Arriving passengers pass three checks, not one. They are run by different agencies and they care about different things. Answering the wrong one's question with the wrong answer is what slows people down.
1. Immigration — are you a genuine visitor
- How long you are staying and where
- Whether you have an onward or return ticket
- How you are funding the trip
- Whether you intend to work — you may not, on this visa
2. Customs — do you owe duty
You must declare goods above the duty free concession, and currency at or above the reporting threshold. The concession is A$900 of general goods if you are 18 or over (A$450 if you are younger).
3. Biosecurity — what is in your bag
This is the check that catches unprepared travellers. Australia asks about food, plant and animal material, and anything that has been in contact with soil or fresh water. Declaring costs you nothing; not declaring can cost you the visa.
The Incoming Passenger Card
Your customs and biosecurity answers are given on the Incoming Passenger Card, which you complete before you land. Take it seriously: the card is a legal declaration, and an officer finding an undeclared item in your bag treats the card as evidence that you said you had nothing.
Source: Australian Border Force / Home Affairs — Duty free concessions
If you are unsure whether something needs declaring, tick yes and let the officer decide. There is no penalty for declaring an item that turns out to be allowed.
More on the eVisitor
After you land
Your visa gets you on the plane. What comes after — SmartGate, cash, tax refunds, healthcare, driving, emergencies — checked against official sources.
SmartGate on arrival
Arrival SmartGates take travellers aged 7+ on any valid passport during an ABF trial. The paper Incoming Passenger Card is still required.
Bringing medicines
Up to 3 months' supply for your own use, in original packaging, with a prescription or doctor's letter — and declared. Some medicines are banned.
Biosecurity
Undeclared biosecurity goods can bring a fine of up to twelve penalty units — and for visa holders, cancellation and a three-year exclusion.
Customs allowances
Adults may bring A$900 of general goods, 2.25 litres of alcohol and 25 grams of tobacco duty free. Above that, you must declare.
Work and study
The eVisitor is a visitor visa. It does not permit work for an Australian employer, and study is limited to 3 months.