A Guide to Entry Requirements for Australia

Image: G Hardwick

Getting through customs hassle free

“Did you pack your bag yourself sir?” Asked the customs official. Although I replied with a sleepy and tired “yes,” for a split second my mind raced and quickly tried to think of who had last been near my backpack. What if someone had slipped something in and I didn’t notice? I was too tired to care and I really did want to get out of the airport as quickly as possible and not be stuck answering questions about some strange object that I couldn’t account for.

Travelling can be tiring and exciting at the same time. But, when entering customs at any international airport, even for the most honest amongst us, it can be a daunting experience. Most officials will ask you to stand behind a certain line, as if you don’t already feel like cattle being herded towards the slaughterhouse. Some will be so interested in your looks they will take a quick picture of you, especially when you are looking your very best -- bed-hair and all.

Are you certain of what you can legally bring into the country you’re about to enter? If you have travelled through several countries, what if you have inadvertently forgotten to declare something such as that wooden statue?

When I last returned home from Thailand I was taken to one side and had my brand new electronic, tennis-bat shaped, mosquito swatter taken away. According to the customs official, they can be adapted and used to put a nice and apparently dangerous voltage into that person you never really liked, at the next party you attend. I was only intending to use it as I did on the beaches of Thailand, as a casual, chemical-free way to remove those sometimes deadly little bugs (click here to read about mosquito-born diseases in Australia). My advice: If you want to get through customs quickly, it pays to be aware of the rules.

As Australia is an island its environment is unique and free from many diseases and pests. Image G Hardwick.

When planning a trip to any country, one of the first tasks is to ensure you have the correct visa. However, many countries have different requirements and Australia’s laws on protecting its unique flora and fauna means that wooden statue you just bought in Asia will be of great interest to customs officials. Even the airline snack you have in your pocket.

Many travellers are surprised at just how many things can’t be brought into the country.

Entering Australia - Visa requirements

The Australian Government has introduced online visas for certain countries.If all goes well it can be approved in 30 seconds and cost Aus$20.

Click here for more details.

For a list of all visa types click here. Or if you are only passing through and on your way to another destination click here.

What can I bring into the country?

Worth knowing if you have brought items with you from other countries such as food or wooden statues. Click here for details.

On arrival

Information on the Australian Customs Service including those nice little dogs you might see wandering around. Click here for details.

Travelling within Australia

Click here for information on interstate quarantine.

Northern Australia

Click here for information if you travelling to the tropical north.

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Australian Government travel advisory website. Useful information -- contains world-wide advice.

Something to read if the line at customs is long

From White Australia to Woomera: The Story of Australian Immigration

Price: $32.54
List Price: $39.99

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Comments

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Amanda Kendle says:
2 years ago

Good advice! Your mention of the friendly dogs reminded me of something else that often surprises visitors: if you fly into Western Australia from another state, you're not allowed to bring fruit. So you'll see the dogs at the domestic terminal sniffing around for oranges and apples, too!