PASSPORT
You must have a valid passport to fly internationally and enter Australia. It is recommended that your EXPIRATION date should not be within six months of your departure date. For American Citizens, get information on how to apply for a passport at the US Department of State. For first-time applicants, passport applications can take up to six weeks – so don’t wait! If you are NOT an American Citizen be sure to check with your local consulate or embassy about the validity of your passport. If you hold a resident alien card, or visa to be in the USA, be sure to bring these documents so that you can RE-ENTER the United States upon your return. Before you embark on the trip, make a photocopy or photograph of your passport and any other necessary travel documents. Keep this in a separate place in case you lose your passport.
Depending on your citizenship, upon arrival in Sydney, you might be asked to use a designated passport-check station (e.g. Members of the Commonwealth, some EU countries) to expedite the process of entry.
VISA
Unless you are a citizen of Australia or New Zealand, you must have a Visa to enter Australia. You will be given specific information on type of visa and how to acquire it from the Duke Global Education office, once you have committed to the program.
PASSENGER CARD
On the international flight you will be given a passenger card. All travelers to Australia are required to fill this out and have it ready at the passport check upon entry.
CUSTOMS (ON ENTRY)
Organic Products.- Australia’s unique ecosystem is under extreme threat from invasive plants and animals brought in by unwary travelers. PLEASE take this threat extremely serious. Do not bring any nuts, fruits, or vegetables with you when disembarking the plane in Sydney (such items left on the plane will be collected and destroyed). Essentially, if you are bringing organic items (other than cloth) that contain anything that can be grown by nature – you MUST leave it on the plane (yes, this includes cereal, granola bars, peanuts, pretzels, chips, roasted or plain nuts, etc). We have had students who were temporarily detained for bringing an apple, or having an uneaten sandwich in their carry-on. Do not bring beef jerky, milk, or other animal products. Clean your hiking boots as best you can before bringing them on the trip (especially if they have sediment from a recent trip on them), this will reduce the risk of introducing foreign pollen or seeds. Similar rules will also apply when we fly from NSW to the NT, and the NT to QLD. For more information on Australia customs and declarations see here.
Prescription and Non-prescription medicine.- Australia has different laws and regulations regarding prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Be sure to carefully read through the Health Insurance and Prescription Medication page to avoid having your medicines confiscated at our port-of-entry.
