Travelling with Firearms - Queensland Rifle Association - QRA - fullbore target rifle shooting centre of excellence at Belmont Rifle Range Brisbane

Traveling with firearms

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:

Import and Export of Firearms
This applies to visitors entering and leaving Australia and residents travelling overseas.

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 Licensing Offices

Export Permit - To leave Australia
This applies to residents temporarily exporting personal firearms, ammunition and accessories to another country.

Department of Defence(updated 2/7/08)

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).

Firearms Licence - To use a firearm in Australia
This applies to residents and visitors using, transporting and storing firearms in any State or Territory of 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.

Queensland	Qld Police Service, Weapons Licensing Branch (WLB) GPO Box 892, Brisbane QLD 4001 Ph 07 3015 7777 Fax 07 3015 3515 International Visitors - Complete an application for a Visitors Permit, (this incorporates an application for an Import Permit) and forward to WLB with payment. This form is available on the Qld Police Website. Qld Weapons Licence holders importing firearms into Australia - Complete an Application for an Import Permit (B709A Category AB&C Firearms) and fax to WLB. This form is available on the Qld Police Website.
Australian Capital Territory	ACT Firearms Registry Property Office GPO Box 401, Canberra City 2601 Ph 02 6256 7747 ACT Firearms Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - ACT Firearms Registry advised by email: Any ACT applicants will need to attend at the Registry in person so firearms details can be checked. The form is filled out at the registry it can not be downloaded it is a restricted form owned by Customs.
New South Wales	NSW Police Firearms Registry Locked Bag 1, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 Ph 02 6670 8590 (1300 362 562 NSW only) Fax 02 6670 8558 NSW Firearms Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - No Application Form. Send a letter requesting issue of a B709 Import Permit. Include personal details, firearms licence, dates of travel, description of firearms, ammunition and reason for travel.
Northern Territory	NT Police, Firearms Policy and Records Unit PO Box 39764, Winnellie NT 0821 08 89223544 (131 444 NT only) Fax 08 89 223540 NT Firearms Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - Contact above.
South Australia	SA Police, Firearms Branch GPO Box 1539, Adelaide SA 5001 08 8204 2495 Fax 08 8204 2314 SA Firearms Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - No Application Form. Send a letter requesting issue of a B709 Import Permit. Include personal details, firearms licence, dates of travel, description of firearms, ammunition and reason for travel.
Tasmania	Tasmania Police GPO Box 1264, Hobart Tas 7001 Ph 03 6230 2720 Tasmanian Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - Complete a B709 Application form available by contacting Tasmania Police and they will email or post the form attached here (it is not posted on their website).
Victoria	Victoria Police, Licensing Services Division PO Box 2807, Melbourne, VIC 3001 Victorian Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - No Application Form. Send a letter requesting issue of a B709 Import Permit. Include personal details, firearms licence, dates of travel, description of firearms, ammunition and reason for travel.
Western Australia	WA Police Firearms Branch 210 Adelaide Terrace, Perth WA 6000 Ph 08 9223 7000 fax 08 9223 7029 WA Licence holder importing firearms into Australia - Complete a B709 Prohibited Import Form. Contact WA Police and they will email or post the form attached here (it is not posted on their website).

Physical and Biological Security
All luggage is screened or x-rayed entering Australia

Security at Australian airports- The Australian Government has introduced many new aviation security measures to keep you safe and to protect our airports, airlines and industry from threats of terrorism and other criminal activities.

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.

Luggage and Dangerous Goods
Information on International Air Transport Regulations and Other Countries

QANTAS - Dangerous Goods

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 - Firearms and Ammunition

USA - Transport Security Administration - Prohibited Items

Canada - Canadian Firearms Centre - Firearms and Ammunition

Canada - Dominion of Canada Rifle Association - Firearms and Ammunition

Travel Advice and Visas
Information and Warnings for Australian Travellers

Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade - DFAT

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

Find out early what visas you need by contacting the relevant embassy, high commission or consulate of the countries you intend to visit. Remember to also check the visa requirements of countries you might be transiting through. Some countries may deny you entry if your passport has less than six months' validity, so be sure to ask about this too.

Embassies Worldwide

Duty Free Concessions
Limits for importing Alcohol, Cigarettes and other items free of of tax.

Duty Free - Duty free concessions are available to travellers provided that they do not exceed amounts specified by the Australian Customs Service.