Visitors Licenses - International Visitors

International visitors wanting to use weapons in Australia so they can participate in competitive sports shooting events, hunting tours or other activities require special permits from Australian Police before arrival. 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.

What do I have to do

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

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

To begin the process, apply to the police of the first Australian State or Territory you will be entering for both permits. For example, if you plan to enter Australia first through Victoria (even though you may go afterwards to other Australian States or Territories), then apply to Victoria Police for both permits.

Application forms for both permits can be obtained from the police of every Australian State or Territory. Australian Firearms Licence Authorities / Registries Contact List

If you are a member of a sports shooting or hunting club in your home country, you may also be able to get copies of the application forms directly from your club. Check with your club.

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

The relevant fee payable for a visitors licence in Australian Dollars is AUS$70.25.
Section 11(5) of the Weapons Regulation 1996 states that a person who (a) is a resident of another country; and (b) is visiting Queensland to participate in an internationally recognised shooting competition is exempt from paying the application fee for a visitor's licence.

When do I apply

Apply well in advance of your visit, at least a month 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.

What will I be allowed to do

When you receive your permits, you will be allowed to import your firearm into Australia and to possess, carry and use your firearm during your stay.

Strict conditions will apply. For example:

• You will only be allowed to use weapons/firearms for specific purposes (for competitive sports shooting events; for hunting' or other specified purposes);
• You will need to comply with all the other requirements in the firearms laws of the Australian State or Territory you are visiting;
• You will need to observe specific storage requirements;
• You will need to carry the permit at all times and show it to Australian police on request; and
• You will need to ensure that you take your weapon/firearm with you out of Australia when you leave.

Note that no permit will be issued for a period longer than 3 months.

Moving between different Australian States and Territories

If you plan to move between different Australian States and Territories during your stay and your permit is for competitive sports shooting, then you will be allowed to use your weapon/firearm in the different States and Territories with the one set of permits you receive from the first State or Territory you enter.

If you plan to move between different Australian States and Territories and have a permit for other reasons (for example hunting), then you may need to get separate permits from each State and Territory regarding the requirements applying there.

What types of firearms are allowed?

Whilst most common types of firearms can be brought into Australia under a permit, international visitors should note that permits will not generally be issued for the following types of firearms:

• Semi-automatic centrefire rifles;
• High capacity semi-automatic rimfire rifles or shotguns;
• High capacity pump-action shotguns; or
• Fully automatic firearms