Important Biosecurity Information

Biosecurity Information for International travellers attending Congress 2023

Australia is free from many pests and diseases found around the world. Our agricultural industries, including bananas in Far North Queensland, depend on strict controls and requirements to manage the risk of pests and diseases from entering and becoming established. These pests and diseases can be carried on shoes, clothing and tools.

We ask that you please

• Do not bring shoes into Australia or to Cairns that have been worn on farms overseas, or in areas known to have Panama TR4 (within Australia or elsewhere). Either bring brand new shoes or purchase new footwear when you arrive.
• Launder any clothing and hats that have been worn on farms prior to arriving in Far North Queensland.
• Do not bring hand tools (for example technical or farm equipment) that have been used on overseas farms, or in areas known to have Panama TR4.
• Expect to follow best practice on-farm biosecurity procedures for shoes, clothing and equipment if you intend visiting farms in Far North Queensland or in Australia more broadly.
• If you have been on farms overseas in the 30 days prior to entry to Australia, you must answer ‘yes’ on your incoming passenger card when entering Australia, to declare that you have ‘been in contact with farms, farm animals, wilderness areas or freshwater streams/lakes etc.’