Australia lets travellers bring medicines for their own use without a permit under the "traveller's exemption" — as long as they follow its conditions. The exemption also covers an immediate family member travelling with you.
The conditions
- Bring no more than a 3-month supply
- Keep medicines in their original packaging with the pharmacy label, if possible
- Carry the prescription or a letter from your doctor stating the name of the medicine and the dosage
- Declare all medication to the Australian Border Force when you arrive
- Do not give or sell your medicines to anyone else, and take leftovers with you when you leave
Strong painkillers, ADHD medication and sleeping pills
The Office of Drug Control states that prescription medicines such as morphine, oxycodone, methadone, methylphenidate, Adderall and benzodiazepines are covered by the traveller's exemption — with a prescription or doctor's letter. Any medicine containing codeine, of any strength, also needs a prescription or doctor's letter.
Medicines you cannot bring
- Abortifacients such as mifepristone (RU486)
- Yohimbe (yohimbine)
- Aminophenazone, aminopyrine, dipyrone (metamizole)
- Amygdalin (laetrile)
If you run out
See an Australian doctor (a GP) for an Australian prescription. Having medicine posted from home is restricted: prescription-only medicines need a valid Australian prescription, the parcel cannot exceed a 3-month supply, and controlled medicines and vapes cannot be posted at all.
Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration — Entering Australia with medicines
Source: Office of Drug Control — Travelling to Australia with medicines
Source: TGA — Personal Importation Scheme
Common questions
How much medicine can I bring to Australia?
Up to a 3-month supply for your own use, or for an immediate family member travelling with you.
Can I bring my ADHD medication?
Medicines such as methylphenidate and Adderall are covered by the traveller's exemption, provided you carry a prescription or a doctor's letter and declare them.
Can my family post my medicine to me in Australia?
Only under strict conditions. Prescription-only medicines need a valid Australian prescription, and controlled medicines cannot be posted.
More on the eVisitor
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.
Biosecurity
Undeclared biosecurity goods can bring a fine of up to twelve penalty units — and for visa holders, cancellation and a three-year exclusion.
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.
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.
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.
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.