Essential customs rules and
restrictions for entering Austria
Traveler’s Guide by Parlaxy | Updated: February 3, 2025
Experienced travelers understand the importance of staying updated on Austria’s border crossing rules. Failure to comply with customs regulations can lead to delays, fines, or even confiscation of belongings. Since rules on importing and exporting goods, electronics, jewelry, and cash may change, it is essential to stay informed about the latest requirements.
This comprehensive guide provides clear information on how much money you can legally bring into and take out of Austria, which items must be declared, and which are strictly prohibited. You will also find details on current customs restrictions, types of duties, and how customs fees are calculated.
Bookmark this page to keep essential and up-to-date customs information handy. Being well-prepared will help you avoid any complications when crossing Austrian borders, ensuring your trip – whether for leisure or business – is smooth and worry-free.
Complete guide to Austria customs and border regulations
| Documents Required for Entry | Austria is a member of the Schengen Area, and its entry rules align with common EU regulations. All foreign visitors must carry valid travel documents, and visa requirements depend on nationality, length, and purpose of stay. Valid Travel Documents A valid passport is required for most non-EU travelers. It must: -Be issued within the last 10 years -Have at least two blank pages -Be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area -EU/EEA citizens, as well as nationals of Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican, may enter Austria using either a national ID card or a passport. No visa is required. Visa-Free Short Stays (up to 90 days) Nationals of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most Latin American nations can enter Austria without a visa for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term studies – for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS Travel Authorization (from late 2026) Travelers from visa-exempt countries will soon need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter Austria and other Schengen countries. -It is a digital pre-travel authorization -Valid for up to 3 years or until passport expiry -Required prior to travel Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa – Type C) Citizens of countries not on the visa-free list must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa at an Austrian embassy or consulate. -Allows visits up to 90 days within 180 days -Covers tourism, business, short courses, or transit -Requires supporting documents such as travel itinerary, insurance, proof of accommodation, and financial means Long-Stay Visa (National Visa – Type D) For visits over 90 days, travelers must obtain a national visa (Type D) before entering Austria. -Issued for employment, study, family reunification, or cultural exchange -Application must be made through the Austrian consulate in your home country Additional Border Requirements At the Austrian border, you may be asked to show: -Proof of onward or return travel -Accommodation confirmation -Evidence of sufficient financial resources for your stay |
| Currency Export and Import Restrictions | Since 2022, the export of euros from EU countries to Russia and Belarus has been prohibited. |
| Currency Export and Import Limits by Amount | €10,000 – Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared. |
| Restricted Items for Import | From Non-EU Countries Meat, milk, and dairy products are generally prohibited. Exceptions (max 2 kg/person): -Infant milk, baby food -Medical or therapeutic foods -Pet food, honey – must be sealed, branded, and unopened. From EU/EEA Countries Allowed for personal use if in original, sealed packaging and in non-commercial quantities. Health Restrictions Outbreaks (e.g. lumpy skin disease) may lead to temporary bans on specific animal products (e.g. raw milk, unpasteurized cheese). Declaration -All animal-based foods must be declared at customs. -Undeclared items may be confiscated or fined. |
| Prohibited Items for Import | The following items are strictly prohibited from being imported into Austria: Illegal drugs and psychotropic substances, including narcotics and doping agents Counterfeit goods, such as fake branded products or pirated media Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons — including certain knives, pepper spray, and tasers (unless explicitly authorized) Hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, furs, corals, exotic skins), protected under CITES regulations Cultural heritage objects, including artworks and antiques over 100 years old, without proper import/export permits Pornographic material involving violence, minors, or animals |
| Alcohol Import Regulations | From Non-EU Countries (Travelers aged 17 and over): Travelers arriving in Austria from non-EU countries may bring in the following quantities duty-free, provided the goods are for personal use: -Up to 1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol -Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages up to 22% (e.g., wine, aperitifs) -Up to 4 liters of still wine -Up to 16 liters of beer From EU Countries (Personal Use Only): Alcohol brought from EU member states must also be for personal consumption (non-commercial). The indicative limits are: -Up to 10 liters of spirits -Up to 20 liters of fortified or sparkling wine -Up to 90 liters of wine (maximum 60 liters of sparkling wine) -Up to 110 liters of beer Quantities exceeding these limits may trigger customs duties and require proof that the goods are not intended for resale. |
| Alcohol Export Regulations | There are no specific Austrian legal limits on the amount of alcohol that can be exported from the country, as long as it is clearly for personal use and not intended for commercial purposes. However, travelers must ensure compliance with the import regulations of the destination country, as limits may vary by jurisdiction. |
| Tobacco Product Import Regulations | From Non-EU countries (duty-free): 200 cigarettes 100 cigarillos 50 cigars 250 g smoking tobacco From EU/EEA countries (personal use): 800 cigarettes 400 cigarillos 200 cigars 1 kg smoking tobacco |
| Tobacco Product Export Regulations | Travelers may export tobacco products from Austria for personal use in the following quantities: -Up to 800 cigarettes, or -400 cigars, or -1 kilogram of smoking tobacco These limits apply primarily for travel within the EU. For exports outside the EU, be sure to check the import rules of the destination country, as allowances may differ. |
| Restrictions on Importing Medications and Dietary Supplements | Medications (Personal Use) Prescription medicines are allowed if kept in original packaging with clear labels, accompanied by a doctor’s prescription or medical note, and in reasonable quantities (typically up to 30 days). Controlled substances require additional authorization. Large amounts may be inspected by customs. Dietary Supplements & Herbal Products Supplements from non-EU countries must comply with EU and Austrian regulations. Only approved ingredients with proper labeling and safety standards are allowed. Some products may need prior notification. Border inspections may occur. |
| Restrictions on Importing Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Jewelry and Luxury Goods | Jewelry with a value up to €10,000. |
| Restrictions on Importing Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Cultural goods over 100 years old may be subject to import restrictions if classified as national heritage by Austria or protected under EU laws. Prior authorization and documentation are required. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Items of Artistic and Historical Value | Same as import |
| Restrictions on Importing Pets | Always check transport and documentation requirements with your airline well before traveling. Prohibited Dog Breeds: Certain dog breeds classified as dangerous—such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans—may be banned or restricted. Since regulations differ by region, confirm local laws prior to travel. CITES-Protected Species: Special permits are mandatory to import endangered animals and plants, including: -Tigers, lions, gorillas, panthers -Elephants, wild boars -Selected snakes, amphibians, and reptiles -Endangered orchids and rare plants Domestic Animals: Only domesticated pets with proper documentation are allowed entry. Compliance Reminder: Always verify current Austrian customs and CITES requirements before transporting live animals or exotic species to avoid issues at the border. |
| Restrictions on Exporting Pets | Animals protected under CITES or classified as dangerous are subject to export restrictions in Austria. This includes certain wild species, exotic pets, and endangered plants. Transporting pets within or from Austria requires specific documentation that may vary by airline. Always check with your airline in advance and ensure you have all necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and export permits before travel. |
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