Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Firearms → Australia
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Prohibited without import permit
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.
Documentation required
- AFP Import Permit
- State firearms license
- Invitation to sporting event
Legal reference
Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956
Leaving with this item
Australia prohibits taking firearms out of the country without an advance export authorisation; licensed hunters and sport shooters are the main exception categories.
Practical advice
Application process takes 6-8 weeks minimum. Contact the AFP Firearms section well in advance.
Customs authority
Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au