Travelling to Australia
The Australian Embassy in Bern and the Australian Consulate-General in Geneva do not have an attached agency in Switzerland and staff in Bern and Geneva are unable to assist with the following enquiries:
Visas and Citizenship
- Visas and citizenship applications are managed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- Need further assistance? Visit the ‘Contact us’ page for the Department of Home Affairs.
Taking or Sending Goods to Australia
Can you bring it in? This is the responsibility of the Australian Border Force.
A guide to what you can and can't bring in to the country. When you’re travelling overseas or importing items, you need to know that some items can’t be brought back with you and for others you need to get permission.
- Can you bring it in? List of items by categories.
- Need further assistance? Visit the ‘Contact us’ page for the Australian Border Force.
Taking Medication to Australia
This is the responsibility of the Department of Health, Therapeutic Goods Administration.
- Travelling to Australia with medicines and medical devices
- Entering Australia with medicines and medical devices
- Need further assistance? Visit the ‘Contact us’ page for the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Bring Cats and Dogs to Australia
This is the responsibility of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry:
- Bringing cats and dogs to Australia
- Step-by-step guides
- Quarantine in Australia
- Cats and dogs frequently asked questions
- Need further assistance? Visit the ‘Contact us’ page for the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Driving in Australia
While driving in Australia a visiting driver must carry their overseas licence with them at all times together with either an international driving licence OR an English translation if the overseas licence is not written in English.
It is important to remember that visiting drivers can only drive vehicles which their overseas licence authorises them to drive and they must drive according to any conditions on their overseas licence (i.e. glasses required). Please note that if you hold a Swiss driver licence the reverse side which shows the category of vehicle you can drive will also need to be translated into English.
The following website provides more information on driving in Australia: Overseas Drivers | Austroads.
Please ensure you visit the relevant Australian road agency website for all states and territories you will be driving in for more information.
Road or Traffic Fines Received in Australia
We suggest you contact the issuing authority (police) for information on how to pay, contest the fine or delay the payment date to allow you further time.
Their contact details can be found on the letter or fine you received.