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| Useful Information About Australia - Introduction |
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| Scroll down for information about Visas, Customs formalities, Quarantine regulations |
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All visitors to Australia, except New Zealand citizens, need a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter the country. Citizens of many countries (* see list below) may now obtain an ETA online by clicking onto
www.eta.immi.gov.au An ETA is normally valid for up to 12 months from date of issue and allows visitors to stay in Australia for up to 3 months. Nationals of countries which are not eligible to apply for an ETA must make a written application on the appropriate form to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. This requirement also applies to holiday stays beyond 3 months. If a visit to Australia is for purposes other than a holiday, different visa requirements apply and you should check with the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. Detailed information about Australian visa requirements are on the Australian Immigration website www.immi.gov.au * List of countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for an ETA: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City. |
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Strict laws prohibit or restrict the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. Visitors are permitted to bring reasonable quantities of prescribed (non-narcotic) medications. All should be clearly labelled and identifiable. For large quantities it is advisable to bring a doctor’s certificate to produce for Customs if necessary, and to an Australian doctor if required. All medication must be carried in personal hand luggage. Local pharmacies (known as ‘Chemists’) can fill most prescriptions, provided they are written by an Australian-registered doctor. Your baggage may be X-rayed when you arrive in Australia. The Australian authorities say that normal camera film should not be affected by this. There is no limit to the amount of Australian and/or foreign cash that may be brought into or taken out of Australia – however, amounts over A$10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on the appropriate Form on arrival and departure. Reporting is required by law and failure to do so is an offence. Note: Currency means notes and coins of legal tender but does not include travellers cheques or other monetary instruments. Each visitor, aged 18 years or over, may bring into Australia 2.25 litres of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. A duty/tax free allowance of A$900 per person over 18 years (or A$450 per person under 18) is available for other goods including gifts. Such articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial use. If you are uncertain about anything in your baggage, declare it and bring it to the attention of a Customs officer. Do have all your documentation ready for inspection on arrival. For detailed Customs information click onto www.customs.gov.au |
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Because of its remote location, Australia is free of many of the pests, diseases and other problems common throughout some other parts of the world. You must declare anything that could harm wildlife, plants and agricultural industries, including fresh and packaged foods, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, animals, plants and any items made from plants or wood. Amnesty bins are available for for unwanted items as you leave your aircraft on arrival in Australia. Quarantine officers use sniffer dog teams, X-ray machines and random baggage checks to detect undeclared quarantine items. If you conceal items of quarantine concern, you may receive an on-the-spot fine or you may be prosecuted. If you have declared any food, plant or animal items on your Incoming Passenger Card, make sure that you use the Red channel exits from the baggage hall where you will be directed to a quarantine officer to have your items inspected. Many items will be allowed in after inspection or treatment; for banned items you may be given an option to re-export them. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service has information for travellers on www.aqis.gov.au |
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| Truly Australia have attempted to give an honest and objective description of the topics covered on this page and have deliberately avoided regurgitating tourist office media releases. The information shown has been compiled from a variety of reputable sources and our own experiences. We check and review this information from time to time, but we assume no responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the details given. |
