Navya Nair’s travel to Australia for Onam celebrations turned costly due to a seemingly innocent item: a jasmine gajra. She was penalized at Melbourne Airport for carrying the flowers. This event underscores the importance of understanding Australia’s strict biosecurity rules. The country’s airports have a comprehensive list of banned items, including fresh and dried flowers, various food items, and even certain traditional medicines. Non-compliance can result in confiscation, fines, or more severe consequences. Travelers are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with these regulations before entering Australia to avoid similar incidents.
