Skiers have gained more options ahead of February half-term as Austria joining Switzerland in relaxing Covid entry rules for British travellers.
The UK will no longer be classified as a ‘virus variant’ country by Austria from Monday (January 24).
This means that double-jabbed or recovered travellers can enter the country with a PCR test – valid 72 hours – or proof of a booster jab received at least 120 days after the second shot without the need to quarantine.
Proof of recovery within the past 180 days also counts as a booster, the Austrian National Tourist Office announced.
Travellers can show their vaccination status using the NHS app, the EU Digital Covid Certificate (Green Pass) or a printed equivalent in English or German.
Children under the age of 12 do not need proof of vaccination/recovery or a PCR test, although mandatory testing applies from the age of 6 in Vienna.
Teenagers 12 or over and born on or after September 1, 2006 who are not yet fully jabbed can download a ‘Holiday Ninja Pass’ to enter Austria but regular testing is needed during their stay.
The same rules as for adults apply for teenagers born before September, 2006.
PCR tests are available for both locals and visitors free of charge in Austria, the tourist office pointed out.
Face masks are required in all public areas in enclosed spaces, including restaurants when not seated, hotels and cable cars.
Masks are also compulsory outdoors when social distancing with people not in your household is not possible.
Restaurants, cafes and inns have a curfew at 10pm while bars and clubs remain closed.
“Après-ski is not possible,” the tourist office added.