Customs is a separate check from biosecurity. Biosecurity asks whether an item is a risk to Australia; customs asks whether duty and tax are owed on it. You can clear one and be stopped by the other.
The concessions
- General goods: A$900 if you are 18 or over, A$450 if you are under 18
- Alcohol: 2.25 litres, 18 and over
- Tobacco: 25 grams in any form, plus one open packet, 18 and over
Things people get wrong
- Duty free bought on the way in still counts towards the concession
- Gifts count — it is the value of what you are carrying, not what you paid for yourself
- Families cannot always pool concessions the way they assume; check before you rely on it
If you are over the limit
Declare it and provide proof of purchase so duty and tax can be worked out. Failing to declare goods above the concession can result in penalties, prosecution, or cancellation of your visa. Declaring simply means paying what is owed.
Source: Australian Border Force / Home Affairs — Duty free concessions
Currency also has a reporting requirement at the border. If you are carrying a large amount of cash or bearer instruments, check the current threshold on the ABF site before you fly.
More on the eVisitor
What is the eVisitor
The eVisitor is a full visitor visa granted electronically to holders of eligible European passports. What it covers and how it differs from the ETA.
How to apply
Applications are made free of charge through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. The order of the steps and the mistakes that cause delays.
Cost
The Australian government charges AUD $0 for the eVisitor: no visa application charge and no service fee. The ETA for other passports costs AUD $20.
What you need
A valid European passport, an email address and about fifteen minutes. No photo, no payment, no documents to upload for most applicants.
Processing time
Most eVisitor applications are decided automatically within a day. What causes an application to take weeks instead.
Validity
An eVisitor lasts 12 months from the date of grant, or until your passport expires, and allows as many entries as you like within that period.