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Managing Australia's Borders

Entry to Australia

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All persons arriving in Australia by sea on cruise ships and commercial vessels are subject to immigration clearance. This applies whether they disembark the vessel or remain onboard.

Before arrival in Australia

As a general rule, vessels are required to provide passenger and crew reports to Customs no later than 96 hours before arriving in Australia. These reports are available electronically from Customs.
See: Australian Customs and Border Protection Service

For international cruise ships electronic passenger and crew reports are also required to be transmitted through the department's Advance Person Processing (APP) system.
See: Advance Person Processing

Proclaimed port

All vessels arriving in Australia are required to enter at a proclaimed port for their first port of entry. Australia has 65 proclaimed ports. Customs may grant permission for a vessel to enter Australia at a place other than a proclaimed port under specified conditions. Contact Customs for more information on proclaimed ports.

Immigration clearance

On arrival all passengers and crew must hold a valid visa and present a valid passport. Passengers are also required to complete an Incoming Passenger Card. Customs officers undertake immigration clearance procedures on behalf of the department at Australian seaports.