At Australian airports, you can't bring weapons, sharp objects (like knives, axes, ice picks), explosives, flammable items (some chemicals, fuel), or large quantities of liquids/powders in carry-ons; for entry, strict biosecurity rules ban fresh foods (fruit, meat, plants) and large amounts of currency (over A$10,000), requiring declaration for many items to avoid penalties.
Some items are prohibited because they are a security risk. You cannot carry prohibited items beyond the security screening point or on board an aircraft. Prohibited items include weapons and some common household items and sporting goods that people can use as weapons or to cause harm to a person or an aircraft.
You can't pack explosives, firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), flammable liquids/solids (like gasoline, lighter fluid, large aerosols), strong acids/bleach, disabling sprays (pepper spray), large quantities of alcohol (>70% ABV), spare lithium batteries, or hoverboards in checked luggage due to safety risks; instead, keep essentials like medication, electronics, and valuables in your carry-on.
Prohibited goods
You may need to remove items from your carry-on baggage such as laptops, iPads, aerosols or liquids. If so, place them in the tray for separate screening through the X-ray. The requirements will differ at each airport depending on the type of equipment used.
Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage.
No, Australian Customs (Australian Border Force & DAFF) doesn't physically open every single package, but all imported goods, including parcels, undergo a rigorous electronic and physical screening process using X-rays, detector dogs, and risk assessment based on origin and contents to identify suspicious items like drugs, weapons, or biosecurity risks. A "Cargo Status" is assigned electronically, but physical inspections, including opening packages, happen when flagged by this system or randomly, especially for food, plants, or high-risk origins.
You can't bring sharp items (knives, scissors over 6cm), many tools (hammers, saws), firearms, flammable liquids/gases, corrosive chemicals (bleach, oven cleaner), explosives, pepper spray/mace, large lithium batteries, and items that look like weapons on a plane carry-on. Restricted liquids (over 100ml), certain powders (over 350ml/g), and some electronics like hoverboards also face limitations or bans.
When arriving in Australia, you must declare all food, plant material, and animal products, plus medicines, weapons, and currency over A$10,000, and any goods over your duty-free limit (A$900 for adults), including gifts, on your Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) to avoid fines, as biosecurity risks (pests/diseases) are taken seriously. If in doubt, always declare items like soil, wooden items, and even certain sports equipment, or place them in airport disposal bins before screening.
When entering the United States, what items must I declare?
The most confiscated items at airports are usually everyday items people forget about, primarily oversized liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), along with knives, sharp objects (like scissors, multi-tools), and lighters, due to carry-on restrictions, with firearms also frequently found in checked bags despite strict rules. Batteries (especially lithium) are also common, needing to be in carry-ons, and even items like protein powder can be flagged for extra screening.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
Yes, for budget airlines like Jetstar, a handbag (or personal item like a laptop bag) is generally included in the 7kg carry-on allowance, meaning the total weight of both your main carry-on and your small item must not exceed 7kg. Some full-service airlines, like Air New Zealand, offer a 7kg allowance for Economy but often permit an additional small personal item (like a handbag) on top of that, depending on your fare and status, but always check your specific airline's rules.
Australian Customs prohibits many food items to protect against pests and diseases, especially fresh produce (fruit, veg), meat, poultry, pork, eggs, and dairy, but also things like sweets (mithai), raw nuts, and some herbs/spices; all food must be declared, and prohibited items can include fresh items, most meats (fresh/dried/processed), some dairy, pet foods, and specific plant materials like seeds and certain plants, while even allowed items (tea, coffee, packaged snacks) need declaration and inspection.
Exclude from checked baggage
Fragile items, travel documents, valuables, and electronics should be left out of your checked baggage.
7 common customs declaration mistakes - and how to avoid them
Yes, AUD 5,000 (around $3,300 USD) can be enough for a single person's month in Australia, especially in regional areas or if you're budget-conscious and can find work quickly, but it will be tight in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, where it covers basics but leaves little for luxury, according to Anzuk Education and Reddit users, as city living costs, especially rent, can quickly consume most of that, requiring careful planning for accommodation, food, and activities.
Phone chargers, like USB cables and wall adapters, are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, portable phone chargers or power banks must be kept in your carry-on only, due to safety regulations.
You can't pack explosives, firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), flammable liquids/solids (like gasoline, lighter fluid, large aerosols), strong acids/bleach, disabling sprays (pepper spray), large quantities of alcohol (>70% ABV), spare lithium batteries, or hoverboards in checked luggage due to safety risks; instead, keep essentials like medication, electronics, and valuables in your carry-on.
Travellers may be denied boarding for medical reasons if airline staff believe you're unfit to fly. This might include visible injuries, recent illness, pregnancy, or even minor symptoms like coughing or limping. While intended to protect passenger safety, decisions can be inconsistent—and sometimes wrong.
You can't bring sharp items (knives, scissors over 6cm), many tools (hammers, saws), firearms, flammable liquids/gases, corrosive chemicals (bleach, oven cleaner), explosives, pepper spray/mace, large lithium batteries, and items that look like weapons on a plane carry-on. Restricted liquids (over 100ml), certain powders (over 350ml/g), and some electronics like hoverboards also face limitations or bans.
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.
If your bag is over 23kg (50lbs) but under 32kg (70lbs), you'll likely pay an overweight fee, as airlines charge extra for heavy items to protect baggage handlers, but it's usually allowed as long as it's under the 32kg limit; however, bags over 32kg (70lbs) often aren't permitted as checked luggage and must go via cargo, so check your airline's specific rules, as costs and policies vary.