International Private Flights from Australia: Permits, Customs and Timing

International · 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

An international private flight is not harder for you than a domestic one, but there is more to arrange behind the scenes: permits, customs, passenger details and overflight planning. Knowing what is involved helps you give us the right information, and the right amount of notice.

Who flies the aircraft

Every charter flight in Australia must be flown by an air carrier approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to carry passengers for hire or reward. We source the aircraft from approved carriers and manage the flight for you, from the first enquiry to touchdown. See the how it works page.

Leaving and entering Australia

International flights use airports that have customs and immigration. When an aircraft arrives in Australia from overseas, it has to land first at a designated international airport unless prior permission has been obtained for somewhere else, and passenger and crew details are lodged with the authorities ahead of arrival. Australia’s biosecurity rules also apply; food, plant and animal products have to be declared. We plan the landing airport and the paperwork for you.

Landing permits and overflight

Many countries require a landing permit for a private or charter aircraft, and some require an overflight permit as well. They are arranged before departure, and the time they take varies by country and by how busy the approving offices are. As a rule, the further the destination, the more notice we ask for. For a first sight of what a destination involves, see private jet hire to Bali, where Indonesian landing permits apply to every international private flight.

Passports and visas

Every passenger needs a passport, and some destinations need a visa or an electronic travel authority as well. Many countries also require a passport to be valid for several months beyond your stay. Check each passenger’s passport early; once we know who is travelling, we tell you exactly what is needed for each destination. Passenger details are required in advance for the aircraft’s paperwork.

Time zones and airport hours

Airports abroad have their own opening hours, and some restrict the times a private aircraft can arrive. A flight that lands at a convenient hour in Australia can arrive at an awkward one overseas. We plan the departure time backwards from the arrival slot. Asia by private jet from Australia shows the time differences for the four main Asia-Pacific destinations.

The shortest international trip: New Zealand

A flight across the Tasman is the simplest international charter, but it still clears customs and immigration at both ends, and New Zealand has its own traveller declaration and advance passenger details. See New Zealand by private jet and private jet hire New Zealand.

A planning timeline

1. As soon as you are thinking about it: tell us the route, the rough dates and the party. We can say what class of aircraft is needed and whether permits are likely to be an issue.
2. When the dates are firm: confirm the passenger names and nationalities. We start the permits and the airport arrangements.
3. In the final days: we confirm the times, the airports and the ground transport at each end, and send you the details for the day.

Coming home

The return is also an international arrival. Customs, immigration and biosecurity clearance take place on landing at an international airport, and food, plant and animal products must be declared. Duty-free and personal-goods rules apply as they do to any traveller, and the crew and our team can brief you before you land.

Insurance and health

Check the entry and health requirements for each destination, and arrange your own travel insurance for the party. We cover the aircraft and the flight; the rest of the trip is yours to protect.

What to send us

• The route and the dates, including your return
• The names and nationalities of the passengers, so we can check entry rules
• The number of bags and any special items
• Your flexibility on timing, which gives us room to secure permits

Our destinations pages cover the places we fly to most. For the day itself, read what happens on the day of a private jet flight.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to plan your flight?

Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.

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