Restrictions for inbound flights to Australia
If you want to purchase duty free items when travelling internationally you need to be aware that these items (if packed in your carry-on baggage) are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids, aerosols and gels.
Australia applies restrictions for flights both to and from Australia. Australia requires airlines to put in place procedures at overseas airports for flights to Australia, to ensure that passengers do not have liquids, aerosols and gels in their carry-on baggage in excess of the restrictions. In general, the only liquids, aerosols and gels that are allowed in a passenger's carry-on baggage are:
- liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100 millilitres or less, in one resealable bag. The four sides of the resealable area should not add up to more than 80 cm (e.g. 20x20 cm or 15x25 cm);
- duty free liquids, aersols and gels purchased at the airport and delivered to the boarding gate for the passenger. No other duty free will be permitted (e.g. duty free purchased at Heathrow will not be permitted through Singapore); and
- liquid, aerosol or gel products supplied to the passenger onboard the aircraft after departure for Australia (e.g. cans of drink supplied in-flight or duty free purchased on board the aircraft).
Passengers flying to Australia should be aware of the following:
| Do | Don't |
Only carry liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100 millilitres or less, packed in a resealable bag. The four sides of the sealed area of the bag should add up to no more than 80 cm. |
Don't have liquids, aerosols or gels in containers larger than 100 millilitres in your possession. You will have to surrender these at the security screening point in order to board your aircraft. |
Purchase duty free at your last airport before Australia, but make sure it is delivered to the boarding gate, and that you are not transiting through another Australian airport before reaching your final destination. Check with your airline to find out if you will be transiting in Australia. |
Don't carry duty free purchased at another airport through the screening point, as it will not be allowed on flights to Australia. You risk having to surrender these items. Only duty free delivered to the boarding gate will be allowed onboard flights to Australia. |
Did you know?
- You may be subject to secondary screening at the boarding gate by the airline, which may include a bag search.
- The aviation security restrictions that limit the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels that passengers may carry in the cabin of an aircraft are not the same as the quantities covered by the Customs duty free allowances.
- If your flight transits through an Australian airport en route to your final destination, you will be rescreened at the transit airport and you may not take liquid, aerosol and gel products (including duty free) in excess of the restrictions through the screening point. Please check with your airline whether your flight transits another airport in Australia (e.g. Kuala Lumpur–Brisbane–Sydney).
