Travelling With Firearms and Ammunition in/out of Australia

The movement of personal firearms into and out of Australia, and their use in competition, is subject to lawful restriction and/or prohibition by a number of different federal and state agencies.   Permits for restricted goods are required:

Australian Customs Service, Firearms Advice, Brisbane Office:  
   Importing - 07 38353411 Exporting - 07 3835 3387
All firearms must be declared to Customs Officers at points of departure and arrival.

Australian Customs Service Forms (List of All Forms)

Australian Customs Service Registering as a Client in the Integrated Cargo System (CCID) (Form B319)

Australian Custom Service Export Declaration Form (Form B957)

Prohibited Exports - Australia Customs Service Information

Prohibited Imports - Australian Customs Service Information

Information Sheets - Importing Firearms and Ammunition into Australia

Information Sheet - Contact Details for Australian State Firearms Licencing Offices

Department of Defence Restricted Goods Permit (DEC 07) (updated 2/7/08)
(Australian competitors should use this form.   A RGP authorises the export of firearms and ammunition as personal effects and exempts the firearm from safety testing when reimported back into Australia).

Import Permit - To enter Australia
This applies to the importation of firearms, ammunition and accessories into Australia, including residents reimporting on return from overseas travel.   A B709 Import Permit is issued by State and Territory Police on behalf of the Australian Customs Service.  

Quarantine Regulations - You must declare for inspection all food, plant material and animal products on arrival in Australia to ensure they are free of pests and diseases.   Australian Quarantine Inspection Service Officers will seize and destroy items that pose pest and disease risks.   High risk items can be disposed of in quarantine bins in the airport terminal.   If in doubt, declare the item and ask an AQIS Officer.

Prohibited Imports - What not to buy when shopping overseas as it won't be allowed into Australia.

CASA - Dangerous Goods

You can find general information on luggage security and safety from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority's website.  

As a sensible precaution against tampering or theft, it is a good idea to ensure that all of your luggage is lockable and that you keep the keys on your person at all times.

USA - If you are travelling to the United States, make sure you familiarise yourself with their specific airline baggage lock requirements. Information is available from the United States Department of Homeland Security's website.

USA - Transport Security Administration - Prohibited Items

Canada - Canadian Firearms Centre - Firearms and Ammunition

Canada - Dominion of Canada Rifle Association - Firearms and Ammunition

Australians travelling overseas are advised to register their contact details and travel plans with the Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade.   Check their website for up to date travel warnings.

Visas - Embassies, Missions and Consuls in Australia

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid driver licence in your home country at the date of issue of the IDP and should be carried with your domestic driver licence. It is a very useful travel document and is required or recommended for many countries when hiring a motor vehicle.

International Driving Permits (IDP) are issued through state and territory motoring clubs and the cost to obtain one ranges from about $20 to $50. Please be advised that in the following countries it is compulsory for Australian drivers to possess an IDP (last updated 27 June 2006). For non-English drivers licence holders, an international drivers licence is required for all countries worldwide.