The eVisitor (or the ETA, if your passport is not on the eVisitor list) settles one question: whether you may travel to Australia and stay for up to 3 months at a time. It does not tell you what happens at the airport, what you can carry, how to pay, or what to do if something goes wrong. These pages do. Each one is checked against the Australian government body responsible and links to it.
At the border
SmartGate on arrival
Arrival SmartGates take travellers aged 7+ on any valid passport during an ABF trial. The paper Incoming Passenger Card is still required.
At the border
Immigration, customs and biosecurity are three separate checks with different questions. Knowing which is which makes the queue much shorter.
Biosecurity
Undeclared biosecurity goods can bring a fine of up to twelve penalty units — and for visa holders, cancellation and a three-year exclusion.
Customs allowances
Adults may bring A$900 of general goods, 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 grams of tobacco duty free. Above that, you must declare.
Bringing medicines
Up to 3 months' supply for your own use, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter — and declared. Some medicines are banned.
Money
Money, cards and tipping
Prices include 10% GST, card surcharges are banned from 1 October 2026, and tipping is optional. Cash of AUD 10,000+ must be declared.
Tax refund (TRS)
Spend AUD 300+ with one business within 60 days of leaving, carry the goods, and claim at the airport at least 30 minutes before departure.
Getting around and staying connected
Driving
Each state sets its own rules: NSW allows up to 6 months on an overseas licence, the NT 3. Non-English licences need a translation or an IDP.
Phones and SIM cards
Activating an Australian prepaid SIM requires an ID check — a passport in your name is accepted. Check your phone works on Australian 4G/5G first.
Plugs and voltage
Australia uses a plug with two flat pins in an inverted V (Type I) and 230 V, 50 Hz. Check your charger's label before you plug in.
Public holidays
Each state and territory sets its own public holidays. The dates that apply everywhere, the ones that differ, and what it means for your trip.
Health and safety
Healthcare
Visitors from 11 countries, including Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, get some public care. Germany, France, Spain, Korea, China and Taiwan are not covered.
Emergency numbers
Call 000 for police, fire or ambulance; 112 works from mobiles. 911 is not redirected. Non-urgent police: 131 444. An interpreter is arranged if needed.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol
Vapes are sold only in pharmacies; travellers may bring 2 for their own treatment. The drinking age is 18, and smoking is banned in enclosed public places.
Flying home
Liquids in hand luggage
On international flights from Australia, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in 100 mL containers in one clear bag. Inorganic powders are limited too.
Three months per visit
The eVisitor lasts twelve months, but each visit is capped at three months. The two numbers are separate, and mixing them up is the most common planning error.
Leaving and returning
Each entry restarts the three-month clock, but back-to-back visits attract questions, and the border officer can refuse entry.
What we did not write a page about: public transport. There is no national system — each city runs its own card and fare rules (Opal in Sydney, myki in Melbourne, go card in South East Queensland). Check the transport authority of the city you are visiting.
More on the eVisitor
At the border
Immigration, customs and biosecurity are three separate checks with different questions. Knowing which is which makes the queue much shorter.
Biosecurity
Undeclared biosecurity goods can bring a fine of up to twelve penalty units — and for visa holders, cancellation and a three-year exclusion.
Customs allowances
Adults may bring A$900 of general goods, 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 grams of tobacco duty free. Above that, you must declare.
SmartGate on arrival
Arrival SmartGates take travellers aged 7+ on any valid passport during an ABF trial. The paper Incoming Passenger Card is still required.
Liquids in hand luggage
On international flights from Australia, liquids, aerosols and gels must be in 100 mL containers in one clear bag. Inorganic powders are limited too.
Money, cards and tipping
Prices include 10% GST, card surcharges are banned from 1 October 2026, and tipping is optional. Cash of AUD 10,000+ must be declared.