Bringing Food To Austria: What's Allowed?

If you're travelling to Austria, you may be wondering what food items you're allowed to bring with you. The answer depends on where you are travelling from. If you are travelling from within the EU, there are no limits on the amount of alcohol and tobacco you can bring into Austria. However, if you are travelling from outside the EU, meat, milk, and dairy products are prohibited, with the exception of limited amounts from certain countries. Other food items for personal consumption, such as chocolate, are generally allowed, but may be subject to quantity restrictions. It's always a good idea to check the official guidelines before your trip to ensure you are complying with the relevant regulations.

Meat and meat products are prohibited

If you are travelling to Austria from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or meat products with you. This is to prevent the introduction of animal diseases, such as African Swine Fever, which has been recorded near Austrian borders.

Meat from private production and slaughtering is prohibited from entering Austria. This includes meat from wild boar and pork, which is especially restricted.

If you are travelling within the EU, you can carry meat for your own personal consumption. However, if there is an outbreak of animal disease, restrictions may be imposed on the type and amount of meat you are allowed to bring.

If you are travelling from the Faroe Islands or Greenland, you are allowed to bring small quantities of meat for personal consumption.

Milk and dairy products are banned from non-EU countries

Austria is a member of the European Union (EU), which is a significant producer of milk and dairy products. The EU's dairy herd has been decreasing in recent years as the milk yield per cow has improved. In 2020, there were around 20 million cows in the EU, with each cow producing an average of 7300 kg of milk. The main milk-producing countries are Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, and Ireland, which together account for almost 70% of the EU's milk production.

Milk and dairy products are subject to official controls on importation (including transit) to prevent the introduction of animal diseases. These controls apply to both EU and non-EU countries. However, there are stricter rules for non-EU countries, and milk and dairy products from these countries are banned from entering Austria.

The document "Veterinary regulations for personal consignments of products of animal origin" lists the quantities of milk and dairy products that can be imported for tourist travel and personal consumption without requiring additional certifications or controls. This document is only available in German.

If you are travelling to Austria from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any milk or dairy products with you. This ban is in place to prevent the introduction of animal diseases, such as African swine fever, which poses a threat to both animals and the economy.

It is important to note that these restrictions on milk and dairy products only apply to certain types of products and that other food items may be allowed within specified limits. For example, small quantities of chocolate are typically permitted for private consumption.

Fruit is allowed, with a maximum of 3kg

If you are travelling to Austria from another EU country, you can carry fruit for your own personal consumption. Fruit is allowed, with a maximum of 3kg. This rule applies to the EU and many Mediterranean countries.

Fruit must be free from pests or disease. It must also be grown in an EU country. This includes the 27 EU countries, as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, and Switzerland.

If you are travelling from a non-EU country, you can bring a limited quantity of fruit. This is usually restricted to 2kg.

Please note that different rules may apply in the case of localised animal disease or pest outbreaks. In such cases, restrictions may be imposed on the type and amount of products you are allowed to carry.

Tobacco products are allowed, with quantity limits

Tobacco products are allowed into Austria, but only in limited quantities. Travellers must be 17 years or older to bring tobacco products into the country.

The duty-free allowance for tobacco products is 800 tobacco sticks or 250 grams of tobacco. If you are bringing in more than this amount, you will need to demonstrate that the goods are for your personal use. This may include submitting a customs declaration.

If you are travelling from a non-EU country, you are not permitted to bring any meat or dairy products into Austria. However, you can bring a limited quantity of fruit, vegetables, eggs, honey, and restricted quantities of fish.

Alcohol is allowed, with quantity limits

• 2 litres of spirits/appetizers with 22% vol. alcohol content or less
• 1 litre of spirits/appetizers with more than 22% vol. alcohol content
• 2 litres of champagne/prosecco/sparkling wine/liqueur wine
• Or a proportionate combination of the above

If you are travelling within the EU, there are no limits on the amount of alcohol you can bring into Austria. However, customs officials may ask you questions if you have more than:

• 10 litres of spirits over 22%
• 20 litres of alcoholic beverages less than 22%
• 90 litres of wine (though no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine)
• 110 litres of beer

These quantities can be seized if customs are satisfied that they are of a commercial nature.

Frequently asked questions