Follow the signs to Passport Control
The first thing you do when you get off the plane is go through passport control. Everyone will be going in the same direction so if you can’t see the signs, follow the crowds. There will probably be a queue of people waiting to go through. Make sure you have your passport in your hands, ready to be presented.

Baggage collection
After passport control you will collect your baggage. There will be signs for you to follow that say ‘Baggage collection’. Check the information screens on the carousels to find your fight number, your bag will come out between 20 and 30 minutes after you land. If you can’t find your bag, just speak to a member of staff in the airport so they can help locate it.

Clearing Customs and Border Protection
To pass through customs and border protection you will need to fill out the incoming passenger immigration card and a travel history card. To save time, fill these out while you’re still on the plane. You will also need your passport and visa at this stage too.

Quarantine
Australia is one of the strictest nations in the world with what you can and can’t bring into the country, in order to prevent any diseases and pests being brought into its eco-system. On the airplane to Australia, you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card by the Flight Attendants. The Passenger Card is a declaration that explains what you are bringing into Australia. Answer all the questions truthfully. The penalties for false declarations are very heavy and the goods may be confiscated.

You must declare for inspection all food, plant material and animal products on arrival in Australia, otherwise, you could face a heavy fine and even end up on one of our reality TV shows called ‘Border Security’!

If you have something to declare, walk through the RED isle and if you have nothing to declare, walk through the GREEN isle. Find out more information about what you need to declare .