Medication Rules: What Drugs Can I Take To Austria?

If you're planning to travel to Austria with medication, it's important to understand the regulations around importing drugs into the country. While Austrian law generally prohibits the import of medications, there are some exemptions for travellers. For example, travellers residing outside the European Union are permitted to carry medications in their personal luggage, but the quantity must be appropriate for personal use during their trip. It is recommended to have a prescription or a statement from your doctor confirming that the medication is necessary for your health and well-being while travelling. Additionally, travellers can receive medications for personal use during their stay in Austria, but the quantity sent by relatives or friends must not exceed three packages. It's also important to note that regulations around specific medications, such as those containing addictive substances, may have stricter requirements.

Medication for personal use

When travelling to Austria, it is important to understand the country's regulations on importing medication for personal use. Here is some detailed information on this topic:

Medication Allowance for Personal Use:

• The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of drugs and medications into Austria. However, there are exemptions for travellers who reside outside the European Union.
• Travellers are allowed to carry medication as part of their personal luggage, but the quantity must be reasonable for personal use during their stay. This is typically limited to a maximum of three retail packs of the smallest size.
• For prescription medication, it is recommended to have a prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the necessity of the medication, the dosage, and your personal details. This documentation should be in German or accompanied by a certified translation.
• Medication should remain in their original packaging with clear labels, and it is advisable to keep them in your carry-on luggage.
• It is important to note that some medications that are legal in other countries, such as Adderall and other stimulant drugs for ADHD/ADD, are considered illegal narcotics in Austria. Always check the regulations before travelling to ensure your medication is permitted.

Addictive Substances and Controlled Medication:

• Austria has strict regulations for medicines that contain addictive substances, such as painkillers and antidepressants. If you are bringing these types of medications, you must comply with the following:
• For stays of up to five days, you can bring medication without an additional certificate, but you still need to provide evidence of your personal needs.
• For stays longer than five days up to 30 days, you must have a prescription from your doctor. The amount brought should not exceed a 30-day supply.
• For stays longer than 30 days, you can have the medication prescribed by a doctor in Austria. A letter from your treating doctor at home can be helpful in this process.

Over-the-Counter Medication:

• It is advisable to carry essential over-the-counter medications with you, such as painkillers, anti-diarrhoea medication, motion sickness medication, and treatments for common ailments.
• If you need to purchase medication in Austria, you may find that brand names differ from those in your home country. European doctors can prescribe equivalent medications, but it is best to consult with your doctor before your trip to discuss your options.

Prescription requirements

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, there are some exemptions for travellers:

• Travellers residing outside the European Union can carry medications in their personal luggage in quantities that correspond to the length of their trip without requiring a permit. This typically covers the personal needs of the individual and should be in the original packaging.
• For travellers staying in Austria for less than five days, medication containing addictive substances can be brought into the country without an additional certificate. However, proof of personal needs is still required, and the amount brought in should not exceed a 30-day supply.
• For stays of over five days and up to 30 days, travellers will need a prescription from their doctor. The prescription form according to Annex X of the Addictive Drugs Regulations is recommended.
• For stays longer than 30 days, travellers can have the medication prescribed by an Austrian doctor. A letter from the doctor in the traveller's home country is recommended in this case.

It is always advisable to carry a prescription or a written statement from your doctor confirming that the medication is necessary for your health and well-being during your travels. This statement should include your personal details, the generic name of the drug, its dosage, and the necessity of continuing treatment. If the certificate is not in German, it is recommended to bring a certified translation.

Importing medication

The Austrian Medicine Import Act generally prohibits the import of drugs and medicines into Austria. However, travellers who reside outside the European Union are allowed to carry medication as part of their personal luggage in quantities that match their personal needs. For prescription medication, it is recommended that travellers bring a prescription or a written statement from their doctor confirming that the medication is necessary for their health. This 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, travellers are advised to bring a certified translation. All medication should be left in their original packaging with clear labels.

For medicines that are considered addictive substances, such as painkillers and antidepressants, strict regulations and inspection requirements apply. Unlawful possession of these substances can lead to prosecution. For stays of up to five days, medication containing addictive substances can be brought into the country without an additional certificate. However, for stays of over five days and up to 30 days, these medicines can only be brought in with a prescription from your doctor. The amount brought in must not exceed the requirements for 30 days. For longer stays, travellers can have the medication prescribed by a doctor in Austria, and a letter from their doctor at home may be useful.

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 stimulants used to treat ADHD/ADD. Even with a prescription, these medications may still be considered illegal in Austria, so it is crucial to have the proper documentation and check the regulations before travelling.

Addictive substances

Austria has strict laws and regulations surrounding addictive substances, as outlined in the Suchtmittelgesetz (SMG), or the Austrian Act on Addictive Substances. The illegal use of drugs is a criminal offence, and possession of even small amounts for personal use can result in a prison sentence or fine. The law focuses on treatment for "small-time" and addicted offenders, but drug production and dealing are actively prosecuted and can result in severe punishments.

When bringing medication into Austria, travellers are generally allowed to carry drugs and medicines in quantities that would typically be used by an individual with a health problem requiring such substances. However, for addictive drugs or medications containing addictive substances (such as painkillers or antidepressants), additional requirements must be met.

If you are planning to stay in Austria for up to five days, you can bring medication containing addictive substances without an additional certificate. However, you must provide evidence of your personal needs, including confirmation from your treating doctor that includes your personal details, the necessity of continuing treatment, the generic name of the drug, and its dosage. It is also recommended to bring a certified translation of the confirmation if it is not in German.

For stays in Austria exceeding five days but not exceeding 30 days, a prescription from your doctor is required. The amount of medication brought into the country must not exceed your requirements for 30 days. The form according to Annex X of the Addictive Drugs Regulations is recommended as the prescription form.

If you plan to stay in Austria for more than 30 days, you will need to have the medication prescribed by a local doctor. In this case, a letter from your treating doctor in your home country explaining your medical condition and the required treatment can be helpful.

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. Always check the regulations and bring the necessary documentation to avoid legal issues when bringing medications into Austria.

Medication for travellers

Travellers to Austria should be aware of the country's strict laws regarding the import of medication. While Austrian law generally prohibits the import of drugs and medications, there are some exemptions for travellers. Here is some essential information for travellers who need to bring medication into Austria:

Exemptions for Travellers

Travellers who reside outside the European Union are allowed to carry medications in their personal luggage in quantities that correspond to the length of their trip. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications. It is important to note that this exemption does not apply to addictive drugs or medications containing addictive substances, such as painkillers or antidepressants. For these types of medications, additional documentation and restrictions may apply.

Documentation

It is highly recommended that travellers bring a signed and dated note from their doctor on letterhead stationery. This note should include the following information:

• The name and generic name of the medication
• A statement that the medication is not a narcotic
• The patient's full name and the amount of medication needed for their trip
• Confirmation that the medication is necessary for the patient's health and cannot be discontinued during their stay in Austria

Having a prescription or written statement from your doctor stating that the medication is necessary for your well-being while travelling is also advised.

Packaging and Labelling

Keep all medications in their original packaging or bottles, ensuring that they are clearly labelled. This helps to provide clear information about the contents and avoids potential confusion or issues with customs officials.

Packing and Declaration

It is generally recommended to pack medications in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. When going through customs and immigration, it is essential to declare any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Proper declaration helps to ensure a smooth entry process and avoids potential issues or delays.

Medications to be Cautious About

It is important to note that some medications that are commonly prescribed in other countries, such as the US, may be considered illegal narcotics in Austria and Europe. For example, certain ADHD/ADD medications (Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin) and anxiety medications (Xanax, Ativan, Valium) are classified as illegal narcotics in many European countries. Even with a valid prescription, travellers may need additional documentation or permissions to bring these medications into Austria.

Refilling Prescriptions in Austria

If you are staying in Austria for an extended period and require a refill of your prescription, you may need to consult a local doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on equivalent medications available in Austria or provide a prescription if needed. Keep in mind that brand names may differ between countries, but generic names (chemical names) can help local medical professionals understand your medication needs.

Frequently asked questions