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Arriving in Australia

A big trip is always exciting, but it can also be stressful. Know what to expect on your arrival so you're feeling prepared.

COVID-19 update

Important information concerning arrival in Australia

Australia’s border is open. You can find up-to-date information about travel restrictions on the Department of Home Affairs website

Find out more

On the flight

Declaring items to customs

While you are on the flight to Australia, you will be asked to fill out an Incoming Passenger Card. This is to be presented to you either on your flight or when proceed through customs and immigration.

You will need your passport and flight details to fill out this card. It’s important to remember that it is a legally binding document, so you must fill it in honestly and correctly. If you have trouble understanding the form, the flight attendants or airport officials will be happy to help you.

You must tick ‘yes’ if you are carrying any food, animal products, wooden items or plant material. Any food that you may have had with you for the flight can be thrown away in the quarantine bins once you land.

If you have currency with a value of more than $AUD10,000 with you, you need to declare it.

View a sample of the Australian Incoming Passenger card

Going through customs

Following Australia’s quarantine laws

Once you have collected your luggage from the baggage carousel, you must pass through customs before exiting to the arrival hall. You have the choice of going through the green lanes (nothing to declare) and the red lanes (something to declare).

There are strict quarantine laws in Australia to protect the country from the importation of diseases and pests. While you may want to bring some of your favourite foods from home, there are several items that you’re not allowed to bring into Australia.

You must declare:

  • Any items made from wood, plant and animal material
  • Any fresh food or egg products even in powder form, including dried or packet food
  • All food items (including cans, jars and processed foods)

If you’re in doubt about whether or not to declare an item, it is safer to declare it. You won’t get into trouble for declaring a prohibited item; you simply won’t be able to bring it into Australia.

Find out more about Australian quarantine laws for travellers

Currency exchange

Find exchange desks and ATMs at the airport

While it’s a good idea to arrive with some Australian currency, there will be plenty of currency exchange desks and ATMs at the airport when you arrive. The Traveller’s Information Service at the airport can direct you to the best place to get foreign exchange.

Once you’ve arrived in Sydney, most banks will be able to exchange your foreign currency or travellers cheques.

Contact your loved ones

Let your family know you’ve arrived safely!

In all the excitement of landing in Australia, it’s important to remember to contact your family and let them know you’ve arrived safely. They’ll be thinking about you!

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