Customs and Quarantine

Australia’s customs laws prevent you from bringing drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms and protected wildlife into Australia.

Some common items such as fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, plants, seeds, skins and feathers are also prohibited. There is no limit on currency but you will need to declare amounts over $10,000.  

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship is responsible for issuing visas to people who want to visit, work, study or live in Australia. It is responsible for the management of lawful and orderly entry and stay of people in Australia, including through effective border security. It provides information and application forms for migration to Australia, and information about settling in Australia, Australian citizenship, and multicultural affairs. 

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service manage the security and integrity of Australia's borders. It works closely with other government and international agencies, in particular the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Department of Defence, to detect and deter unlawful movement of goods and people across the border.

The Department of Agriculture manages quarantine controls at Australian borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. 

• Australian Government Customs and Border Protection

• The Department of Agriculture

• Department of Immigration and Citizenship

• Visa information

• For further information about the Australian Government's departments and their responsibilities, visit www.australia.gov.au