About Us
Who we are
Our vision is to provide Australia with the most secure and prosperous border.
We aim to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the border. We work closely with other agencies to share knowledge, expertise and intelligence in order to detect, deter and prosecute those who attempt to do us harm at the border.
Baggage and cargo
We work with biosecurity officers to x-ray or inspect baggage and cargo
Counter terrorism
Detecting and seizing prohibited items and goods 24/7 .
Testimonials
What travelers say
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Any Questions For Us?
Here are some clarifications on what happens at the our borders.
Border Security
We use special technology at airports and seaports to support our officers. We use this technology at our maritime ports, airports, depots, mail centres and also have mobile detection capabilities to guard against terrorism and the movement of illegal or illicit products or substances.
New technology continues to make it easier for us to provide a better border experience for legitimate travellers and traders.
Airports and seaports
The Australian Border Force (ABF) plays an important role at our airports and seaports.
We protect Australia’s border and enable legitimate travel and trade. We safeguard our border from people who seek to commit immigration fraud or threaten Australia’s safety and security.
Our officers work in:
locations where international air and sea cargo, including international mail, are processed after import or before export
all of Australia’s major and regional international airports
more than 60 international seaports around the country including those in remote areas such as mining ports
Border Force Officers
Border Force Officers use their experience and training to ensure that people and goods entering and leaving Australia through both our seaports and airports adhere to our strict border controls
Baggage, cargo and mail
We work with biosecurity officers to x-ray or inspect baggage and cargo. We also check arriving mail before it goes to distribution centres. We look for items that could put Australia’s security, economy, environment or health at risk.
Sometimes we hold cargo or mail until duty or GST are paid, and/or we see a valid import permit. We may seize prohibited goods and border controlled substances, or the Department of Agriculture may seize them if they present a biosecurity risk.
Counter terrorism
The Counter Terrorism Units enhance the ABF’s capability to deal with both inbound and outbound national security risks and are deployed across Australia’s major international airports and airports that operate international sectors.
They are responsible for:
collecting information of intelligence value for whole-of-government efforts in countering terrorism.
identifying and intervening with travellers of national security interest and referring them to partner agencies such as the Australian Federal Police when required
detaining and/or denying travel being undertaken by travellers of national security interest on behalf of partner agencies
detecting and seizing prohibited items or materials such extremist propaganda or images on electronic devices