Key points (updated October 2026)
- Australia’s biosecurity rules are strict: declare all food, plant and animal products, and anything you are unsure about, on your Incoming Passenger Card.
- Personal effects you have owned and used are generally duty free, but alcohol, tobacco and recently bought goods have limits.
- Cats and dogs (except from New Zealand and Norfolk Island) need an import permit and at least 10 days in quarantine. See bringing your pets to Australia.
- Sort out your visa first: see our employer sponsored, skilled and partner visa guides.
Moving to live in Australia is a big step in one’s life. Whether you are moving temporarily or permanently, the big questions are always how to bring your belonging over and what are allowed into the country.
This article will give you some ideas on how you can move your belongings to Australia, and what you can and cannot bring into Australia.
Moving your belongings to Australia
Depending on the period of time you will be spending in Australia, you can decide what to bring. If you are to live in Australia for a longer period of time, you are likely to bring much more stuffs from your home country with you.
Please keep in mind that Australia is a multicultural country. You can find almost all of the stuff from your country in Australia. This not only saves costs of transportation, but also reduces your stress while moving.
There are several methods you can choose to move your belongings
Contact us today for a relocation service that offers you all solutions to bringing your belongings.
What you can and cannot bring to Australia?
Australia has a very strict biosecurity rules in place for what is and isn’t allowed into Australia. If you are bringing stuffs that are not allowed in Australia without declaring it, you may face heavy penalty and more seriously, have you visas cancelled due to incorrect information provided.
There is a long list of what you can and cannot bring to Australia, with or without import permit. Checking the list carefully before packing your stuff will help you to prepare for declaration and avoid any problems at the border.
Common questions about moving your belongings
What foodstuffs can I not take into Australia?
Foods that are prohibited unless accompanied by a valid Import Permit include beans, peas, cereal seeds, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, uncanned meat and all pork products, milk, popping corn, raw unroasted nuts, whole salmon and trout. Live animals, plants, biological materials, straw, raw wool, soil and sand are similarly prohibited. Pine cones, potpourri and straw objects must be treated and in some cases there may be a treatment cost.
All other foods including cakes, honey and seafood will be subject to inspection.
What can I take into Australia if I’m moving there permanently?
If you are relocating your entire household a professional packer or shipper will advise you of regulations. Generally no duties are payable on personal effects, though individuals should be aware of rules governing alcohol and items purchased in the 12 months prior to migrating. Wooden items, including furniture, will be inspected on arrival in Australia and may need to be treated.
Can I take my cat or dog into Australia?
Some breeds are ineligible for importation to Australia. The list and the import conditions are published by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Except for pets coming from New Zealand or Norfolk Island, cats and dogs need an import permit, a rabies antibody test from most countries, and at least 10 days in the post entry quarantine facility in Melbourne.
Please refer to our article on Bringing your Pets to Australia for more information.
What do I need to do to take my car or motorbike into Australia?
Importing a motor vehicle involves careful consideration of regulations administered by the Australian Border Force and the federal Department of Infrastructure, which issues vehicle import approvals. You generally need an import approval before the vehicle is shipped, and the vehicle will be inspected for biosecurity risks such as soil on arrival. Vehicle owners also need to factor in advice from shipping agents as to other costs.
Can I take medicinal products into Australia?
It is advisable to have a letter or a prescription from your doctor or practitioner describing the medication and your medical condition. Some medicinal products may require an import permit or quarantine clearance.
What do I need to declare on my Incoming Passenger Card?
Generally speaking, the following must be declared:
- Goods that may be prohibited or subject to restrictions, such as medicines, steroids, firearms, weapons of any kind and illicit drugs.
- Any alcohol above the 2.25 litres limit.
- Any tobacco products over the limit of 25 cigarettes or 25 grams of other tobacco products (plus one open packet of 20 cigarettes or fewer).
- Overseas/ duty free goods with a combined total price of more than AU$900, including gifts.
- Goods or samples for business or commercial use.
- Currency of AU$10,000 or more.
- Food of any kind, traditional medicines or herbs.
- Plants, parts of plants, wooden articles, seeds, bulbs, straw, nuts and any animals or animal material.
- Soil or articles with soil attached.
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