Firearms 🇦🇺 Australia
Prohibited without import permit
Can I bring Firearms into Australia?
Prohibited without import permit
- AFP Import Permit
- State firearms license
- Invitation to sporting event
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
All firearms require an import permit from the Australian Federal Police and a state/territory firearms license. The National Firearms Agreement significantly restricts civilian firearms ownership. Tourists may only bring firearms for approved sporting events with extensive pre-approval.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 66600–1665000 AUD
- Imprisonment up to 120 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Leaving Australia with firearms
Export of firearms from Australia requires advance authorisation issued before departure under Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 reg 4F; Weapons Act state-level. Unlicensed firearms export is a serious criminal offence carrying substantial fines and imprisonment. Even properly licensed domestic owners require the separate export authorisation for cross-border movement, and ammunition and firearm parts (barrels, receivers) fall under the same framework. Airlines additionally require advance notice and locked-case carriage in checked baggage.
Application process takes 6-8 weeks minimum. Contact the AFP Firearms section well in advance.
- AFP Import Permit
- State firearms license
- Invitation to sporting event
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956
This page covers destination customs rules in Australia. Whether you can carry firearms through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Firearms rules in other countries
Firearms
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Strict prohibition on most firearms
Firearms
🇯🇵 Japan
Complete civilian ban
Firearms
🇲🇽 Mexico
Illegal to bring firearms without SEDENA permit
Firearms
🇺🇸 United States
Second Amendment; state laws vary widely
Firearms
🇨🇦 Canada
PAL required; restricted and prohibited classifications
Firearms
🇸🇬 Singapore
Complete civilian ban; severe penalties