There are numerous Australia entry restrictions that travelers need to be aware of before getting on their flight to Australia.
There are a number of laws that can cause entry restrictions when it comes to entering Australia. Once a person is denied entry to the country, they are less likely to be able to enter under any circumstances, ever again.
Thus, it’s important to understand why a traveler might be denied entry into Australia. That way, they can avoid the most common pitfalls and give themselves the best possible chance of easily getting a visa to Australia and entering the country without any problems.
What are the current Australia entry restrictions?
It’s important to understand the common Australia entry restrictions, here’s how to avoid getting denied entry into the country.
Tell the truth on formal paperwork
Visitors applying for a visa to Australia need to tell the truth at all times. Even if this means disclosing details they would rather not share, it is better for them to do so than for the government to find out that they lied on official paperwork.
It’s important that travelers make sure they don’t inadvertently give wrong information, too. For instance, all of the pieces of data on their visa application need to perfectly match the information on their passport. A data discrepancy can cause delays or even a denied visa.
Obtain the best visa
Travelers need to apply for and enter Australia on the best visa for their needs. This can be confusing, because Australia offers a lot of different visas for a lot of different purposes. However, there are services that can help match visitors with the best visa for their needs.
Find more info and help to get the online Australia ETA visa.
Travelers also need to fully fill out their visa application, leaving nothing incomplete. This includes submitting all required documents for their visa, and additional documentation if it is requested and required by the Australian government.
Different visas require different documentation, and it’s up to each traveler to make sure they submit the correct paperwork. Travelers who are unclear on what is required should contact the government before they apply for their visa.
Check out our guide on the different Australian visa types.
Don’t bring (or declare!) restricted substances and items
Australia does not allow items that are dangerous to enter the country. Similarly, they do not permit certain agricultural items that may transmit disease or carry pests, to enter the country.
Travelers should not attempt to bring these items into Australia. If they do, they should declare them and not attempt to hide them. This allows Australian customs officers to confiscate anything that might be dangerous or not permitted.
Travelers who do not declare these kinds of items may be denied entry to Australia at the border, even if they have a visa.
Some items that are not permitted are:
- Firearms
- Other weapons
- Steroids
- Drugs
- Some types of food
- Animals
- Plants
- Protected wildlife
- Indigenous or historical items
Expect baggage searches
While many travelers will enter and leave Australia without having their baggage formally checked, others will need to submit to luggage searches before they can enter the country. These may be performed randomly, or officials may be looking for some item in particular.
No matter the reason or the baggage search, it’s important to submit to it with good grace. Travelers may not like having their baggage searched, but it is the right of the Australian government to do so.
Travelers who protest baggage searches may lose their right to enter the country. Being chosen for a baggage screening does not reflect on an individual’s character, grooming, or other personal characteristics. A little bit of patience usually sees the search completed and the traveler moving on.
Stay calm with government officials
Visitors should remain calm whenever they are dealing with Australian government officials. They may find questions, searches, and more to be inconvenient and annoying, but these are essential for keeping travel to Australia safe and both travelers and citizens alike secure.
A traveler who loses their temper with a government official may find it more difficult to enter Australia, if they are permitted entry at all. An outburst or an act of violence can get a visitor banned from Australia or make it much harder for them to get into the country.
An outburst at a consulate or an embassy visit, such as those required to obtain some visas to Australia, can have similar results. Overall, travelers should keep their emotions under control at all times.
Have tickets for destinations outside of Australia
Australia is unlikely to grant visas for visitors who they believe will not abide by the terms of that visa. Similarly, officials at the airport are less likely to allow someone to enter Australia if they believe that the person will not leave when their visa is up.
One of the best ways to prove that a traveler has the intention of honoring the terms of their visa is for them to have a ticket for a destination outside of Australia. The ticket needs to depart Australia within the time period allowed on their particular visa.
A ticket like this shows a person’s intent to travel away from Australia before their visa expires. It is an act of good faith, showing that the visitor knows the terms of their visa and means to abide by them.
Travelers who have previously overstayed a visa in Australia will need to be able to explain this overstay. There are a few circumstances where these transgressions are considered legitimate and can be overlooked. Other overstays may result in denial of entry in the future.
Follow COVID-19 rules and procedures
The Australian borders are currently closed due to COVID-19. Travelers who do not have specific permission to Australia will not be permitted to enter the country. This permission must be granted before the traveler departs for Australia.
Upon entry to Australia, most travelers will need to quarantine for 14 days in a government-approved quarantine facility. These are hotels where they will be shown to a room. Food will be brought several times a day, but they will not be permitted to leave the room until their quarantine is complete.
See also Travelling in a Pandemic: Crucial Safe Travel Tips and Review: LCP Medical Face Masks for Traveling
Visit Australia soon
Travelers who are permitted entry to Australia can enjoy it now. Once they know they can enter the country, they should visit as soon as possible because Australia has a lot to offer!
Check out the below posts for some Australian travel inspiration:
- Top Backpacker Tips for Australia
- A Guide to the Best Cities in Australia
- Australia: Tips as an American
- Best Time for Traveling Around Australia in a Campervan
- Most Beautiful Australian Wine Regions
