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 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 unsure, 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.
You can be penalised if you don’t declare goods or provide an incorrect declaration. You could:
- receive a fine of up to A$5,500.
- have your visa cancelled.
- or 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.
A complete list of what you can and can’t bring to Australia is provided on the Australian Border Force website.
