• Austria has specific customs regulations.drapeau autrichien image by dead_account from Fotolia.com
  
  Located in south central Europe, the federal republic of Austria borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Nearly two-thirds of the country is covered by the Alps. According to the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Austria became a member of the European Union (EU) on January 1, 1995. Like other EU member nations, Austria has specific customs regulations for its visitors.
  
  

Entering Austria

• Everyone who enters Austria must complete a customs declaration form. You must declare any items that aren't for your personal use and purchases from outside the EU that exceed duty-free allotments (this includes items like tobacco, alcohol, perfume, coffee, tea and medicine). You must also declare any items that may be banned or restricted. On its website, the Austrian Foreign Ministry says if you have any doubts, declare all items you're bringing into Austria. If you visited another country prior to Austria, it's a good idea to hold onto your receipts to avoid paying duplicate taxes.
  
  

Restricted Imports

• While there are limited exceptions, as a general rule you may not bring meat, meat products, milk or dairy products into Austria. Certain plants and animals are also forbidden. If you are bringing your pet to the country you should have veterinary certification that your animal has received the proper vaccinations. When bringing drugs or medicine into Austria, you should bring your prescription information from your doctor. Illegal drugs and weapons are not allowed, and there are restrictions on pornographic materials. You must declare monies equal to or greater than $10,000 when entering the country, as well.
  
  

Leaving Austria

• When leaving Austria, you may be eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund if your purchases were made within three months of entering the country. Your receipts must show purchases greater than 75 Euros and you must have a non-EU passport to qualify. You may also make purchases at a duty-free shop prior to leaving Austria. While there are no limits on duty-free purchases in the country, you may be subject to taxes at your next destination.