Austria has extended its border controls until the end of May, but entry restrictions are gradually being softened. So families and life partners can – under certain circumstances – visit, South Tyrolean students again at Austrian universities. An overview of provisions and exceptions.
It started with one stopped train on the burner. It was the first measure on an Austrian border due to a suspected corona. A few weeks later, the Italian borders were officially closed to free circulation. Germany, Slovenia and Hungary followed. The borders with all neighboring Austria have been checked since April 10. Austria extended the border controls again on Wednesday, initially until May 31. Even trips abroad, whether private trips or tourist trips, are still not possible.
An entry into Austria is only permitted at certain border crossings without exception, it is also said in the now renewed regulation of the Interior Ministry. Anyone wishing to enter the country must have a medical certificate with themnot to have the corona virus. This must not be older than four days old. Persons who cannot present such a certificate are denied entry.
Still there are some Exceptions, which allows entry even without a medical certificate. The provisions have been softened several times in the past few weeks. Since Tuesday, about South Tyroleans who study in Austriato cross the border without a medical certificate. For them, a 14-day home quarantine after entry is not necessary. Similarly, since Wednesday in the Vorarlberg enclave of Kleinwalsertal on the Austrian side of the border with Germany, health checks are no longer carried out. But this is also not done for family reasons. An overview:
- Austrian citizens, or people with primary or secondary residence in Austria are always allowed to enter. However, you must commit to a 14-week home quarantine. The quarantine can be ended with a negative corona test result.
- Also Passing through are allowed if an exit without a stop is ensured.
- Commuters or truck driversThe measures do not affect those who transport goods or are traveling commercially. However, health checks are carried out on them. The students from Sütirol will also be
- Seasonal workers Entry by train or bus is permitted provided that the means of transport pass through from the starting station to the end station without stopping. These people are also required to have a 14-day quarantine.
- Persons insured in Austria can also enter if they have one necessary medical treatment have and can also show a confirmation. You can also take an accompanying person with you.
Since April 9, there have also been exceptions for “reasons worth considering in the family circle“Or imperative reasons of animal care. These reasons must be made “credible” when checking at the border. However, it should be noted that neighboring countries do not always take the same exceptions for entry into account. For example, your partner can be visited in Austria, and only partners who are married can enter Germany It is advisable to call up the respective regulations of the country before entering the country.
Family and life partner
Sick family members, their own children “within the framework of care obligations” or their life partner can be visited in Austria. For this, a “self-declaration” at the border (here for download) are shown. In addition, a copy of the visitor’s ID or registration slip should be carried. When visiting the children, a certificate of duty of care is useful.
Even family members in Germany may be visited. Exceptions therefore apply to spouses and registered partners, in the custody of children when the birth of their own child is imminent or at the funeral of spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents or siblings. Non-married or registered partners are generally not allowed to be visited. However, it is at the border guards’ discretion whether “in individual cases” could nevertheless be a valid reason. The border must not be crossed for visits by other relatives, acquaintances or friends.
Also in the Switzerland Visits to “couple, love relationships and acquaintances from unmarried or unregistered partnerships” are not possible, means the Swiss authorities, who see such relationships “normally not as a situation of extreme necessity.” There are exceptions if you have underage children Has.
Animals
You can also cross the border to take care of your own animal – if there are compelling reasons, for example if the animal would otherwise die. This was a relief especially for horse owners who put their animals in a stable abroad. A self-declaration is also required for this (Download). Other documents supporting the compelling reasons can be helpful when crossing the border.
Travel to other countries?
The entire Schengen zone as well as the individual European countries have imposed entry restrictions. The Schengen area’s external border has been closed, most European countries have more or less rigorously closed the borders for “unnecessary” traffic. In many countries, travelers are required to quarantine for two weeks. Some countries, especially in Eastern Europe, generally do not allow non-domestic citizens (or people who do not have a permanent residence permit in the respective country) to enter the country.
Since Austria was also considered a corona hotspot in Europe at the beginning of the crisis, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Turkey have imposed bans on entry from our country. In Romania, there is a strict quarantine requirement for entries from Austria.
Austria in turn has one for the following European countries Travel warning (marked in the graphic with!) pronounced: Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City.
Entry requirements in some European countries:
GERMANY: In our neighboring country, entry is not permitted “without good reason”. At the border, federal police officers decide whether there is a “valid reason”. There is control at all borders, Controls were extended again until mid-May, however, rail and air traffic continues.
SWITZERLAND: Entry is only permitted to Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens, Swiss residents and cross-border commuters. Exceptions are only allowed in cases of “extreme necessity” (such as a family death). As of Monday, May 11th, family reunifications are again permitted for Swiss and EU citizens, and entry restrictions for employees are to be relaxed.
FRANCE: Entry to France is possible for good reason, the entry must have a form with them about their purpose of entry. Since there are also restrictions on movement within the country, another form must be carried for trips through France to confirm the purpose of the trip. The restrictions on movement are to be lifted gradually from May 11, although the pace of easing will vary depending on the number of cases in the respective department. The government has introduced three categories – red, orange, green – into which the departments have been divided according to the number of cases.
GREAT BRITAIN: In the UK, as the only European country besides Belarus (Belarus), no border closures or quarantine regulations have been introduced for travelers. However, the government is currently considering introducing a 14-day quarantine, which is already common in almost all other countries in Europe.
ITALY: Entry to Italy, which is one of the countries most severely affected by the pandemic, is only possible for “good reason”. After entering the country, a 14-day home quarantine is mandatory. Air and ship traffic was restricted, international rail traffic stopped.
ROMANIA: As the country of origin of numerous 24-hour nurses who commute regularly to Austria, Romania has recently been a frequent topic in the domestic media. Entrants from Austria and eleven other countries in the world that are considered to be “red zones” must go to a quarantine facility for 14 days; Incoming people from other countries can complete the quarantine at home.
RUSSIA: The country has generally suspended the entry of foreigners; this measure was extended again indefinitely at the beginning of May. The land borders were also closed and international air traffic was practically stopped. People arriving in Russia have to go to home quarantine for 14 days.
SERBIA: Serbia is generally prohibited from entering, with the exception of freight. This also applies to your own citizens. In addition, strict curfews are in force in the evening and night hours.
HUNGARY: Entry is only permitted to Hungarian citizens and EEA citizens with a Hungarian residence permit. A general 14-day quarantine obligation applies to all persons entering the country; exceptions apply to commuters and transit traffic.
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