express– Austria turned away the Britons after they failed to adhere to the latest Covid authorities, according to Innsbruck Airport deputy head, Patrick Dierich. The requirements were in place to protect against Covid.
The Britons didn’t meet various requirements from not being boosted in addition to carrying a negative PCR test.
This is a new requirement that came into place on December 25 for four countries including the UK.
Other travellers were not vaccinated at all but carrying a PCR test, according to Dierich.
About 90 percent of British arrivals were in possession of the correct documentation to enter the country.
However, around 60 passengers were found to have failed the requirements and were flown straight back.
Another 40 passengers were put up in an Innsbruck hotel for one night and then flown out the next day.
Dierich said: “For the most part, they were understanding, but of course frustrated.”
The airport official expressed surprise that British authorities and the airlines had not advised the passengers to check their paperwork.
Austria announced tougher entry restrictions last week but it is not clear when they were made public for English-speaking passengers.
The Austrian Health Ministry has now published all the latest restrictions for travel on its website.
Austria currently has a lockdown for unvaccinated people who must remain at home unless for limited specific reasons.
These include emergencies, work if people cannot work from home, exercise or to purchase essentials.
According to the UK Government website, British travellers can still enter Austria if they are boostered and have a negative PCR test no older than 48 hours ago.
People that are not fully vaccinated are generally not permitted to enter Austria except under very limited circumstances.
Austria announced that the UK was a virus variant area, taking effect from December 25.
Other countries on the virus variant list are the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark.
From December 25, British travellers who are double jabbed but not boostered are not exempt from quarantine in Austria according to the UK Government website.
British travellers should check the UK Government website before travelling to Austria as restrictions can change rapidly.
Children up to the age of 12 do not need to provide a test result if they are travelling with an adult, according to FCO travel advice.
Within Austria, nightclubs are currently closed while FFP2 face masks must be worn in all enclosed spaces.
