Medication & Pharmacies

Bringing Medication to Austria

Austria follows EU and Schengen rules for personal medication. Here is what you need to know before you pack.

• Keep medication in its original packaging. Austrian customs agents may ask to identify your medication. Having it in the original box with the pharmacy label makes this straightforward.
• Bring your prescription or a doctor's letter. Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor listing the medication name (use the generic/chemical name, not just the brand name), dosage, and reason for use.
• Controlled substances require extra documentation. For strong painkillers, ADHD medication, benzodiazepines, or other controlled drugs, bring a signed letter from your doctor on official letterhead. For travelers from within the Schengen area, a Schengen certificate signed by a health authority in your home country is required. This certificate is valid for up to 30 days.
• Quantity limit. You may bring up to three months' supply of personal medication into Austria.

Austrian Pharmacies (Apotheke)

Pharmacies in Austria are called Apotheke (plural: Apotheken). They are recognizable by the distinctive red "A" sign with a serpent symbol on the building facade.

Austrian pharmacists are trained to advise on minor health issues and can recommend over-the-counter treatments for pain, allergies, digestive problems, and minor injuries. You do not need a doctor's visit for these basic needs.

Important: Prescription-Only Rules Are Stricter

Austria has stricter prescription requirements than many countries. Many medications that are available over the counter in the US, UK, or other countries require a prescription (Rezept) in Austria:

• Antibiotics - Always prescription-only.
• Stronger painkillers (beyond basic ibuprofen and paracetamol) - Prescription-only.
• Most allergy medications (beyond basic antihistamines) - May require a prescription.
• Heartburn/reflux medications (such as omeprazole in larger doses) - May require a prescription.

Basic painkillers (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Aspirin), basic antihistamines, cough drops, and cold remedies are available without a prescription at any Apotheke.

Opening Hours

Most Apotheken in Vienna are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Some pharmacies in busy areas have extended hours. Most are closed on Sundays.

Emergency Pharmacies (Nachtapotheke)

Outside regular hours (nights, Sundays, and public holidays), duty pharmacies (Nachtapotheke or Bereitschaftsapotheke) operate on a rotating schedule. Austrian law mandates that at least one pharmacy per district is always available.

• To find the nearest open pharmacy: Call 1455 (the Austrian pharmacy information line, available 24/7). You can also check online at apotheker.or.at.
• Check the door of any closed pharmacy. A notice posted on the door will list the nearest open Nachtapotheke with its address and operating hours.
• Surcharge: Emergency pharmacies charge a small surcharge (Nachtdienstgebühr) of approximately 3.90 euros for after-hours service.

Prescription Rules for Tourists

How you get prescription medication in Austria depends on where you are from:

• EU/EEA citizens: A prescription from a doctor in another EU or EEA country is generally valid at Austrian pharmacies. The pharmacist may verify it and may substitute an equivalent Austrian brand if your exact brand is unavailable. A prescription is valid for 12 months in Austria, provided the first dispensing happens within one month of issue.
• Non-EU visitors (US, Canada, Australia, etc.): A prescription from outside the EU is not valid in Austria. If you run out of medication, you will need to visit an Austrian doctor. You can go to a general practitioner (praktischer Arzt) or an outpatient clinic (Ambulanz) at a hospital.
• Emergency exception: In cases of special urgency, Austrian pharmacists are legally authorized to dispense medication without a prescription, but only in the smallest commercially available package size. This is at the pharmacist's discretion and is intended for genuine emergencies only.

Medical Supplies

Standard Apotheken carry basic medical supplies (bandages, antiseptics, thermometers). For specialized supplies:

• Catheters and ostomy supplies: Ask at a larger Apotheke or contact a medical supply company (Sanitätshaus). Bring enough supplies from home for your entire trip, as brands and sizes may differ.
• Respiratory equipment (CPAP, nebulizers): Contact your hotel in advance to confirm they can provide an extension cord or bedside outlet for CPAP use.
• Basic mobility aids: Some pharmacies sell walking canes, crutches, and compression stockings. For wheelchairs and scooters, see our Equipment Rentals page.

Health Insurance

EU/EEA Citizens

Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card gives you access to state-provided healthcare at the same cost as Austrian residents. You may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement.

UK Citizens

Bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It works similarly to the EHIC. Travel insurance is still recommended as backup.

Non-EU Visitors

You need travel insurance that covers medical expenses in Austria. Without insurance, medical care is expensive. A doctor's visit costs approximately 60-100 euros. Emergency room visits can cost several hundred euros, and hospital stays are priced accordingly.