Bringing medication into Austria

Bringing medication with you 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 are addictive drugs. If this is prescription medication, proof of your personal needs is required in the form of confirmation from the doctor treating you.

This should include the following information:

• Your personal details
• The necessity of continuing treatment
• The generic name of the drug and its dosage

The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection recommends:

• If the certificate has not been issued in German, bring a certified translation with you.
• Leave the medicines in their original packaging; in this way they are clearly labelled.

Bringing medicines containing addictive substances into Austria

For medicines which are subject to the Addictive Substances Act (this includes addictive drugs and psychotropic substances),strict regulations and inspection requirements apply. Unlawful possession of these substances can lead to prosecution.

Patients who have prescription medicines containing addictive substances (e.g. painkillers or psychopharmaceuticals such as antidepressants) should take note of the following points when entering Austria:

• For stays of up to five days, medication containing addictive substances can be brought into the country without an additional certificate. Please note, however, that in the case of prescription medicines, evidence of your personal needs always has to be provided (see above).
• For stays of over five days and up to 30 days, these medicines can only be brought into the country with a prescription of your doctor at home. The form according to Annex X of the Addictive Drugs Regulations is recommended as a prescription form.
• The amount you bring with you may not exceed your requirements for 30 days. For stays lasting more than 30 days you can have the medication prescribed by a doctor in Austria. In such cases, a letter from the doctor who is treating you in your home country is useful.

Details on the permitted maximum amounts and additional information for travellers can be found on the website of the United Nations: International Narcotics Control Board