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Every student usually remembers the day they arrived in Brisbane, did they understand the accent of the customs officer, was someone there to meet them at the airport, and where they spent their first night in Brisbane. Whether it's overcoming jet lag or overcoming your excitement on the first day, that you discover whether your initial impressions live up to your expectations.

Knowing what to expect as soon as you land will make the first few days as smooth as possible.

Click here to request Airport Reception.

Before leaving the plane

1. Make sure that you have all your papers ready:
   • completed Incoming Passenger Card
   • Customs Declaration form (see below)
   • Passport with visa or evidence of an On-line visa application
   • if carrying more than A$10 000: a completed Cash Transaction form
2. Make sure that you have all your hand luggage with you. Do not carry bags or items for other people!

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane International Airport can get quite busy, so there may be delays in going through Immigration and Customs. The Immigration officer will examine your passport and your visa (which should be in your passport) and your completed Incoming Passenger Card. The officer may ask you some questions (e.g. if you have more than A$10 000 in any currency) before stamping your passport and allowing you to enter the baggage collection hall.

It is illegal to use a camera, video camera or portable telephone in these areas of the airport!

Make sure you collect the right bags and have the ticket for your bags ready for inspection. Luggage trolleys are available in the hall. Don't be surprised by the sniffer dogs that patrol the baggage collection area. After collecting your luggage make your way to either the Green (nothing to declare) or Red (something to declare) channel.

A layout of the arrival section of the terminal (level 2) can be found here - Brisbane Airport. A map of the Domestic terminal can also be found at the same site by clicking on Travellers Information then Terminal information.

It's a good idea to exchange any foreign currency to Australian dollars at the airport. In the city, currency exchange facilities are mostly limited to major banks.

Customs Declaration

Indicate on the Customs Declaration form given to you on the plane if you have any foodstuffs, spices, plant or animal products, or wooden articles in your luggage. The Customs officer will decide if you can keep them. You must declare everything on the form before you reach the Customs officer. If you have any of the items mentioned on the form, such as food, in your hand luggage, deposit them in the specially marked garbage bins in the arrival hall.

A Customs officer will check your Customs Declaration form. Even if you have nothing to declare, you may be selected for a random baggage check. At this point your bags may be opened and checked. If you are asked for an interview, the Customs officer will take you to an interview room for your privacy. If you are worried about your English, you should ask for an interpreter. After leaving Customs, you are free to enter Brisbane through the arrivals hall.

For more information see www.customs.gov.au click the Travellers link on the left-hand side.

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