Traveling to Australia, international travel advice and declaring food
I did not want to write this in the travel forum or in daily chat because Hopefully someone that could help me won't miss my post.
Leaving for Australia on the 27th for almost 2 weeks. Apparently they are SUPER strict on what you bring into country and I must declare any prepackaged foods and they will inspect and may not let me keep it. Has anyone travelled with IP food internationally and had experience with having there stuff inspected or taken away? I am really worried because I thought I would have no problem if I juat checked it in my bag. There is no IP clinic where I am going so I can't buy food there. I would just be so upset if they take away 2 weeks worth of food, and of course I must stay 100% OP
Hopefully ninja nurse will see this as I know she was worried about going to Ireland with IP food, but not sure Ireland is as strict as AUS.
The following is not a complete list of items that you must declare on arrival. In many cases items you declare will be returned to you after inspection.
Some may be allowed in if accompanied by an Import Permit (issued by DAFF before your arrival) or with treatment in Australia (fees and charges apply). Alternatively you can drop them in quarantine bins at the airport.
[expand all]
collapse sectionFood
airline food and snacks
commercially prepared, cooked and raw food and ingredients
dried fruit and vegetables
instant noodles and rice
packaged meals
herbs and spices
herbal and traditional medicines, remedies, tonics and herbal teas
snack foods
It's through that site that I found out it was strict. Had no luck calling the numbers. That's why I was hoping someone had some international travel experience on IP.
Thank you tho.
I travel internationally routinely and have never had an issue with my IP foods. That said, I've never tried to take any into Australia. From the wording on the site it does sound like they're probably pretty strict and it would be best to call first. Even if you have to declare the food, it should be returned to you.
What is your (air)port of entry. I have a friend in Australia, a journalist who travels a lot and otherwise knows something about pretty much everything. Maybe he could help if you don't get an answer here.
Before I write to him, when you called, did you take into account the time difference to be sure you were calling during Sydney office hours, or whatever time zone the office you were calling was in?
I know I'm asking the obvious and you probably did, but my friend is really busy so I just want to be sure before asking him.
Oh sorry, I missed that question. I called a couple weeks ago and I believe it was during business hours. The reason I haven't continued to call is because of cost. Was trying to find an appropriate email but couldn't find one to that specific office.
Oh, and I am also trying to see if my coach can get my a note from the doctor that oversees the IP program he runs. Maybe if I had a dr's note they would be more ok with me traveling with packets?
Just emailed him and will let you know when I hear back.
One option might be to ask the manufacturer what they suggest. Perhaps you can order food from an Australian distributor and have it mailed to where you will be.
I found this center in Sydney, http://rite4life.com.au/contact/. Maybe they will ship a package to your location if you explain the situation. Initially I thought you might try shipping a package from here via UPS, but based on the import restrictions, I think it would be risky to try and mail it from the US. They even prohibit dried egg products and cake mixes. Allowed food can be quarantined up to 30 days. Found this document: www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1147682/cant-mail.pdf
Just heard back from my friend. I think there is no way to know for sure and would recommend ordering from a distributor within Australia.
Now I have a question: are IP centers not allowed to sell food to people who are not their weight loss clients? I don't understand why there is even a question as to whether you can purchase from another center while traveling.
I really think the best thing you can do is to call Canada.
Sounds like I am completely out of luck. I cannot ship from Canada because shipping restrictions are also pretty strict. And as for a center there, the problem is for 2 days I am staying 1.5hrs away from Sydney (for wedding), then flying to cairns for 4 days and then back to Sydney. I won't have a car and when I contacted the hotels to see if they would hold something that was shipped (from clinic in Sydney) they said they couldn't be responsible for holding a package. They were very nice about it and I understand. I don't want to go off program for anything and I didn't realize how strict Australia was. My coach still hasn't gotten back to me about a dr's note.
Thanks for all the feedback. Guess I will just have to take my chances.
Traveling to Australia, international travel advice and declaring food
