Australia Visa Policy and Customs Information

IMMIGRATION AND VISAS

Passport Requirements according to Australia visa policy: –

All travelers need a passport, except the following as per Australia visa policy:

1. Travelers with an Identification Card or Identification Certificate issued by the Australian authorities.

2. Travelers with a “Laissez Passer” given by the United Nations if they travel for work. 

3. Travelers with an identity card given to persons without citizenship or nationality if they have proof to re-enter the country in which they reside.

4. Travelers with a ‘Document for Travel to Australia’ (DFTTA), given to individuals without nationality or citizenship by the Australian government and valid for a single trip. 

5. Travelers with a travel document « Titre de Voyage » issued in compliance with the Geneva Convention of 1951 to individuals without nationality or citizenship.

6. Travelers with documents issued to refugees.

7. Travelers with «Kinderausweis,» a German identity document issued to children, but no photo of the bearer is required.

Document Validity based on Australia visa policy: –

The passport is the primary Australia visa requirement for travelers as per Australia visa policy. Passports and alternative documents, or all of them, should be valid upon arrival.

Additional Information for Australia visa policy: –

1. Norfolk Island is part of Australia, but it has its own immigration rules, different from the immigration laws of the rest of Australia. Travel between Norfolk Island and the Australian mainland is processed as international travel. Passports are needed on flights originating from Norfolk Island, relevant passport replacement documents, and visas (where applicable).

2. Australia would usually allow other travel documents released by a recognized authority. They provide a photo of the bearer and proof that they can re-enter or enter the third country in the country of issue. As most travelers need a visa to enter Australia, the applicant will be notified accordingly if their travel document is approved at the time of the visa application.

3. Travelers flying on domestic, international flights within Australia must carry passports or passport replacement documents approved by the Australian authorities in place of passports.

4. Citizens of New Zealand might renew their passports at New Zealand consulates if they expire during their stay in Australia.

Visa Issuance according to Australia visa policy: –

1. Before arrival: Instead of a visa, qualified travelers can be issued an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for tourist or business travel. ETA is electronically checked before boarding by ETA member airlines and upon arrival in Australia by immigration officials.

You can obtain an ETA through:

– Travel agents in countries where ETA activities have been adopted.

– Carriers involved; the number of big carriers flying to Australia is members of ETA; or

– Online at www.eta.immi.gov.au

Warning: –

Ensure that the air carrier can issue an ETA and be checked for boarding; an ETA screen print will not be approved based on Australia visa policy.

2. Before arrival and if necessary, a visa could be issued by:

a. Australian missions abroad.

b. Almost all travel agents; or

c. Online, under Online Services, at www.immi.gov.au

d. Other types of electronic visas are available. For further information, please check: www.immi.gov.au

N.B.

Australia electronically offers many visas, such as visas for temporary business entrants, tourists, pupils, and working holidaymakers.

The passport does not carry a visa sticker and does not mean that an electronic visa exists. Hence, the authority of the airlines to board travelers is verified through Australia’s Advance Traveler Processing system before departure and by immigration officials upon arrival in Australia.

Travelers must have a visa to enter Australia.

Warning: Visa screen copies will not be authorized.

3. Before arrival: If travelers are granted an Electronic Tourist Visa (e676), they are not required to have a visa in their passports. This system is very different from the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The following travelers can apply for a tourist visa on the Internet (www.immi.gov.au) before travel:

3.1. Citizens of Andorra, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Kuwait.

Citizens of Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Republic of Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, USA, and Vatican City.

3.2. Travelers who have British passports’ the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ added ‘British Citizen.’ 

3.3. Travelers with a passport issued by Hong Kong (A Special Administrative Region of China).

3.4. Indian citizens if they have booked their tickets via selected travel agents.

4. Before arrival: If travelers are granted an eVisitor (651), they are not required to have a visa in their passports. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is different from this system. The following travelers can apply for a tourist visa on the Internet under Online Services at www.immi.gov.au.

4.1. Citizens of Andorra, Austria, Kingdom of Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Kingdom of Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Holy See.

4.2. Travelers who have British passports’ the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ added ‘British Citizen.’ 

5. Before arrival: Travelers holding an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Card (ABTC) and an extended validity sub-class 456 visa issued electronically require no visa attached to their passports.

They are only expected to have a valid check-in passport and the ABTC. The backside of such a card must indicate its validity for travel to Australia, and passport details should match those mentioned in the card. To validate a sub-class 456 visa, airlines can carry out an electronic search. 

N.B.

For further details and information on Australia visa policy, please visit www.eta.immi.gov.au.

ABTC is available to:

a. Citizens of the Kingdom of Brunei, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Republic of Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

b. Travelers who have a passport issued by Hong Kong (A Special Administrative Region of China).

c. Hong Kong’s Permanent Residents (A Special Administrative Region of China).

Visa Exemptions according to Australia visa policy: –

All travelers must hold a visa except the following based on Australia visa policy:

1. Citizens of Australia.

2. Permanent residents of Norfolk Island, with passports added with authority to stay for an indefinite term in Norfolk Island, need to apply for a ‘Permanent Residents of Norfolk Island Visa’ at the border side.

3. Citizens of New Zealand must fill in a traveler card to apply for a Special Category Visa on their arrival.

4. Travelers with a tourist or business travel Electronic Travel Authority, purchased before departure for Australia and issued to:

4.1. Citizens of Andorra, Austria, Kingdom of Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Kingdom of Monaco, Kingdom of Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, U.S., and the Vatican.

4.2. Travelers who have British passports’ the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ added ‘British Citizen.’ 

4.3. Travelers who have British passports added ‘British National (Overseas)’ who must be residents of Hong Kong and apply for an Electronic Travel Authority in Hong Kong.

4.4. Hong Kong passport holders (A Special Administrative Region of China).

4.5. Taiwan passport holders.

5. Staff from the United Nations Support Mission in East Timor with a valid passport or travel document and a UN ID card or letter from the United Nations showing their status as staff working in East Timor by the United Nations operations.

6. Permanent residents with proof of authority in their national passport to return. This proof may be a ‘Resident Return’ visa, an ‘Authority to Return,’ or a ‘Return Endorsement.’ The ‘Authority to Return’ and the ‘Return Endorsement’ are valid on the condition. Within three years after their most recent exit, the holders will return to Australia; the ‘Departed Australia’ stamp can indicate this in their passport.

They are similarly acceptable in expired or canceled passports or other travel documents, provided the holder has a valid national passport.

N.B.

‘Authority to Return,’ ‘Return Endorsement,’ and ‘Departed Australia’ stamps are wet stamps and accordingly cannot be read by a machine.

TWOV (Transit without Visa) based on Australia visa policy: –

1. As per Australia visa policy, TWOV is permissible for travelers continuing their trip to a third country by the same plane within eight hours after the arrival of the incoming plane, provided they are:

1.1. Citizens of Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Kingdom of Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, and Micronesia.

Citizens of Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippine, Poland, Portugal, Samoa, San Marino, Republic of Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Island, South Africa, Kingdom of Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, U.S., Vanuatu, and the Vatican.

1.2. Travelers with British passports irrespective of passport acceptance concerning their citizenship.

1.3. Hong Kong passport holders (A Special Administrative Region of China).

1.4. Chinese Taipei passport holders.

1.5. Travelers with diplomatic passports.

** However, this does not apply to:

– Citizens of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Bosnia Herzegovina, Comoro Islands, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, North Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, and Zimbabwe;

– Travelers issued by Chinese Taipei with official or diplomatic passports.

1.6. Travelers must have tickets with onward bookings confirmed and are not permitted to leave the transit area. 

2. TWOV does not apply to immigrants and individuals without citizenship or nationality

N.B.

The following restrictions apply according to arrival Airport:

1. Cairns and Sydney: To go through clearance facilities, travelers transiting overnight would need a sufficient visa for Australia because overnight visits are not permitted.

2. Brisbane: immigration clearance does not work between 01:30 am, and 04:30 am (such times vary according to schedule). During this time, travelers can stay in the transit area but cannot pass through clearance.

3. Melbourne: transit travelers can stay in the transit area but will not be permitted to go out between 01:30 am and 05:00 am (such times vary according to schedule).

4. Darwin: There are limited transit services available there. Most travelers will need to make use of local services and hence need a visa.

5. Adelaide: transit services are available only for travelers arriving and leaving on the same plane. Other transit travelers may be hosted in the transit lounge if the airline sends a notification in advance.

6. Gold Coast: No transit services are available.

Additional information: –

Due to the swine flu (H1N1) and Corona outbreak, all travelers and crew members arriving in Australia must fill in a Health Declaration Card distributed by the carrier as per Australia visa policy.

Warnings: –

If travelers do not respect entry regulations, the transporting carrier will pay a fine of AUD 5,000 based on the Australia visa policy.

CUSTOMS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Import regulations based on Australia visa policy: –

1. Travelers are allowed free import of the following goods provided travelers carry them according to Australia visa policy:

1.1. Group 1:

General goods whose value does not exceed AUD 900 for travelers aged 18 years and over (AUD 450 for travelers under 18), including gifts, jewels, watches, electronic equipment, leather goods, perfume concentrates, souvenirs, cameras, and sporting equipment. Personal items are free of duty and tax if they are:

– Possessed and used by travelers abroad for 12 months or more.

– Imported for a temporary period; in that case, the Customs may ask for security.

1.2. Group 2:

– Alcoholic drinks: 2.25 liters of alcoholic drinks for each aged 18 years or over.

1.3. Group 3:

Tobacco: 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of tobacco products for each aged 18 years o over. Travelers are also allowed one opened packet with 25 cigarettes or less.

2. Note: If travelers fail to declare prohibited and restricted goods or make false declarations on their incoming or outgoing traveler card, they become subject to penalties according to Australia visa policy. For more details of information, please check ‘Guide for Travelers’ on www.customs.gov.au

Crew members customs regulations based on Australia visa policy: –

Members of the crew must fill in the Customs form no. B465: ‘Articles in Possession-Aircrew.’

Pets: –

Travelers may bring living animals into Australia from countries approved by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) according to Australia visa policy. To get further information about bringing animals into Australia, call the AQIS Live Animal Import program. All live animals can enter as managed cargo, not as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage.

Animals must travel in containers in compliance with the requirements and regulations laid down by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the carriage of live animals. For detailed information on bringing live pets to Australia, including dogs with disabilities, contact “AQIS” Live Animal Import service on the below:

Tel: (+612) 6272 4454
Fax: (+612) 6272 3110
E-mail: animalimp@aqis.gov.au
Web: www.aqis.gov.au/icon and www.prepareforaustralia.com.au/prepare-move/relocation.

Baggage Clearance regulations as per Australia visa policy: –

If the flight’s destination is not an international airport, luggage should be cleared at the first port of entry; or a very long-time delay between trips. Luggage should be cleared at the final port if it continues an international trip or a short time delay between trips.

As for transit, luggage is not collected and cleared if it is in direct transit, and the traveler will board the same plane within a few hours. However, the criteria for transit baggage can vary according to the airport and the carrier’s arrangements. If things are not clear enough, travelers should contact their transporting carrier.

Airport tax as per Australia visa policy: –

Travelers are not required to pay any airport tax upon departing from the airport based on the Australia visa policy.

Currency Import regulations as per Australia visa policy: –

The Same set of Rules apply to currency import.

Currency Export regulations as per Australia visa policy: –

Local currency exports (Australian Dollar-AUD) and foreign currencies up to AUD 10,000 or their equivalent in freely exchanged currencies are not restricted based on Australia visa policy.

* Warning: –

According to Australia visa policy, any sums of Australian or foreign currency, whether in coins or banknotes that exceed AUD 10,000 or its equivalent in the currency freely exchanged, must be declared in a Cross-Border Movement Report (CBMR).

N.B.

Apart from Banknotes and coins, if the travelers entering and departing Australia must declare, if requested, any of the following Bearer Negotiable Instrument (BNI): exchange of bills; Bank cheques; Promissory notes; bearer bonds; cheques for travelers; money orders, postal orders, or similar orders according to Australia visa policy.

Additional information on regulations according to Australia visa policy: –

1. Several goods are forbidden, but the import of restricted goods requires a permit or document of approval in some situations. travelers may visit the following website: www.customs.gov.au or contact the Customs Information and Support Centre (CISC) on telephone no.: (+612) 6275 6666, or e-mail at information@customs.gov.au 

N.B.

Please be informed that any illegal importation of prohibited goods can result in severe penalties.

– Restricted goods include the following based on Australia visa policy:

a. Medicines and Drugs: The importation of certain medicines and materials is prohibited, e.g., some types of pharmaceuticals and drugs such as antibiotics and other substances. Exceptions include travelers bringing in a few restricted medicines prescribed to them or travelers traveling with such medicines.

b. Firearms and weapons: Firearms include pistols with soft air and ammunition, weapons with slingshots, knuckle dusters, flick-knives, blowpipes, daggers, nunchakus, pistol crossbows, and replicas.

c. Intellectual Property: Some pirated and forged goods imported into Australia may be seized, and people importing such goods may be prosecuted by legal and criminal authorities.

2. Information on Quarantine:

International travelers, animals, plants, animal/plant products, cargo, and mail arriving in Australia are examined by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). A variety of agricultural products exported from Australia are also tested and accredited by this service. Travelers must declare all food, plant material, and animal products upon their arrival in Australia.

Before being allowed to enter the country, goods will be examined and treated, if necessary. Goods deemed a risk of quarantine may need to be managed or reported before entry into Australia. If the required documents are not submitted upon arrival, or the traveler refuses to have the goods treated, the goods will be:

– Held in quarantine pending the submission of the requisite documents; or

– Kept until the traveler departs from Australia at the traveler’s expense, for a period to 30 days); or

– Re-exported to the home country at the traveler’s expense; or

– Destroyed via quarantine authorities with conventional methods.

Please consult www.aqis.gov.au for a complete list of quarantine terms for importing goods into Australia. It will result in an immediate fine of up to AUD 220 if goods are not reported, or the traveler may be charged and fined up to AUD 66,000 or sentenced to ten years in prison.

Using the Incoming Traveler Passport, travelers must announce their visits to rural areas, including hiking areas, farms, or slaughterhouses, and notify the airport quarantine officer at the airport.

Travelers must also declare and present shoes, clothes, and any objects that they used in such rural visits to have them examined by quarantine officers as they may be contaminated from soil or plant material.

Using the Incoming Traveler Passport, travelers must announce their visits to rural areas, including hiking areas, farms, or slaughterhouses, and notify the airport quarantine officer at the airport. 

Arms and Ammunition regulations as per Australia visa policy: –

All kinds of firearms, weapons, and ammunition should be declared, including actual and replica firearms and B.B. air guns, commonly called ‘toy guns.’ Other related weapons such as crossbows, knuckle dusters, electronic shock devices, blowpipes, all types of knives, nunchucks, slingshots, and paintball markers must also be declared.

According to Australian visa policy, some items may require a permit, police permission, and safety documents before they are imported. Arms and ammunition may be carried with the awareness and approval of the transport carrier as managed baggage, but they are prohibited in the cabin.

What are the Australia visas you can apply with Click2Visas?

ETA Visa to Australia
ETA Visa, a document that ultimately allows travelers for a limited period of leisure and Business travel in Australia, however no business, commercial, or paid activity is permitted.