Vienna Open for Tourists as Negative Covid Test Requirement Removed

As flights between the UK and Vienna resume, the Vienna Tourism Board has confirmed that the requirement for UK arrivals in Vienna to provide proof of a negative Covid test is being removed from the entry requirements as of August 1.

The update comes as EU-affiliated travel portal, European Best Destinations, also named Vienna one of the ‘20 safest travel destinations in the age of Covid-19’ and the city launched its Safe Stay seal.

Furthermore, with this year marking the 120th anniversary of Freud’s ‘The Interpretation of Dreams’ being published, the city is also preparing for the grand reopening of the Sigmund Freud museum on August 29 following an extensive renovation project as well as marking the 250th birthday of Beethoven with a series of events and celebrations.

Norbert Kettner, Director, Vienna Tourist Board said: “We are delighted that flights between the UK and Austria have resumed as of 1st August. The entry requirements for UK travellers to Austria have also been updated so there is no longer the need for a medical certificate to show a negative COVID-19 test result or to quarantine on arrival.

“The news follows EU-affiliated travel portal, European Best Destinations, naming Vienna one of the ‘20 safest travel destinations in the age of Covid-19’ with the city being just one of a handful of major cities to appear on the list. This decision also affirms that both governments have deemed travel between our countries to be safe, so this is a positive step in the right direction for both our economies and the tourism industry as a whole.

“Vienna welcomed over 317,000 visitors from the UK in 2019 which was a record year for the city’s tourism industry, and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors from the UK back to our city. We are dedicated to ensuring our citizens and visitors feel safe as they move in the city and have implemented stringent health measures in our transport hubs, hotels and attractions for their protection. The Austrian government was quick to implement lockdown measures across the country in March which helped to stem the spread of the virus. In Vienna, we were therefore in a position to begin reopening some businesses such as cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels in May.

“Some would say classical music best represents the soundtrack of Vienna and in the year that we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven, we are excited to welcome visitors back to our famous concert halls and opera houses, which at present can show performances to audiences of up to 250 people. Furthermore, as one of the world’s greenest cities we believe Vienna is well positioned to offer the kind of city break visitors will be looking for as they emerge from a period of lockdown. Home to 850 parks, over 50% of Vienna is open green spaces and the city is easily accessible to explore by foot offering visitors peace of mind that they can find ample outdoor space when they travel to Vienna.”