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Coronavirus
Austria’s Plan for Gradually Dropping COVID Mitigations
June 30 is going to be the date when all COVID-19 Measures Will Drop in Austria. Health Minister Johannes Rauch and Constitution Minister Karoline Edtstadler confirmed this in a press conference.
February 4, 2023
Austria Wants to Drop all Covid-19 Mitigations
Austrian Minister of Health Johannes Rauch has said that he wants to end all Covid-19 regulations in Austria until springtime this year. This would mean the legitimate end of the Coronavirus-pandemic in the country.
January 15, 2023
Weekly Briefing: Rising Migration in Austria
The Find out more about this week's developments. For Austria, new questions arise about the migration and integration of refugees. The coronavirus quarantine ends in August. Read about the latest developments in diplomacy in Vienna and Austria.
July 28, 2022
End of Mandatory Quarantine in Austria
The coronavirus quarantine ends in August. This was confirmed by Health Minister Johannes Rauch. Accordingly, anyone who does not feel ill can leave the house even after a positive CoV test but is subject to traffic restrictions.
July 26, 2022
First Novavax COVID Vaccine Shipment has Arrived in Austria
The first shipment of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, Nuvaxovid, has finally arrived in Austria. Read about the much-anticipated distribution of the new vaccine and why the government thinks it will help convince some vaccine skeptics.
February 24, 2022
Vienna's Mayor Ludwig: "Pandemic has not yet been mastered"
Mayor Ludwig announced that Vienna will keep some of the COVID-19 measures in place despite the federal government lifting many of them. Read which measures still apply in Vienna and what the mayor and health experts said about it.
February 21, 2022
Naturalizations in Austria on the Rise Again Due to Descendants of Nazi Victims
Naturalizations in Austria are on the rise again, mainly due to the large number of descendants of victims of nazi persecution who applied for citizenship thanks to the amendment to Austria's Citizenship Act. Read more about this increase in naturalizations.
February 17, 2022
Explore Spring in Charming Bratislava after the Pandemic with the Twin City Liner
After the Twin City Liner had to stop all trips in autumn due to the Corona pandemic, spring trips to Bratislava can now already be booked from March 2022.
February 17, 2022 · Sponsored Content
Vienna Business Agency Sees Significant Increase in Expat Advice Requests
The Expat Center and the Business Immigration Office of the Vienna Business Agency saw a stark increase in the number of expats seeking advice during the COVID-19 crisis. Read about this increase and how the Vienna Business Agency has assisted expats.
February 9, 2022
Lunar New Year 2022: Austria's Chinese Community Welcomes the Year of the Tiger
People around the world recently celebrated the ushering in of the Year of the Tiger. Read more about the Lunar New Year, one of the most important Chinese holidays.
February 3, 2022
Vienna Also Relaxes Corona Measures, But Stays With 2-G Rule in Gastronomy
The city of Vienna has announced that it will relax the current Corona measures largely in line with the nationwide easing. Only one point is to be deviated from.
February 3, 2022
Economic Outlook for Austria until 2024
Strong economic rebound amid high uncertainty about impact of Covid-Omicron variant. Find out what the economic future holds for Austria until 2024.
February 2, 2022
Covid in Austria: Relaxation of Corona Measures
As of February 5, Austria begins cautious steps toward reopening. The current Covid measures will be gradually withdrawn over the course of February. Below is a brief overview of the gradual sequence.
February 1, 2022
Mandatory Covid Vaccination in Austria: Foreign Diplomats Not Covered
The vaccination requirement in Austria does not generally apply to foreign diplomats who live in Austria and are exempt from the registration requirement under the Registration Act. Details in the following article.
February 1, 2022
German and Austrian EU Ministers Supportive of Accession Process for Western Balkans
German EU Minister Anna Lührmann met with Austrian EU Minister Karoline Edtstadler in Vienna. Read what they said about EU accession for the Western Balkan states, compulsory vaccination, and more.
February 1, 2022
Official State Visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Austria
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain were in Austria on an official state visit. The royal couple was received by President Van der Bellen at the Hofburg in Vienna. Read about their visit and the opening of the new Salvador Dali exhibition at Belvedere.
February 1, 2022
Vienna: Immigrating Foreigners Boost EU's Fifth Largest City
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Vienna's population grew again in 2021. Read why immigration was critical for Vienna to continue its growth and what the forecast is for the future.
January 31, 2022
City of Vienna to Provide 120,000 Euros to Migrant Organizations in 2022
The City of Vienna has decided to provide 120,000 euros in funding for migrant organizations and associations to help offset the financial stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read about the funding for projects in 2022 and examples of important integration projects from 2021.
January 28, 2022
EU Council President in Vienna: "Situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border worrisome"
European Council President Charles Michel was in Vienna to discuss the tense situation at Ukraine's border and other pressing issues with Chancellor Nehammer. Read about their discussion.
January 27, 2022
Covid in Austria: Lockdown for the Unvaccinated Ends Monday
As COVID-19 infections reached a new high in Austria due to Omicron, Chancellor Nehammer and Health Minister Mückstein announced an end to the lockdown for the unvaccinated. Read why they decided to end the lockdown and which measures still apply.
January 26, 2022
Van der Bellen: New Year's Address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna
President Van der Bellen delivered his New Year's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna. He talked about the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. Read what the president said and watch his speech.
January 24, 2022
Covid in Austria: Borders Are Open Again
Since January 24, guests from all countries with 2G+ or boosted can enter Austria - there are then no more virus variant areas. Great Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway are no longer considered virus variant areas. Tourist travel is possible for vaccinated and recovered persons. Here is an overview of the updated entry regulations.
January 23, 2022
Austria First EU Country to Implement Mandatory Corona Vaccination
Austria has become the first EU country to implement mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 for all adults. Read about the new law, as well as the new incentives the Austrian government is offering for vaccination.
January 21, 2022
Israel and Austria Step Up Cooperation on Security Issues
Israeli Ambassador Mordechai Rodgold and Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner met for working talks to discuss further cooperation on security issues. Read more about their meeting and what they said about the fight against anti-Semitism.
January 18, 2022
Covid in Austria: Presentation of the Bill on Compulsory Vaccination Starting February 1, 2022
At a press conference at the Federal Chancellery, the federal government presented the draft law for compulsory vaccination in Austria, which will take effect on February 1. "It is not about the fight of vaccinated against unvaccinated!"
January 17, 2022
Demand for Luxury Real Estate in Austria Increased by 12 Percent Due to the Corona Situation
Luxury real estate demand increased by 12 percent in Austria in 2021, according to the Engel & Völkers Group. Read more about the luxury real estate trends in Austria and around the world.
January 17, 2022
President of Switzerland on Official State Visit to Austria
On his first official visit to Austria as president, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis met with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Read more about the meeting between the two presidents.
January 14, 2022
Explainer - What Do Vienna's Currently Valid Corona Entry Rules (3G / 2.5G / 2G / 2G+) Mean?
At present, the lockdown has been lifted (with the exception of the unvaccinated) and with it the ban on entry for hospitality, gastronomy, events, etc. In practice, you never know which entry rule applies and whether you are prepared for it. In the following, we therefore provide an overview of the current entry rules and their specific requirements.
January 13, 2022
Covid in Austria: Up to 32,000 New Cases Forecasted per Day
Experts are forecasting a stark increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in Austria in the coming weeks. Read more about the current COVID-19 situation in Austria.
January 12, 2022
Omicron Has Led to Quasi-Ban on Entry of Britons, Norwegians, Danes and Dutch into Austria
Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 throughout Austria, entry rules to Austria have been tightened. With Great Britain, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands, four important countries of origin of tourists have been declared virus variant areas. Read about the restrictions.
December 21, 2021 · Updated: December 23, 2021; 19:35
Vienna Tourism: November Overnight Stays Plus 494% - "Only Arithmetically"
Despite a lockdown for part of the month, Vienna saw a stark increase in the number of overnight stays in November 2021 compared to November 2020. Read how this compares to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 and how accommodation providers in Vienna have fared so far this year.
December 23, 2021
Covid in Austria: The Situation Among Refugees and People With Migrant Backgrounds
As the World Health Organization is reporting vaccine inequity for migrants in national vaccine rollouts around the world, Austria is attempting to vaccinate its migrant population by offering vaccinations at the integration centers throughout the country. Read about how this is going.
December 22, 2021
OECD: "Austria Is Set to Overcome the COVID-19 Shock and Its Economic Scars"
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its latest Economic Survey of Austria. Read what the Survey says about the Austrian economy coming out of the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 20, 2021
Omicron Coming: New Entry Rules for Austria since December 20.
With immediate effect and thus before Christmas, new stricter entry rules apply for travel to Austria. This applies to both foreigners and locals. Please find the details as follows.
December 19, 2021
"Golden Sunday" Returns: Austrian Non-Food Retailers Allowed to Remain Open on December 19
In an attempt to recoup some of the billions of euros retailers lost out on due to the lockdown in the middle of the holiday season, the Austrian government has announced that non-food retailers will be allowed to remain open on Sunday, December 19 for what is known as "Golden Sunday." Learn which stores the exception applies to and when you can do some last-minute Christmas shopping on Sunday.
December 17, 2021
Nehammer on First Trip to Brussels as Chancellor: "I'm an Ardent European"
Chancellor Nehammer made his first trip to Brussels for the European Council and the EU Eastern Partnership Summit. There he met with the other heads of state and government of the EU member states, as well as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Read what Nehammer discussed on the trip.
December 16, 2021
These Covid Rules Apply After the Lockdown for Vienna and Surroundings
The Austria-wide lockdown ended yesterday and applies to vaccinated and recovered individuals (2G). For the unvaccinated, the lockdown continues to be in effect. What new rules now apply at the federal level and in Vienna and the province of Lower Austria (Wien und Umgebung)?
December 13, 2021
Austrian Compulsory Vaccination Bill is Ready: "We Want Freedom Back!"
The Austrian government has announced that the controversial compulsory vaccination bill is finally ready. Read what Constitutional Minister Edtstadler said about the bill and regaining freedom.
December 10, 2021
Inaugural Statement of Austria's New Chancellor: "We Want to Reconcile with History"
Newly appointed Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer delivered his inaugural statement to the National Council. Read what the new chancellor said are some of the key issues his government will focus on.
December 10, 2021
Vienna Opera Ball 2022: Canceled Twice in a Row
The Austrian government has announced that the 2022 Vienna Opera Ball has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, the Viennese Opera Ball in New York City is still scheduled to take place. Read more about the two popular events.
December 9, 2021
Latest Covid Rules in Vienna: It's Getting Even More Complicated - Full Opening Not Until Dec. 20
Overly cautious mayor Michael Ludwig hesitates with the full opening. Starting Monday, December 13, culture, trade and body-related service providers may open for vaccinated. However, the gastronomy and hotel industry may only open from December 20, 2021. For unvaccinated, the lockdown continues to apply.
December 7, 2021
Austria's Mandatory Vaccination Bill on the Table
The first draft of Austria's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination bill is now available, and it details fines for the unvaccinated beginning in March 2022. Learn how much the fines could be and who may qualify for an exemption from compulsory vaccination.
December 6, 2021
State of Emergency in Vienna: Numerous Demonstrations against Anti-Corona Measures
Vienna was once again subject to demonstrations against measures taken by the Austrian government to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Read about the massive demonstrations and clashes with police in Austria's capital.
December 6, 2021
What IAEA Meeting Attendees at the Vienna International Center Should Be Aware Of
The latest information regarding COVID-19 measures, as recommended by VIC Medical Services for all persons entering the VIC, is provided on this page.
December 3, 2021 · Updated: December 6, 2021; 07:33
With Omicron Spreading, Many Countries Consider a Vaccine Mandate like Austria
The Omicron variation has reignited the debate over and the introduction of mandatory vaccination. The challenges, remain immense, even as some governments are trying to speed up their vaccination campaigns and are considering a vaccine mandate in the face of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Whether Omicron will lead to the wealthier countries rethinking things remains undecided.
December 6, 2021
Austro-French Vaccine Company Valneva's Covid-19 Jab under EU Review
The EU's medicines agency EMA launched an accelerated review of a Covid-19 vaccine by Austro-French biotech firm Valneva. Recently the European Commission agreed to buy as many as 60 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine. The deal would allow EU member states to purchase almost 27 million doses from Valneva in 2022, and an additional 33 million in 2023.
December 2, 2021
Staying Overnight in Vienna During Covid-Lockdown
During the current 4th Austrian Lockdown (November 22 to probably including December 12, 2021) overnight stays in Viennese hotels are allowed for business reasons, but not for personal reasons. Find out what the requirements for an overnight stay in a Viennese hotel are and what exemptions are possible.
December 2, 2021
City of Vienna Partner Lab Massively Expands Covid-19 Laboratory
The Lifebrain laboratory, which partners with the City of Vienna, is undergoing a massive expansion on its COVID-19 laboratory. This expansion comes just weeks after an unfair competition lawsuit brought against Lifebrain by the Vienna Medical Association was dismissed. Read about Lifebrain's lab expansion and legal issues.
December 1, 2021
Austrian Covid Data: Vaccination Protects 95 Percent from Hospitalization
A new study from the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has shown that the COVID-19 vaccines offer about 95 percent protection against hospitalization from coronavirus. Read about this study and the efficacy of the vaccines.
December 1, 2021
Impact of the Corona Pandemic on Hospital Stays in Austria: 18% Fewer Inpatient Stays
The Corona pandemic has had a significant impact on the number of inpatient treatments, examinations and surgeries in Austrian hospitals: In 2020, hospital stays decreased by almost one fifth to 2.1 million compared to the previous year. In 26,500 cases, a COVID-19 disease necessitated a hospital stay.
November 30, 2021
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