New flag rules released for Eurovision 2026 amid safety crackdown

Flag use at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to look a little different this year, with new rules introduced as part of a wider safety crackdown in Austria.

In an email sent to ticket holders, organisers made it clear the changes are being driven by stricter safety requirements.

“Due to tightened safety regulations following the tragic events in Crans-Montana and corresponding official guidelines and requirements in Austria, all flags brought into the Wiener Stadthalle… must meet the Austrian safety standard.”

Crans-Montana is referring to the fire disaster at a venue in the ski-resort town during New Year's celebrations.

41 people were killed and 115 were injured.

The Austrian safety standard, ÖNORM B 3822 / DIN EN 13501-1, relates to fire safety, meaning any flag brought into the venue must meet specific material requirements.

Proof required at the door

The practical impact for fans is significant.

Organisers have confirmed that anyone bringing their own flag may be asked to prove it meets the required certification when entering the venue.

“Wherever you purchase your flag you must ensure it has the appropriate certificate… which you will be asked to show on entry to the venue," the email read.

For most fans travelling internationally, that’s not something they’re likely to have on hand or know where to purchase from.

Eurovision shop is the safest option

Instead, organisers are pointing fans towards the official Eurovision shop as the easiest way to guarantee entry.

“A simple way to ensure you have the correctly certified flag is to visit the Eurovision shop.”

The shop will offer a wide range of options, including 197 country flags, EU flags, and both Rainbow and Progress Pride flags. All will be produced locally in Vienna and compliant with safety standards.

Flags from Palestine, Kosovo and Taiwan are available to order.

Fans can pre-order these ahead of the Contest and collect them at the venue.

“Preordering your flag is highly recommended.”

Without doing so, availability on the day may be limited.

Handheld flags are from €7.50 ($12.40 AUD) each while a large flag is €13.50 ($22.40 AUD).

"We will allow all official flags that exist in the world"

Flags have been controversial in recent years at Eurovision. In previous years, only flags of the participating nations were allowed at the venue.

In the lead up to Vienna, Austrian officials already indicated all flags would be allowed.

“We will allow all official flags that exist in the world, if they comply with the law and are in a certain form, such as size and security risks,” ORF officials said in December.

While the changes are officially about safety, requiring certification and pushing fans towards official merchandise, may mean fewer unofficial flags make it inside.

Also many flags are likely to miss the requirements and have flags confiscated on the door.

What it means for fans going to Eurovision 2026

Image: Hayley Bessell

For fans heading to Vienna, the takeaway is simple: plan ahead.

“You also have the option to bring your own flag… if you can present the appropriate certificate.”

Otherwise, the safest bet is to go official.

Flags can be pre-ordered at: https://flag-shop.eurovision.com/collections/frontpage

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