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Australia has rules about bringing in medicines and medical devices for your own use or the use of someone you are caring for. The countries that you’re visiting may also have rules that you need to follow.
Under the traveller’s exemption, many medicines and medical devices can be brought into Australia, as long as you follow these simple rules:
For more information about travelling into Australia with medicines and medical devices, visit tga.gov.au.
Visit Entering Australia for more information about bringing in your medicines or medical devices.
Before you leave Australia, here are some tips to travel safely with your medicines and medical devices.
For more information about travelling out of Australia with medicines and medical devices, visit tga.gov.au.
Visit Leaving Australia for more information about travelling with your medicines or medical devices.
When travelling through Australian airports, security screening may involve:
People don’t get to choose how they are screened. By entering a screening point, they are legally considered to have consented to all screening methods except frisk search, which requires specific consent.
Full body scanners are being introduced at most airports and will replace walk-through metal detectors. These scanners use millimetre wave technology. This is radiofrequency radiation similar to, but at much lower levels, than that emitted by mobile phones. These scanners are considered safe for travellers and staff, and there are no known safety concerns to people with active implantable medical devices.
However, some medical devices - such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors - may be affected by certain screening methods. Check your device manufacturer’s advice before flying. Some devices should not go through ionising X-ray scanners, while others require specific preparation.
If you are travelling with a device like a pacemaker or insulin pump, let the security officer know before screening. You should:
Security officers must not remove or interfere with your medical device.
If you need to carry needles or syringes, you must bring:
Put the rest in your checked baggage.
Empty syringes are only allowed in carry-on baggage if the associated medication is also carried. Present your documentation at the checkpoint and notify cabin crew when boarding.
Tell the screening officer you have an ostomy and show your supporting documents. You can request a private screening if required.
You may bring ostomy supplies (like pouches and flanges) in your carry-on bag. These will be screened as needed.
The Australian Council of Stoma Associations (ACSA) recommends cutting your appliances in advance in case you need them during the flight. Visit the ACSA website for more information.
Mobility aid size and weight limits vary between airlines. This includes:
Check with your airline before flying to make sure your aid can be stored and used on the aircraft.
Medical devices like mobility scooters and oxygen concentrators often use batteries that must be stored safely. Ask your airline about:
If you need to use equipment like CPAP machines or ventilators during your flight, or plan to travel with oxygen cylinders, check with your airline ahead of time. They will tell you:
Before you travel:
Always follow your device manufacturer’s instructions for travel and airport screening. Carry a copy of this information with you.
Use the travel checklist available in different languages below to assist you before you travel.
Many different Australian Government organisations have a role in overseeing travelling with medicines and medical devices.
For further information, you may wish to contact one of the following organisations:
If you’re wanting to have a medicine or device sent to you in Australia from overseas, you can legally import a three-month supply (at the maximum dose recommended by the manufacturer) of most therapeutic goods for personal use under the Personal Importation Scheme.
Individuals should discuss the use of any ‘unapproved’ medicine imported from overseas with your treating health practitioner to determine if the product is suitable for you.
If you have concerns about security screening, you can provide feedback or make a complaint to the on-duty screening supervisor at the time of screening.
If you are unhappy with how the supervisor handles your complaint, contact the relevant airport or airline.
The Department of Home Affairs sets the broad requirements for aviation security, including requirements for screening passengers and their luggage.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.
© Commonwealth of Australia
