When Arriving in Australia

On all international flights, passengers will be handed an Incoming Passenger Card this will need to be filled in truthfully as it will need to be handed to customs officials upon arrival in Australia.

All Australian airports have signs directing passengers, how ever if still unsure of where to go ask an airport official for information and directions.

Immigration and Customs Check points (Where to go and what to do)

On arrival passengers will need to make their way to the Immigration check points. Here present your Incoming Passenger Card, Passport, Visa and possibly you will need the letter showing Confirmation of Enrollment. These will need to be presented to customs officials.

If the passenger has items which need to be declared they will need to follow the red channel, here items will be presented and baggage will be checked by officials. If required a customs will either take a prohibited item and place it in quarantine or it may be destroyed. At some stage the item may be returned to the owner.

If the passenger does not have any items needing to be declared they should follow the green channel. Remember though if you do not declare any prohibited items, you will be caught and penalties do apply. Penalties include on the spot fines, further fines, or a possible 10 years in prison.

The importance of Quarantine

Passengers will find there are signs all around Australian airports which say "Quarantine Matters" or "Declare of Beware". These signs are there to encourage tourists to declare prohibited items and avoid penalties. Take the time to read these signs as they will give you an idea of what is not aloud into the country.

The most common objects people try to bring into Australia include any food products, anything with plant material, animal products and money of AU $10,000 or more.

All illegal drugs and weapons are prohibited also. For further information on quarantine in Australia visit www.aqis.gov.au.

Leaving the Airport

After clearing customs, passengers will make their way to the arrivals hall.

The arrivals hall is the exit this is where passengers can meet any one who needs to pick them up and where they can be directed to public transport, hire cars and taxi services.

In the arrivals hall there is the Currency Exchange booths here travellers can exchange their money to Australian dollars.

Most International Airports are closely located to the Domestic terminal. Passengers will either be directed via signs or can make their way to the airport bus stops which will take passengers and their luggage to the domestic airport.

Visa Requirements

All visa types have certain conditions which must be met, these conditions are determined by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship or the DIAC. If students have any concerns or questions regarding their student visa they must contact this department.

If conditions are not met, this could mean deportation and a cancelled visa. Be sure to know what you can and can't do during your stay before arriving in Australia.

Students need to update any changed details with the department, this is set out in the visa conditions. They must also leave Australia as soon as the visa expires, failure to do so could mean not being aloud bake into the country for 3 years.

To contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship visit www.immi.gov.au or contact the Australian Mission or Embassy in your home country.