Pacific Travel Guides

Detailed entry requirements information

Customs overview

When it comes to prohibited goods, there are a few things you should be particularly conscientious about. The first is drugs, which customs authorities are adept at sniffing out - unless you want to make a first-hand investigation of conditions in Australian jails, don't bring illegal drugs in with you. And note that all medicines must be declared.

The second is all food, plant material and animal products. You will be asked to declare on arrival all goods of animal, or plant origin (wooden spoons, straw hats, the lot) and show them to a quarantine officer. The authorities are naturally keen to protect Australia's unique environment and important agricultural industries by preventing weeds, pests or diseases getting into the country - Australia has so far managed to escape many of the pests and diseases prevalent elsewhere in the world. And if you lug in a souvenir, such as a drum with animal hide for a skin, or a wooden article (though these items are not strictly prohibited they are strictly subject to inspection) that shows signs of insect damage, it won't get through without treatment. Weapons and firearms are either prohibited or require a permit and safety testing. Other restricted goods include products made from protected wildlife species (such as animal skins, coral or ivory), unapproved telecommunications devices and live animals.

Duty free

When entering Australia you can bring most articles in free of duty provided that customs is satisfied they are for personal use and that you'll be taking them with you when you leave. There's a duty-free quota per person of 2250mL of alcohol, 250 cigarettes and dutiable goods up to the value of AUD 900 . There are duty-free stores at international airports and in their associated cities. Treat them with healthy suspicion: 'duty-free' is one of the world's most overworked catchphrases and it's often just an excuse to sell things at prices you can easily beat with a little shopping around. Alcohol and cigarettes are certainly cheaper duty free, though, as they are heavily taxed in Australia.

Electrical

Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade