Australia Arrival

Arriving in Australia

It is important to have an understanding of Australia's quarantine laws, during the students flight to Australia they will be given Incoming Passenger Card to fill in. These cards need to be filled in accurately as they ask questions regarding items being carried in the passengers luggage. It is important that each passenger fills these cards in truthfully to prevent any dangerous items being brought into Australia.

It can be a frightening experience entering a new country alone, if you need assistance there are officials located throughout the terminal that can be asked for help and directions.

Clearing Immigration and Customs Check Points

After leaving the airplane have your Passport, Visa, Incoming Passenger Card and Confirmation of enrollment ready before heading to the Immigration check point. After clearing the check point head towards the baggage hall. Here travellers are required to claim their luggage and go to the customs and baggage examination area.

As mentioned earlier it is a great idea to be aware of items which need to be declared when entering Australia. There are two different coloured channels in the customs and baggage examination area, these are the green channel and the red channel. If there is nothing in need of declaring then follow the green channel, and if there is something that does need to be declared follow the red channel.

When entering the red channel, officials will x-ray travellers luggage. The official will ask the traveller to open their luggage so they can inspect the items. It will be up to the official whether or not the traveller is allowed to keep the item. If not it will be quarantined, it may be returned to the owner at a later date.

If a passenger fails to declare an item and is caught with it they will be given a $220 on the spot fine. As well as the off chance of being prosecuted and fined $60,000 and spending 10 years in prison.

Quarantine Matters

There is a full list of prohibited items on the Australian Quarantine Website. The most common items brought into Australia include:

* Food products

* Plant Material

* Animal Products

* Money of more then AU $10,000 being carried with them.

A common mistake is bringing in prohibited prescription medicines, as many have restrictions in Australia. Obviously all fire arms, weapons and ammunition are prohibited from entering the country.

Leaving the Airport

Once having cleared the check points the student will arrive in the arrivals hall. Here there are currency exchange booths available. This is where the passenger will meet any one who is picking them up. If there is no one picking them up there are public transport options or taxi ranks available outside the terminal.

Many students will need to transfer to a domestic flight. There will be signs directing them to the domestic terminal. If required there are Airport Shuttle Buses outside the terminal which will take the passenger and their luggage to the domestic airport.

Visa Requirements

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship handles all visa matters in Australia. It is important to be aware of all regulations concerning your student visa. If found to be not complying with the visa regulations, the visa may be cancelled meaning deportation.

Visa conditions are available on the letter of approval which would have been received by the student. Read these regulations and abide by them, as failing to do so can also mean being prohibited from entering Australia for a further 3 years. The most common mistake made by students is working longer hours then what is allowed, or over staying their visa without applying for an extension.

If the student needs to change their details, educational providers or need a visa extension they will be required to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.