Kurz hopes the German border will open soon – Germany –

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) is convinced that the opening of the German-Austrian border is approaching. The number of infections with the coronavirus is currently lower in Austria than in Germany. “Therefore, I also assume that the border with Germany will open before the summer,” Kurz said in a video conference with representatives of the hotel industry in Vienna on Friday.

The government is in almost daily contact with its German partners on this issue. Opening a border is not only important from a tourist point of view, it would also make life easier for many families who are currently separated by border controls. The same applies to travelers and all those who simply have to travel for professional reasons.

Austria extended border controls to its neighboring countries earlier this week in light of the crown pandemic. According to a new regulation issued by the Ministry of the Interior, they are now valid until May 31 at the borders with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Until now, May 7 was the limit. Checks will also continue at crossings to Hungary and Slovenia.

Entry to Austria from these countries is only allowed at certain border crossings. Anyone wishing to enter the country must have a medical certificate with them confirming a negative molecular biology test for SARS-CoV-2. The certificate cannot be more than four days after entry. People who cannot present said certificate will be denied entry.

Questions about border crossings? – Click here for the Vorarlberg State Information Sheet