Ships & Vessels
Information on entry to Australia, document and reporting requirements, obligations and liabilities.
Entry to Australia
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.
Yachts
Information for yachts and superyachts entering and departing Australia. Includes information for yachts travelling to and from Norfolk, Christmas and Cocos Islands.
Document Requirements
On arrival in Australia, all passengers and crew arriving by sea must have both a valid passport and a valid visa or entry authority to satisfy a clearance officer for immigration clearance.
Reporting Requirements
Masters and agents of all cruise ships and commercial vessels are subject to a range of reporting requirements for immigration purposes, including pre-arrival reports, crew sign-on and sign-off, reporting in the case of desertion or a stowaway, or when medical evacuation is required.
Special Purpose Visa
Information on the visa for military personnel and crew arriving in Australia on foreign military vessels.
Obligations & Liabilities
Obligations and liabilities that may apply to the master, owner, agent, character or operator of a vessel under the Migration Act 1958.
Customs Entry and Coastal Trading
Information on Customs entry (importation) and coastal trading permits/licences and the visa status of foreign sea crew on commercial vessels.