Tobacco Cigarettes → Australia

25 cigarettes duty-free per adult. Excess requires import permit and duty payment.

Details

Travellers aged 18 and over may bring 25 cigarettes (or 25g of tobacco products) into Australia duty-free. Any amount above this duty-free limit must be declared and either surrendered at the border or will attract full customs duty. The duty on tobacco is among the highest in the world — currently AUD 1.63 per cigarette stick. Travellers importing more than 25 cigarettes without an import permit will have the excess confiscated or charged duty. Tobacco products may not be imported by persons under 18. All tobacco must be declared regardless of quantity.

Quantity limit

25 cigarettes (or 25g) duty-free; larger quantities require declaration and duty payment

Documentation required

• Declaration on Incoming Passenger Card

Legal reference

Customs Act 1901; Excise Tariff Act 1921; Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956

At the airport

1. Australia's duty-free allowance is 25 cigarettes (one open packet). Any quantity above 25 cigarettes must be declared and duty paid at the ABF customs counter.
2. Proceed to the Red Channel if you have more than 25 cigarettes. Present the goods to the ABF officer and pay the applicable duty (AUD 1,272 per 1,000 cigarettes as of 2025).
3. Undeclared tobacco is subject to confiscation and a penalty of up to 5× the duty owed. Illicit tobacco with no duty markings may also be referred to ATO.

Practical advice

Stick to 25 cigarettes or less for a straightforward customs experience. Carrying more is legal with duty payment but the cost is very high.

Customs authority

Australian Border Force (ABF) · https://www.abf.gov.au