Australian Immigration and Border Protection (Customs and Quarantine)

What to expect at customs and border protection to adhere to the requirements for entry, exit, and travel within Australia.

Baggage trolley at airport security gate

Things to know before you go

When you travel, each country has its own immigration and border protection requirements. Visit the IATA Travel CentreOpens in a new tab or window to obtain information about the country you're visiting or transiting through.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs manages the movement of goods and people across the Australian border, while each state and territory enforces their own local quarantine restrictions.

  • Restrictions apply to goods and currency that you can bring into and take out of Australia. The Australian Border Force website details what you can and can't bring into Australia and what you must declare. If you’re an Australian travelling abroad and you intend to purchase goods overseas, make sure you shop wisely and know what goods you'll need to declare on your return. The easiest way to check what you can and can't bring into Australia is to visit Can you bring it in?
  • Declare your cash before you travel. If you're carrying more than A$10,000 in cash (or foreign currency equivalent) on your international trip, you must declare it
  • Duty free limits apply to all travellers to Australia. Check your duty free limits before you travel.

For further information visit Department of Agriculture and Water ResourcesOpens in a new tab or window

In addition to controls on goods that can enter Australia from overseas, Australia also has rules and regulations about the movement of goods between states, or within states. Visit Australian Interstate QuarantineOpens in a new tab or window for more information or to download a copy of their traveller’s guide.