodation and meals at the respective establishment. The same applies if you are required to quarantine by the authorities before arrival. For sure.
The free COVID-19 cancellation insurance applies to all bookings in accommodation establishments – even those that have already been made. It just adds even more security and anticipation to your holiday.
Info: Money-Back Guarantee
Cableways, hiking buses etc.
In summer 2021, our cableways, scheduled and hiking buses will continue taking you to your destinations in comfort and in an environmentally friendly manner. Please follow the general hygiene & social distancing rules for the respective means of transport. All passengers are required to wear a FFP2 mask. This also applies to your wait at the bus stop if you are unable to maintain the minimum social distance from strangers.
All scheduled and hiking buses in the Montafon undergo surface disinfection and ventilation on a daily basis.
Please note that buses and bus stops are very busy during peak times between 8 am 9.30 am and 3 pm and 4.30 pm. We therefore ask that you take special care and get on and off the buses in an orderly manner.
Wherever possible, purchase your ticket prior to your trip. Tickets can be purchased from the train station in Schruns (daily from 7 am to 6 pm) or simply via the FAIRTIQ app, which can be downloaded for contactless ticket purchases. With a valid multi-day pass, you may use the scheduled buses as well as the Montafonerbahn free of charge.
Accommodation
Find available hostsOur accommodation establishments are looking forward to welcoming you back.
- You will need a valid negative test result, a vaccination certificate or the confirmation of a previous COVID-19 infection upon arrival.
- During your stay, you will need a valid negative test result, a vaccination certificate or a confirmation of a previous COVID-19 infection in order to use other services at the accommodation establishment (e.g. breakfast, wellness).
- Catering is carried out in the same way as in restaurants.
- Each accommodation establishment must have a mandatory prevention or hygiene concept and a COVID-19 representative.
- 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.
Restaurants & mountain huts
Opening timesOur restaurant facilities will pamper you with culinary delicacies.
- Our establishments are open both indoors and outdoors
- Compulsory registration and presentation of a test result/vaccination certificate/confirmation of having overcome the disease (validity of tests: self-test with digital solution 24 hours, antigen test 24 hours, PCR test 72 hours)
- There is no longer a general closing time
- An exception is made for night clubs, here only PCR tests or vaccinated apply.
Tourist events
What do I need to keep in mind when attending an event?
Current regulations:
- Compulsory registration and presentation of a test result/vaccination certificate/confirmation of having overcome the disease (validity of tests: self-test with digital solution 24 hours, antigen test 24 hours, PCR test 72 hours)
- Catering is carried out in the same way as in restaurants –
- Obligation of disclosure for events with 100 people or more, obligation to obtain a permit from the health authority for events with 500 people or more
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
Arriving home properly tested
The regulations in force in your home country apply to your journey back home. The interactive travel planner at reopen.europa.eu will help you with planning your journey.
In any case, we recommend that you get another corona test done at one of our test stations before your departure.
You can find the latest information on entry regulations
to Germany HERE
COVID-19 information for holiday guests entering Germany
from Switzerland can be found HERE
COVID-19 information for holiday guests entering the Switzerland
from Netherlands can be found HERE
COVID-19 information for holiday guests from the Netherlands
Current travel warnings
Please pay attention to the departure and entry regulations and measures in your home country!
Detailed informationCurrent COVID-19 figures in Vorarlberg
These measures are continuously updated and adapted to the legal requirements.
As of: 15 September 2021
