About Quarantine

Some things cannot be brought into Australia, and should not be packed in your suitcase. It might sound tough, but when you travel to Australia you can't take your home with you.

Find out what can and can't be brought to Australia before you travel at the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS): www.aqis.gov.au

When you land in Australia, fill in your Incoming Passenger Card. This is a legal document and there may be penalties if you don't fill this in correctly. You must mark YES if you are carrying any food, plant material or animal products. If you have items you don't wish to declare, dispose of them in the quarantine bins in the airport terminal.

If you are unsure about an item, declare it anyway.

Don't worry if you see AQIS detector dogs sniffing your bags at the baggage collection area. These dogs are looking for quarantine items such as food, or plant or animal products.

Traditional food and snacks may be a pleasant reminder of home, but can carry pests and diseases that can pose a quarantine risk to Australia.

Many of the food items you may want to bring with you are readily available in Australian shops, so there is no need to bring them.

People who deliberately break Australian quarantine regulations could be fined or taken to court. So make sure you declare all food, plant material or animal products to Australian Quarantine officers.

If you have any concerns, contact representatives of the Australian Customs Service on +61 2 9213 2000 or visit www.customs.gov.au/

Do not be concerned if your aircraft is sprayed

Do not be surprised if flight crews spray inside the plane before landing. This spray kills flying insects, which may have entered the aircraft at an overseas port and are harmful to Australian wildlife.

The spray is recommended by the World Health Organization and is not harmful to passengers.