Australia has strict regulations regarding the importation of medications, so it is essential to be aware of the rules to avoid any issues at immigration. Customs will not prevent you from bringing your hepatitis B medication into Australia if it aligns with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines and you correctly declare it upon arrival.

It is important to make sure you have a valid prescription for your medication. It should be in English and include details such as your name, the name of the medication (e.g. Entecavir or Tenofovir) dosage instructions, and your doctor’s contact information. Additionally, having a letter from your doctor explaining the medical necessity of the medication may be helpful. It should include details about your condition, the need for the specific medication, and the prescribed dosage. Alternatively, if the medication is not restricted in Australia a maximum of 3 months’ supply can be imported from overseas.

For more information, please visit Entering Australia.

You cannot use a prescription provided by a medical practitioner from your own country to purchase medication in Australia. If you have run out of hepatitis B medication (eg. entecavir or tenofovir) or need medication during your stay in Australia, you may visit an Australian approved general medical practitioner (known as s100 prescribers) or specialist physician to obtain a valid Australian prescription. The prescription can be used to purchase medication from Australian pharmacies.

For more information, please visit Travelling to or from Australia with medicines and medical devices, Personal Importation Scheme.
To find an S100 prescriber, please visit Prescriber Programs.

After arriving in Australia, to manage your hepatitis B care, you should:

• Find a local health care provider who can help manage your hepatitis B and monitor your health. In Australia, hepatitis B care can be provided by a GP or a specialist.
• Schedule regular appointments for hepatitis B monitoring, including blood tests, liver function tests, and ultrasounds if needed, as advised by your healthcare provider.
• If you are currently on treatment, don’t interrupt or stop taking your hepatitis B medication unless you have been advised to by a health care provider.
• Reach out to local support groups or community organisations for additional resources and support, including LiverWELL, Hepatitis
  B Voices Australia, and other support organisations.

For more information, please visit LiverWELL, Hepatitis B Voices Australia, or HepBCommunity.org.