Customs (border control)
You need to know what you can and cannot bring into Australia before you arrive to avoid penalties.
There are many items that you must declare on your Incoming Passenger Card when you land in Australia, including:
- all food, plant material and animal items
- footwear, sporting and recreational equipment used in rural areas or near animals
- firearms, weapons and ammunition
- currency amounts of A$10,000 (or foreign equivalent), and
- some medicines.
If unsure, declare your goods or ask a border official for advice. Declaring goods does not necessarily mean your baggage will be examined.
You should be aware that it is routine for Australian border officials to ask travellers questions at any time. Trained dogs may also be used to detect illegal drugs or prohibited imports.
It is illegal to carry (or use) drugs, including marijuana, cannabis, heroin, cocaine and amphetamines, in and out of Australia.
Biosecurity (plant products, animal materials and food)
You cannot bring fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, pork, eggs, dairy products, live plants or seeds to Australia. These products could introduce serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating our unique environment.
By law, you must declare any goods listed on your incoming passenger card, including certain food, plant material and animal products. Ensure all footwear, clothing and equipment used in rural areas or near animals is thoroughly cleaned and declared on arrival.
- You can be penalised if you don’t declare these goods or provide an incorrect declaration. You could:
- receive an infringement notice of up to A$6,600.
- have your visa cancelled
- or be refused entry into Australia and held in immigration detention and you may not be able to return to Australia for up to three years.
If you are unsure of an item, declare it, or don’t bring it.
A complete list of what you can and can’t bring to Australia is provided on the Bringing or mailing goods to Australia webpage.
