Melbourne Airport is the busiest 24/7 international airport in Australia and, within the confines of the available space, we house the equipment and people who enforce government-mandated arrivals processes.  

The international arrivals area can be congested at peak times. In order to address growing numbers of travellers we are:

• In discussions with our airline partners about a potential expansion of our international terminal area and the time frame in which it could be delivered.
• In discussions with Australian Border Force to provide more ePassport Kiosks and personnel to assist with processes at peak times
• Upgrading bathrooms, duty free, rest chairs and carpet
• Investing in a state-of-the-art baggage processes system.

Arriving into Melbourne from overseas involves a number of government-mandated steps that are required by law and you need to comply with all requirements in order to legally enter Australia.

To help us reduce traveller congestion and to keep any lines moving quickly, we ask each passenger to plan ahead and have the required paperwork ready at each step. 

The information below outlines each of the arrival steps you will be required to follow.

Step One

Incoming Passenger Card

Before arriving in Australia, you will be provided with an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) during your flight. This yellow card serves as a legal document used to confirm your identity and record your entry into Australia. If you are transiting and not leaving the airport, completing the card is not required.

Filling Out the Incoming Passenger Card

Both sides of the card must be completed, and you will be asked to provide details such as:

• Your full name and passport number
• Flight number
• Address of your stay in Australia
• Intended length of stay (e.g., if staying for more than 12 months)

You will also be required to "declare" any items that may be restricted or prohibited for importation into Australia. Declaration involves marking the “Yes” box on the form if you are carrying items such as food, plants, animal products, medicines, weapons, or duty-free goods. Failure to declare restricted or prohibited items may result in fines, legal action, or refusal of entry.

Declaration Requirements

When filling out the Incoming Passenger Card, you must declare if you are carrying:

• Medicines, weapons, or illegal substances
• Cigarettes or alcohol above the permitted allowance
• Items purchased overseas or duty-free goods valued over AUD 900
• Cash amounting to AUD 10,000 or more
• Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, fresh produce
• Seeds, nuts, plants, herbal medicines, wooden items, or straw-based products

If you are unable to complete the form on the plane, dedicated counters are available at the airport. For assistance, feel free to approach our staff at Melbourne Airport.

Step Two

Immigration and Border Processing

Upon arrival in Australia, you must clear immigration and border processing, which involves verifying your passport and entry eligibility. For detailed entry requirements, please visit the Australian Border Force website.

The time required to pass through immigration may vary based on airport traffic, and queues are to be expected during busy periods.

Navigating the Terminal

After exiting your flight, you’ll proceed through a series of corridors marked by bright electronic signs. Please have your passport and completed Incoming Passenger Card ready for inspection.

Identifying Staff

Border processing is managed by officers in blue uniforms known as Border Force Officers. Additionally, airport volunteers wearing pink jackets and ID lanyards are available to assist you.

Passport Processing Options

There are two ways to have your passport checked:

1. ePassport Kiosks for self-service processing.
2. Assisted Desks for manual processing by airline staff.

ePassport Kiosks

For Australian citizens, ePassport kiosks are available if you meet the following criteria:

• Your passport has the biometric symbol.
• You are at least 10 years old.
• You are at least 1.1 meters tall.

If eligible, follow these steps:

1. Insert your passport face down into the reader, and answer the on-screen questions.
2. Remove any face masks, hats, sunglasses, or bulky items.
3. If successful, a ticket will be printed. Keep it along with your Incoming Passenger Card for Customs and Biosecurity.
4. If unsuccessful, proceed to Manual Passport Control for further assistance from an Australian Border Force officer.

Note that queues for kiosks may be longer during peak times, typically between 5 am and 10 am.

After you have successfully used an ePassport Kiosk, you can proceed to the SmartGate area.

SmartGates

You may use the SmartGates if you:

• Have a passport with a biometric symbol.
• Are at least 10 years old and 1.1 meters tall.

To use a SmartGate:

1. Approach an available gate and face the camera. Follow the screen instructions.
2. Keep luggage close, removing any items that may obstruct facial recognition.
3. If matched, the gate will open, allowing you to proceed to baggage claim.
4. If not, follow the screen instructions or visit the SmartGate Assistance Desk.

If you are not an Australian citizen, ensure your passport, visa, and any other required documents are ready. Non-Australian citizens may also use the ePassport kiosks if:

• Your passport has the biometric symbol.
• You are at least 16 years old and 1.1 meters tall.
• Your passport is from a country listed on the Australian Border Force website.

If you meet these criteria, follow the same kiosk and SmartGate processes outlined above. If you do not meet the criteria or require assistance, proceed to the assisted desk.

Step Three

Baggage Collection

Once you arrive at baggage claim, you can collect your luggage from carousels numbered 1 to 8. The display screens will indicate your flight number and the corresponding carousel for your bags.

Baggage Assistance

If you need assistance, visit the Baggage Services Desk located near carousel 4. The screens above the desk display airline names and logos for easy identification. Staff members are available to help with any baggage-related inquiries.

Amenities

Free luggage trolleys are available throughout the area for your convenience. Toilets and accessible bathrooms are situated behind the Baggage Services Desk and near carousel 7.

Detector Dogs

Please note that detector dogs may be present in this area to inspect baggage. 

Seating

Rest seating is available near all baggage carousels for your comfort.

Collect any checked baggage and go to the arrivals exit. At the exit, you will need to give your ePassport Kiosk ticket and Incoming Passenger Card to an Australian Border Force Officer or Biosecurity Officer.

Step four

After you collect your luggage, ensure you have disposed of any prohibited items and proceed to the exit. You will need to hand an Australian Border Force Officer or Biosecurity Officer two documents for every traveller:

1) ePassport Kiosk ticket 

2) Your Incoming Passenger Card 

Biosecurity 

Before proceeding to the Biosecurity area, please dispose of any prohibited items, such as in-flight food or fresh produce, in the designated bins. 

Biosecurity involves two key functions with officers present to enforce Australia’s entry regulations.

• Quarantine
• Customs

Quarantine

The Quarantine process aims to protect Australia's agriculture, wildlife, and environment from pests and diseases. Some items cannot be brought into the country. For more information on prohibited and restricted items, please visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

Additionally, ensure your duty-free purchases are within the allowable limits.

If you answered "Yes" to any questions on your Incoming Passenger Card, a customs officer may ask you questions and inspect the declared items.

If you've been near farms, freshwater, or soil, officers may also clean items such as shoes, clothing, and sporting equipment to prevent the spread of contaminants.

Customs

Customs officers are responsible for preventing illegal items such as drugs, weapons, and restricted materials from entering Australia. If you declared any items on your Incoming Passenger Card (e.g., medicines or weapons), officers may request to inspect them.

Prohibited items identified as a threat will be confiscated.

Detector Dogs

Trained detector dogs may be present to inspect luggage for restricted items during the Quarantine and Customs process.