Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my cat and dog in?
Yes, there are no major entry restrictions for cats and dogs. Owners should brush the animal(s) to remove any seeds in their fur and check bedding prior to arrival. No specific vaccinations, vet certificates or paperwork is required. However, there are restrictions for birds, reptiles, fish and frogs (see below).
Can I bring my pet birds/other animals in?
Some birds and animals are prohibited from entering WA because of the risks they pose if they establish in the wild. To help manage this risk the Department authorises their entry and keeping in WA with permits issued under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.
Import permits for birds and animals must be presented at road checkpoints.
For further information or to apply for a permit, see the invasive species, permits applications and fees webpage (agric.wa.gov.au/invasive-species-permits)
At the road checkpoints the crate/cage will be inspected for quarantine risk material which includes seed, fruits, vegetables and bark (branches/perches).
If your bird or animal comes by air, Perth Domestic Airport inspections are only carried out at the air cargo facility during business hours (see below). Bookings for inspections are essential.
Most animals transferring onto a regional airport will be inspected at the Perth Domestic Airport cargo facility prior to transhipping. The animal will be held in the quarantine area until cleared by an inspector.
Note - A delay will occur if an inspection is not booked.
Consider booking flights that allow for your bird to be presented for inspection during business hours. You are responsible for your animal's welfare while they await inspection. Animals arriving outside business hours will be held in appropriate facilities until an inspection can be conducted during business hours.
Inspection times and bookings
Business hours for inspection: 8 am to 3.30 pm
Business days: Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
No inspections are available outside of these times.
Bookings: Contact Quarantine WA to arrange an inspection on 08 9334 1840 (office hours 7.30 am to 3 pm). A message can be left if the operator is busy.
Why am I not allowed to bring honey in from the east coast and yet I can I buy it (honey) in the shops here?
Honey that can be purchased in WA from the east coast has been treated and meets strict quarantine requirements. It is certified as treated and is verified by Quarantine Inspectors on arrival into WA. Most tourists and travellers are more likely to bring untreated honey and any treated honey cannot be verified at checkpoints as meeting WA’s quarantine import requirements.
Can I bring in fresh fruit, salad or vegetables?
Generally, no fresh fruit and vegetables are allowed, except for the items listed below, providing they are free of soil, pests, disease and do not have green growth or sprouting:
- pineapple
- watermelon (peeled and diced)
- onions (peeled)
- garlic (peeled)
- carrot
- corn on the cob (husk removed)
- mushrooms (commercially packaged)
- parsnip
- beetroot
- swede
- sweet potato
- pumpkin (peeled and seeds removed)
- taro
- turnip
- galangal
- turmeric
- ginger
- coconut (peri-carp removed, brown husk okay)
Can I bring in fruit cake?
Yes, this is allowed as it is cooked and processed fruit.
Can I bring in cakes, biscuits, cheese and milk?
Yes, these products are all allowed entry into WA.
Can I bring in eggs and meat for consumption?
Yes, these products are allowed entry into WA.
Can I bring in fresh salads?
No ̶ green salads are not permitted.
Can I bring in cooked food and/or tinned food?
Yes, all cooked food and/or tinned food is allowed entry into WA. Dehydrated and freeze-dried meals are also permitted.
Can I bring in fruit salad?
Uncertified fresh fruit salad is not allowed, however cut-up pineapple and watermelon (peeled) is allowed entry.
Cooked and tinned fruit and fruit salads are permitted.
Can I bring in meat, fish or seafood?
Yes, fresh fish or frozen fish and fish meat, including mussels and oysters are allowed entry into WA. Other meat is permitted (i.e. beef, pork, chicken).
Raw crustaceans (fresh and frozen) are not permitted, i.e. prawns (including prawn bait), crabs and lobster (crayfish).
Can I bring in home-dried fruit and vegetables?
Home-dried fruit is usually not acceptable unless the Inspector is satisfied that the home-dried product is of the same standard as commercially dried fruit.
- Mangoes and dates must have seed removed.
- Dried plant material from the Myrtaceae family are not permitted, including guava, muntries and riberries.
All dried fruit and vegetables are subject to inspection for insect infestation.
Dehydrated cooked meals are permitted.
Can I bring frozen fruit and vegetables?
All fruit and vegetables are permitted if hard frozen on arrival except:
- grapes
- mango with seed
- unpeeled onions
- unpeeled garlic
- unpeeled potatoes
- fruit from the Myrtaceae family (includes guava, muntries, riberries etc.)
Can I bring my pantry herbs and spices?
Yes, the most commonly used herbs and spices are allowed, subject to inspection on arrival. They must be declared to ensure there are no prohibited seed types. (e.g. lemon myrtle). The contents must be in a jar or commercially packaged.
Can I send food packs via Australia Post for hiking trails
Yes, processed, prepackaged food items including small commercially packaged fruit and nuts i.e. trail-mix, dehydrated and freeze-dried meals are permitted.
Can I bring in my pot plants or bulbs?
Yes, but subject to prior approval from Quarantine WA.
You must apply prior to importing the plants or bulbs using the Import Approval Request form. Contact Quarantine WA on 08 9334 1800 to obtain a copy of the form. Fees and charges apply for approvals and inspections.
Can I bring in dried flowers including pot pourri?
Yes, however they are subject to inspection to verify there are no restricted/regulated seeds or plant material and the dried matter is free from insects. Inspection fees will apply.
Can I pack my household goods in fruit/vegetable boxes?
No, they will be seized at the point of entry into WA. Fruit and vegetables boxes may act as hosts for diseases, insects or eggs for insect pests such as fruit fly or codling moth.
Used hessian potato sacks are prohibited and all other hessian sacks must be declared and are subject to inspection for seeds and other quarantine risks.
Can I bring in my lawn mower, whipper snipper and other gardening tools?
Yes, these items are allowed but must be cleaned free of soil, seeds and other plant material.
Empty plant pots must be cleaned of all soil and potting mix and other plant material.
All of these items must be declared to Quarantine WA and are subject to inspection on arrival, inspection fees may apply.
I am moving interstate from WA, what can I take with me?
Each state operates under their own biosecurity legislation and this means there are different requirements for each state. You can check this via each state's website listed on our Exporting from WA webpage or contact Quarantine WA on 08 9334 1800 and ask to speak to our exports officer.
I am travelling interstate, what can I take with me?
Each state operates under their own biosecurity legislation, and this means there are different requirements for each state. You can check this via each state's website listed on our Exporting from WA webpage or contact Quarantine WA on 08 9334 1800 and ask to speak to our exports officer.
Restrictions within WA
The movement of plant products into and/or out of the following zones below is controlled. These controls are designed to keep these areas free of certain pests and diseases.
Broome area
- There are restrictions in place on the movement of palm plants and palm foliage (carriers of palm leaf beetle) from the Broome area.
- There are restrictions in place on the movement of bees, bee products, and apiary equipment (carriers of small hive beetle) from the Broome area.
Kununurra and Carnarvon areas
- There are restrictions on the movement of banana plants and parts of banana plants (except fruit), and soil, (as carriers of Panama disease race 1) from the Shire of Carnarvon.
- There are restrictions on the movement of banana plants and parts of banana plants (except fruit and tissue culture) (as carriers of banana aphid) from the Shire of Carnarvon.
- There are restrictions on the entry of banana containers from another state or territory (as carriers of Panama disease (tropical race 4) into the Carnarvon and Kununurra areas.
Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA – near Kununurra)
- There are restrictions on the movement of cut flowers and foliage, fruit, plants and vegetables (carriers of melon thrips) from the ORIA/Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.
- From 1 April to 30 November each year, there are restrictions on the movement of citrus and stone fruit (carriers of Mediterranean fruit fly) into parts of the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley’s Ord River Irrigation Area.
Kimberley division
- There are restrictions on the movement of banana plants and parts of banana plants (except fruit and tissue culture), and soil, (carriers of banana weevil borer) from the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley.
- There are restrictions on the entry of nursery stock, cut flowers and foliage, and leafy vegetables (carriers of silverleaf whitefly) into the Kimberley division from the Shire of Carnarvon.
Potato growing areas (Gingin and South West)
Potatoes imported into WA from another state/territory (carriers of potato cyst nematode) are not allowed entry into WA potato growing areas.