Customs (border control)
You need to be aware of 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 Arrival Card when you land in Australia, including:
- all food, plant material and animal items
- firearms, weapons and ammunition
- currency amounts of A$10,000 (or foreign equivalent), and
- some medicines.
If you are not sure, just declare your goods or ask an Australian Border Force officer for advice. Declaring goods does not necessarily mean your baggage will be examined.
You should be aware that it is routine for Australian Border Force officers 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 and food materials)
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.
If you fail to declare, or provide a false declaration, you can be penalised, including a possible fine of up to A$5,500. Your visa may also be cancelled and, if so, you may be refused entry into Australia and held in immigration detention pending departure from Australia.
If you are unsure of an item, declare it, or don’t bring it at all.
A full list of what you can and can’t bring to Australia can be found on the Australian Border Force website.
