Medication Rules In Austria: What Drugs Are Allowed?

Austria has strict laws regarding the import of medications. The Austrian Medicine Import Act and Austrian law generally prohibit the import of drugs and medications into the country. However, travellers who reside outside the European Union are allowed to bring in medications for personal use for the duration of their trip without a permit. For travellers staying longer than five days, a prescription from their doctor is required. It is also recommended to bring a note from your doctor confirming that the medications are medically necessary and providing other details such as the name and dosage of the drug.

Importing medication into Austria

The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of drugs and medicines into Austria. However, there are some exemptions for travellers.

Exemptions for travellers

• Travellers residing outside the European Union are allowed to carry drugs and medicines in their personal luggage in quantities that would normally be used by an individual with a health problem requiring such medication.
• Travellers may receive drugs and medicines for their personal use while staying in Austria. The quantity sent by relatives or friends is limited to what an individual would normally use during their stay in Austria and must not exceed three packages.

Prescription drugs

Bringing medication to cover your usual personal needs (a maximum of three retail packs of the smallest size) does not require a permit. An exception to this rule is addictive drugs, which require proof of personal needs in the form of confirmation from a treating doctor. This should include personal details, the necessity of continuing treatment, the generic name of the drug, and its dosage. If the certificate is not in German, a certified translation is recommended.

Medication for stays under five days

For stays of up to five days, medication containing addictive substances can be brought into the country without an additional certificate. However, evidence of personal needs must be provided for prescription medications.

Medication for stays between five and 30 days

For stays of over five days and up to 30 days, prescription medication containing addictive substances must be accompanied by a prescription from a doctor. The amount brought must not exceed the requirements for 30 days.

Medication for stays over 30 days

For stays lasting more than 30 days, medication can be prescribed by a doctor in Austria. A letter from the treating doctor in the traveller's home country is recommended.

Medication for personal use

The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of drugs and medicines into Austria. However, there are some exemptions for travellers. If you are a resident outside the European Union, you are allowed to carry drugs and medicines for personal use in your luggage. The quantity you carry should be appropriate for your health needs and should not exceed three retail packs of the smallest size.

If you are bringing prescription medication, it is recommended that you bring a prescription or a signed and dated note from your doctor, preferably in English, stating:

• The name of the medicine (including the generic name) and that it is not a narcotic
• Your name, confirming that you are carrying the medicine
• The amount of medicine (number of boxes, grams, etc.)
• That the medicine is necessary for your health and that you cannot go without it during your stay in Austria

For medicines that are subject to the Addictive Substances Act, strict regulations and inspection requirements apply. Unlawful possession of these substances can lead to prosecution. If you are bringing addictive drugs or psychotropic substances into Austria, you must provide proof of your personal needs in the form of a confirmation from your treating doctor. This confirmation should include your personal details, the necessity of continuing treatment, the generic name of the drug, and its dosage. If the certificate is not in German, it is recommended to bring a certified translation.

It is important to note that some medications that are legal in other countries may be considered illegal narcotics in Austria, such as Adderall and other stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD/ADD. Even if you have a valid prescription for these medications, you will need the proper documentation to bring them into the country.

To transport your medication to Austria, keep each medicine in its original packaging with clear labels. Pack them in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage.

Bringing prescription drugs into Austria

The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of drugs and medicines into Austria. However, travellers are exempt from this rule.

Travellers visiting from outside the EU

Travellers residing outside the European Union are allowed to carry drugs and medicines as part of their personal luggage in quantities that would normally be used by an individual with a health problem requiring such drugs or medicine.

Travellers visiting from within the EU

Travellers from within the EU can receive drugs and medicines for their personal use while staying in Austria. The quantity sent by friends or relatives is limited to what an individual would normally use during their stay and must not exceed three packages.

Rules for all travellers bringing prescription drugs into Austria

• It is recommended that you bring a prescription or written statement from your doctor confirming that the medicine is necessary for your physical well-being while travelling.
• The prescription or statement should include your personal details, the necessity of continuing treatment, the generic name of the drug, and its dosage.
• If the certificate is not in German, bring a certified translation.
• Leave the medicines in their original packaging.
• For prescription medicines containing addictive substances, such as painkillers or antidepressants, different rules apply.

Rules for travellers bringing prescription medicines containing addictive substances into Austria

• For stays of up to five days, medication containing addictive substances can be brought into the country without an additional certificate. However, evidence of your personal needs must be provided.
• For stays of over five days and up to 30 days, these medicines can only be brought into the country with a prescription from your doctor. The form according to Annex X of the Addictive Drugs Regulations is recommended.
• The amount you bring may not exceed your requirements for 30 days. For stays lasting longer than 30 days, you can have the medication prescribed by a doctor in Austria.

Medication containing addictive substances

Medications that fall under the Addictive Substances Act, including addictive drugs and psychotropic substances, are subject to strict regulations and inspection requirements when brought into Austria. Unlawful possession of these substances can lead to prosecution.

If you are a traveller or a resident of Austria, it is important to understand the regulations around bringing medication containing addictive substances into the country. Here are some key points to consider:

For Travellers to Austria:

• For stays of up to five days, medication containing addictive substances can be brought into Austria without an additional certificate. However, evidence of personal needs must be provided for prescription medications.
• For stays of over five days and up to 30 days, a prescription from your doctor is required. It is recommended to use the form according to Annex X of the Addictive Drugs Regulations as the prescription form.
• The amount of medication brought into Austria may not exceed your requirements for 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a prescription from an Austrian doctor. Having a letter from your doctor in your home country can be helpful in this case.
• It is recommended to bring a prescription or a written statement from your doctor stating that the medicine is necessary for your well-being while travelling.
• Keep the medicines in their original packaging to ensure clear labelling.
• Make sure the bottles/packaging are clearly labelled, and keep your prescription with you.
• Pack the medicine in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage.

For Residents of Austria:

• If you are a resident of Austria and require medication containing addictive substances, you can obtain a prescription from an Austrian doctor.
• It is important to understand the regulations around the specific medication you are taking, as some substances may be prohibited or have special requirements.
• Consult with your doctor and the official resources provided by the Austrian government to ensure compliance with the current laws and regulations.

Please note that these guidelines are subject to change, and it is always recommended to consult the most up-to-date information provided by the Austrian government and health authorities.

Transporting medication to Europe

Each European country has its own laws related to medicines, so it's important to research the specific rules for your destination country. However, here is some general advice for transporting medication to Europe.

Firstly, it's important to understand that some medications that are available over the counter or by prescription in the US are considered illegal narcotics in Europe, such as Adderall and other stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD/ADD. Even if your US doctor prescribed these medications legally, you will need the correct documentation to bring them into Europe. Other medications to be aware of include pain medications such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, and Demerol, and anxiety medications such as Xanax, Ativan, and Valium.

To ensure the legal transport and possession of medication in Europe, follow these steps:

• Bring a full supply of prescription medication for your time abroad. Meet with your doctor months in advance to discuss this.
• Obtain a signed and date-stamped note from your doctor (on letterhead) that includes the following information:

• The name of the medicine (including the generic name) and that it is not a narcotic.
• The patient's full name and the amount of medicine (in boxes, grams, etc.) required for the duration of their stay.
• A statement that the medicine is necessary for the patient's health, naming the condition, and that the patient cannot go without it during their time in Europe.

• Keep each medicine in its original packaging/bottles.
• Ensure that the bottles/packaging are clearly labelled and that you have your prescription with you.
• Pack the medicine in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage.

If you are unable to bring a full supply of medication, it may be possible to fill your US prescriptions in Europe. However, brand names may differ between the US and Europe, and European doctors may not be able to refill your US prescription. They may, however, be able to prescribe a European equivalent. Alternatively, you can ask your US doctor for a list of similar generic names for your medication and bring this to a local doctor or pharmacist in Europe.

In many countries, it is illegal to import prescription drugs via mail, so it is not recommended to have medications shipped to you while abroad. Instead, carry the supply you need with you when you depart, following the above checklist, or plan to find an equivalent medicine at a European pharmacy.

Finally, remember to check the specific rules and requirements for your destination country, as well as any countries you have layovers in. You can do this by checking with the foreign embassy of the country you're visiting, or by contacting the customs authorities of the destination country.

Frequently asked questions