An Australian Border Force technology issue affecting the processing of international arrival passengers this morning has now been resolved.

An Australian Border Force technology issue affecting the processing of international arrival passengers this morning has now been resolved. We would like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst this issue was addressed and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Help & Information

  • Are there areas at Melbourne Airport where I cannot use my mobile phone or camera?

    Mobile phones, cameras, video cameras and recording devices must not be used in Australian Customs and Border Protection Service controlled areas. If you are on the phone, you will be asked to terminate your call until you have cleared the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service check point.

    Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers can and will ask you to delete any photos or film recorded if you are caught taking photos or recording.

    Visit the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website for details using the Guide for Travellers.

  • What are the Australian customs and border protection service requirements if I am travelling to or from Australia?

    The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection is the responsible authority for customs. To view the list of requirements visit their website.

  • Do I need a permit to enter Victoria?

    From 6pm Friday 18 February, you no longer need a COVID-19 Border Entry Permit to enter Victoria.

  • I am a passenger in transit at Melbourne Airport with a long wait until my outbound flight departs – can I leave the airport and return to catch my outbound flight?

    It may be possible to leave Melbourne Airport and return for a connecting flight, depending on your circumstances. It is the travellers responsibility to ensure all potential requirements are met in order to board a connecting flight.

    These include but are limited to:

    • meeting all security, biosecurity, customs and border protection requirements for entering and exiting Australian borders (e.g. appropriate passport, visa, outbound flight documentation as required)
    • satisfying all specific requirements of the airline providing the connecting flight
    • ensuring sufficient time to return to Melbourne Airport and complete all steps in order to board your flight on time, including check-in, Customs and security screening
    • ensuring appropriate arrangements are made for any luggage.
  • I am transiting through Melbourne before flying to another Australian city. Will I need to apply for a permit?

    There is no quarantine, vaccination, COVID-19 specific permit, or testing requirement to enter Victoria.

    There are no additional requirements if you have completed any international quarantine requirements interstate and wish to enter Victoria.

    The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection is the responsible authority for customs and requirements for entering and leaving Australia. To view the list of requirements visit their website.



  • I am visiting Australia – what can I bring into the country?

    To find out what items you can bring into Australia please refer to the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Force.

  • What are Australia’s new border control measures? Can I still fly into Australia?

    All travellers should be aware from July 6 2022:

    • People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status
    • People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration 
    • People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
    • Unvaccinated visa holders do not​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia
    • From 9 September 2022, masks are no longer required on flights travelling to Australia  

    For more information visit, www.homeaffairs.gov.au or speak to your airline directly.

  • Restrictions on Australian citizens and permanent residents departing Australia

    Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can leave Australia without seeking a travel exemption. For further details visit the Australian Government website.

    Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you will need to enter a foreign country, including COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, check with the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination you are planning to visit. For more information see Smartraveller.You do not need a negative COVID-19 test to leave Australia from 18 April 2022. But the country you are travelling to may have testing requirements. For country-specific travel advice see Smartraveller and check with the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination you’re planning to visit for latest advice on requirements for entry.

  • Are there any smoking areas at Melbourne Airport?

    Designated smoking areas are limited at Melbourne Airport.

    Melbourne Airport has created smoke-free areas at our Arrivals and Departures entrance and exit in T2, T3 and T4, clearly marked with signage.

    If you are a smoker, we ask that you please ensure you use the designated smoking areas provided and do not smoke in the marked smoke-free areas.

    Victorian and Commonwealth Governments do not allow smoking in enclosed areas including the terminal building. Customs and Border Security do not permit transit passengers to exit the terminal. For these reasons, Melbourne Airport is unable to provide smoking areas for transiting passengers.

    The use of e-cigarettes is also not permitted within the terminal building and can only be used within external designated smoking areas at Melbourne Airport.

  • What are the quarantine restrictions when arriving in Australia?

    There’s a range of quarantine restrictions that travellers must comply with when entering Australia. For more information about Australian biosecurity restrictions, visit the Department of Agriculture website.

  • Are there areas at Melbourne Airport where I cannot use my mobile phone or camera?

    Mobile phones, cameras, video cameras and recording devices must not be used in Australian Customs and Border Protection Service controlled areas. If you are on the phone, you will be asked to terminate your call until you have cleared the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service check point.

    Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers can and will ask you to delete any photos or film recorded if you are caught taking photos or recording.

    Visit the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website for details using the Guide for Travellers.

  • What are the Australian customs and border protection service requirements if I am travelling to or from Australia?

    The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection is the responsible authority for customs. To view the list of requirements visit their website.

  • I am transiting through Melbourne before flying to another Australian city. Will I need to apply for a permit?

    There is no quarantine, vaccination, COVID-19 specific permit, or testing requirement to enter Victoria.

    There are no additional requirements if you have completed any international quarantine requirements interstate and wish to enter Victoria.

    The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection is the responsible authority for customs and requirements for entering and leaving Australia. To view the list of requirements visit their website.



  • I am visiting Australia – what can I bring into the country?

    To find out what items you can bring into Australia please refer to the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Force.

  • What are the quarantine restrictions when arriving in Australia?

    There’s a range of quarantine restrictions that travellers must comply with when entering Australia. For more information about Australian biosecurity restrictions, visit the Department of Agriculture website.

  • Do I need a permit to enter Victoria?

    From 6pm Friday 18 February, you no longer need a COVID-19 Border Entry Permit to enter Victoria.

  • I am transiting through Melbourne before flying to another Australian city. Will I need to apply for a permit?

    There is no quarantine, vaccination, COVID-19 specific permit, or testing requirement to enter Victoria.

    There are no additional requirements if you have completed any international quarantine requirements interstate and wish to enter Victoria.

    The Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection is the responsible authority for customs and requirements for entering and leaving Australia. To view the list of requirements visit their website.



  • What are Australia’s new border control measures? Can I still fly into Australia?

    All travellers should be aware from July 6 2022:

    • People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status
    • People entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration 
    • People leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
    • Unvaccinated visa holders do not​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia
    • From 9 September 2022, masks are no longer required on flights travelling to Australia  

    For more information visit, www.homeaffairs.gov.au or speak to your airline directly.

  • Restrictions on Australian citizens and permanent residents departing Australia

    Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents can leave Australia without seeking a travel exemption. For further details visit the Australian Government website.

    Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you will need to enter a foreign country, including COVID-19 vaccinations and tests, check with the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination you are planning to visit. For more information see Smartraveller.You do not need a negative COVID-19 test to leave Australia from 18 April 2022. But the country you are travelling to may have testing requirements. For country-specific travel advice see Smartraveller and check with the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination you’re planning to visit for latest advice on requirements for entry.

  • I am a passenger in transit at Melbourne Airport with a long wait until my outbound flight departs – can I leave the airport and return to catch my outbound flight?

    It may be possible to leave Melbourne Airport and return for a connecting flight, depending on your circumstances. It is the travellers responsibility to ensure all potential requirements are met in order to board a connecting flight.

    These include but are limited to:

    • meeting all security, biosecurity, customs and border protection requirements for entering and exiting Australian borders (e.g. appropriate passport, visa, outbound flight documentation as required)
    • satisfying all specific requirements of the airline providing the connecting flight
    • ensuring sufficient time to return to Melbourne Airport and complete all steps in order to board your flight on time, including check-in, Customs and security screening
    • ensuring appropriate arrangements are made for any luggage.
  • Are there any smoking areas at Melbourne Airport?

    Designated smoking areas are limited at Melbourne Airport.

    Melbourne Airport has created smoke-free areas at our Arrivals and Departures entrance and exit in T2, T3 and T4, clearly marked with signage.

    If you are a smoker, we ask that you please ensure you use the designated smoking areas provided and do not smoke in the marked smoke-free areas.

    Victorian and Commonwealth Governments do not allow smoking in enclosed areas including the terminal building. Customs and Border Security do not permit transit passengers to exit the terminal. For these reasons, Melbourne Airport is unable to provide smoking areas for transiting passengers.

    The use of e-cigarettes is also not permitted within the terminal building and can only be used within external designated smoking areas at Melbourne Airport.