Drug importing: long prison sentences and deportation
The Australian authorities act against anyone who imports or trafficks illegal drugs. Prosecution can lead to a lengthy prison sentence and deportation.
Local Rules for Travellers
🇦🇺 Local Rules in Australia for Travellers
Australia's strictest rules start at the airport: biosecurity laws mean you must declare food, plant material and animal products, and breaking quarantine can bring a heavy fine. Vapes need a prescription, and road and beach rules differ between states. These rules were checked against the UK government's official travel advice for Australia.
🚫 Drugs & cannabis
🚬 Smoking & vaping
Nicotine vapes need a prescription
You need a prescription to buy e-cigarettes containing liquid nicotine, and there are strict rules on importing vaping goods. Smoking and vaping laws also differ between states.
🏛️ Public places & behaviour
Rip currents are the biggest beach danger
Rip currents are the main hazard for swimmers and surfers. They can happen at any beach and can sweep even strong swimmers out to sea. Check the water is deep enough before diving and always follow warning signs.
🚗 Driving
Carry your licence and passport; no drink or drug driving
You must carry your driving licence and passport when driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal with severe penalties, and road rules differ between states and territories.
Prepare properly for outback driving
Remote outback areas can present unexpected hazards. Prepare thoroughly: take a roadworthy vehicle with GPS and two spare tyres, and tell someone your route. Extreme heat is a serious risk.
🌿 Nature, beaches & wildfires
Crocodiles, jellyfish and snakes in many areas
There are crocodiles, jellyfish, sharks, venomous insects, spiders and snakes in many parts of the country.
🛃 Customs & what you can bring
Declare all food, plants and animal products
On the Incoming Passenger Card you must declare risk goods such as food, animal products and plant material (including wooden items), or throw them in the bins at the airport. Breaking quarantine rules can bring a heavy fine.
Declare recent visits to farms or wilderness
You must also declare if you have been in contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas or freshwater streams or lakes in the past 30 days.
Declare anything prohibited or taxable
There are strict rules about goods you bring in: you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Law, venue rule, custom or advice?
Every rule on this page is labelled, so you can tell what is enforced by law from what is simply polite.
- Law
- Set by national, regional or city law. Breaking it can mean a fine or worse.
- Venue rule
- A rule set by a venue or operator, such as a bath, museum, hotel or transport company.
- Local custom
- Not a law, but expected behaviour. Ignoring it can cause offence.
- Safety advice
- Practical advice from an official source to keep you out of trouble.
Sources checked for this page
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the source.