Application for a Visitors Licence

An application for a visitors licence is to be made at least 28 days prior to the date of the proposed visit.  This time period is required to ensure that all enquiries and statutory checks are completed and that the licence is forwarded prior to the visit.  Should an urgent approval for a licence be required within the 28 day period, please contact the Weapons Licensing Branch directly.     

Do fees need to accompany my application?

Yes, at the time of making application you are required to pay an application fee and a licence fee. However, if you are an overseas resident visiting to participate in an internationally recognised shooting competition, you are exempt from paying the application fee. Refer to item 1 and 3 of the Schedule of Fees.

How do I pay the prescribed fee?

Fees can be paid by the following two (2) methods:

1. Enclose a money order in Australian Dollars; or
2. Have a person in Queensland pay the amount at their local Police Station and  forward a copy of the receipt to Weapons Licensing Branch.

Application for Visitors Licence ( 35 KB)

Fees

Applying for International Visitors Licence

International visitors wanting to use weapons in Australia for participating in competitive sports shooting events, hunting tours or other activities require special permits from Australian Police before arrival.  (Note: a Visitor’s licence in Queensland will only be issued to a person competing in competitive sports shooting events, hunting tours or other activities in Queensland).

If applying for this type of licence, you must be entitled by law to possess and use a weapon or type of weapon in the state or country where you normally reside. The following information will help you through the process.

A visitors licence can only be issued for a maximum of 3 months

• What do I need to do?

If you want to use firearms during your stay in Australia, you need to apply for two permits:

• An international visitor weapons/firearms permit/licence (to allow you to possess, carry and use weapons/firearms during your stay); and
• An import permit B709 to allow you to bring firearms into the country.

To begin the process, apply for the Visitors Licence to the police of the Australian State you will be competing, recreationally shooting or undertaking other activities in. If you are not competing, recreationally shooting or undertaking other activities in Queensland but you are entering Australia first through a Queensland airport or shipping terminal a B709 can be issued to you on the production of a Visitors Licence Authority issued by the firearms registry in the State.  If you are not entering Queensland first, you need to obtain contact details of other interstate firearm registries.

Make sure you fill out the application form completely and accurately. This will ensure your application is processed quickly by the relevant State police, and will help avoid delays.

• When do I apply

Apply well in advance of your visit, at least 28 days before your arrival. This will ensure that Australian police will have time to check your application and to send you your permits. This is important, as you will need to have both permits with you on the day you arrive in Australia. 
Application for a Visitors Licence ( 35 KB)

To apply for a visitors licence in Queensland you must complete the Application for Visitors Licence and provide the following information: 

• A copy of a current licence, permit or authority issued under the law of that country or Territory.  Note that:

(a) The licence, permit or authority must remain current for entire duration of visit to Queensland;
(b) If no licence, permit or authority is issued in your country, a letter from your local police authorities outlining whether you are a fit and proper person to possess firearms is to be attached. 

• Details of itinerary and locations to be visited whilst in Queensland (include contact address and phone numbers);
• Details of security and storage arrangements for firearms and ammunition whilst in Queensland;
• Details of any firearm spare parts and all types, calibre and amounts of ammunition that is being brought into Queensland;
• A genuine reason for visiting Queensland -

(a) Competition target shooting: Supply a letter from the competition holder confirming your participation and the events you are participating in;
(b) Recreational shooting (hunting/safari): Supply a letter from the property owner/occupier giving you permission to shoot on their land, including details of property size and address. 

• Payment of fees can be by money order in Australian Dollars made out to Queensland Police Service.

Application for Visitors Licence ( 35 KB)

Fees