Australia Arrival

Arriving in Australia

During your flight to Australia you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card to fill out. Answer the questions as best you can. If you don’t understand any of the questions or are not sure about something, ask a flight attendant or an official and they will be happy to help. If you unsure of where to go once you land, an officer will help with that too.


Immigration and Customs

After landing, follow the signs to an Immigration Check-Point. Have your passport, visa and Incoming Passenger Card ready. The officer may even ask you for your Confirmation of Enrolment so it is a good idea to have that in your carry on luggage as well. After immigration you will get to the luggage carrousels to pick up your baggage, you will then make your way to Customs.

Now, if you have something to declare you want to follow the RED CHANNEL if you don’t have anything to declare follow the GREEN CHANNEL. For RED CHANNEL people you will have your luggage x-rayed and you will be asked to open up your luggage. You will be either told that the item is not quarantined and that you can keep it or that the item is a quarantined item and consequently it will be taken away, held or disposed of.

If you are unsure about declaring an item then it is probably a good idea to declare it just in case because not declaring an item is a serious offence and you may be fined $220, be prosecuted and fined up to $60,000 or a face a jail sentence. If goods are declared you will not be fined.


Quarantine

Quarantine laws are very strict in Australia. For the entire list of items that are quarantined go to www.aqis.gov.au

Remember, many foods plant, animal products and some prescription medicines are quarantined. Check www.tga.gov.au for a list of things you can’t take into Australia.

Important Note: All weapons, guns, bullets and samurai swords cannot be taken into Australia even if you declare them.


Leaving the airport

For those wanting to exchange money you can find currency booths in all airports, however note that you will get more back if you do it at an Australian bank. Airports charge a fee.

At the majority of airports you can find buses or trains that go directly to the city, usually you will find a ticket booth just outside the arrival area. Or you will find a taxi rank outside the arrivals area.