VISA, CUSTOMS AND QUARANTINE FAQ

Is a visa needed to enter Australia?

Unless an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a valid Australian visa is needed to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. Apply for a range of visas, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, at the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate and certain types of visas can be applied for via the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

What type of tourist visa is needed?

There are a variety of visas available to travellers to Australia. The type of visa depends on the length of stay, your customer's passport and the purpose of their visit.

eVisitor (subclass 651)
This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.

Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
This visa allows multiple visits to Australia, for up to a year, and to stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. There is no visa application charge for an ETA, however a $20 service charge applies for online applications only.

Visitor visa (subclass 600)
The Visitor visa is designed for people who are not eligible for the eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority visa. This visa allows a visit to Australia, either for tourism or business purposes, for up to three, six or 12 months. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.

For more information visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Is a student visa needed to study in Australia?

If intending to study in Australia, they will need to apply for a Student visa (subclass 500). If a parent, guardian or relative of a student, they can apply for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590). If travelling to Australia for a visit and short-term study, they may be eligible for a visitor visa. A Training Visa (subclass 407) allows for workplace-based training to enhance skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study, field of expertise. A Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) permits temporary entry into Australia for certain programs and projects.

Visit the Department of Home Affairs website to find out the correct visa to meet individual circumstances.

What items are prohibited from being brought into Australia?

Australia's customs laws prevent drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms and protected wildlife from being brought into Australia. Some common items such as fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, plants, seeds, skins and feathers are also prohibited. For more information visit the Australian Border Force website.

How much money can be brought into the country?

There is no limit on the amount of currency that can be brought into Australia, but visitors will need to declare amounts over AUD $10,000. Find out more and obtain a reporting form on the AUSTRAC website at www.austrac.gov.au/travellers.

What happens to goods which are declared? 

Goods that are declared will be inspected by a biosecurity officer, who will assess the level of risk associated with the goods. In most cases, goods are low risk and will be returned after the inspection. However, if a biosecurity officer deems the goods to have some risk - your customer can pay for the goods to be treated, pay to export the goods, or voluntarily dispose of the goods.

What is the duty-free concession limits for people entering Australia?

General goods: AUD $900 worth of goods per adult (18 years or over); AUD $450 worth of goods per child.

Alcohol: Up to 2.25 litres (0.5 imperial gallons or 0.59 US gallons) of alcoholic beverages (liquor, wine and Champagne) per adult.

Tobacco: 25 cigarettes or the equivalent of 25 grams (0.88 ounces) of smokeless tobacco products per adult.