Telephone guidance is a supplement to the guidance that can be found on our website.
You can call us for
- General questions about travel or trade
- Information about bringing goods in and out of Australia
- If you have received a ‘First Notice’ from Australia Post about a parcel
- If you have received a seizure notice from us
If your query is about cargo support, including cargo clearance and Integrated Cargo System issues please see
Contact Cargo Systems support.
What we can't help you with
- Migration advice
- Visa eligibility advice
- The status of your visa application
Phone numbers
Every day 15,000 people call us for guidance. We aim to answer enquiries quickly and efficiently.
From within Australia
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Be aware that Mondays are our peak days for calls and you may need to wait longer to speak to an operator.
Call the Department of Home Affairs
Global Service Centre on 131 881.
Please note our service centre is closed on Australian National Public Holidays (New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).
From outside Australia
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST
Be aware that Mondays are our peak days for calls and you may need to wait longer to speak to an operator.
Call the Department of Home Affairs on
+61 2 6196 0196.
Please note our service centre is closed on Australian National Public Holidays (New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day).