In a surprise announcement yesterday, the nations of Austria and Switzerland approved vaccinated tourism from the United States, effective immediately.

Related: Top Christmas Markets Near Ski Resorts in the Alps. 

The move comes on the heels of the European Union’s recommendation last week that its member nations begin allowing vaccinated travelers from the USA within their borders. The recommendation was non-binding and left individual nation-states to implement their own policies regarding international travel.

However, it looks as though many nations are beginning to take that recommendation to heart and as lifetime lovers of the alps, we couldn’t be happier that’s the case.

The Austrian travel guidelines for US travel allow for three different options to enter the country with the first and most obvious being proof of vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, or Sinovac vaccines). The second option is for those who have recovered from COVID-19. However, COVID-recovered US travelers must provide a “certificate of recovery” that is signed by an approved medical or public health official. Finally, US citizens can visit Austria simply by providing a negative PCR/NAAT COVID-19 test result. That’s it!

In Switzerland, a negative COVID-19 test result alone will not do the trick. Entry into Switzerland is currently restricted to vaccinated US citizens or those who have recovered from COVID-19.

The Swiss government released this infographic to help travelers see if they qualify for entry. | Cover: Justin LaBerge
COVID-19 TRAVEL INFO:

US Embassy – Switzerland | US Embassy – Austria

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