Is a Corn Snake Legal in Australia? Can You Import One?
No, corn snakes cannot be imported into Australia. All non-native exotic snakes are completely banned under Australian biosecurity law.
Corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) captive-bred are NOT listed under CITES — they are one of the most beginner-friendly snake species and are legal in most countries. No CITES permits are required, only standard vet documentation. The main exceptions are Australia and New Zealand, which ban all non-native snakes.
- ✅ CITES status: Not listed (captive-bred)
- ✅ USA: Native species — no import restrictions apply
- ✅ EU/UK: Legal with vet health certificate
- ❌ Australia, New Zealand: All exotic snakes banned
Australia's Rules Explained
Australia: Corn Snake Legal Status
❌ BANNED. All non-native snakes are prohibited in Australia, including corn snakes.
- The Biosecurity Act 2015 prohibits import of all exotic snake species.
- Corn snakes are considered high biosecurity risk if they escaped and established in the wild.
- Severe criminal penalties apply for smuggling — up to 10 years imprisonment.
Official sources
- Australian Department of Agriculture — Prohibited imports ↗
- Biosecurity Act 2015 — prohibited animals ↗
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FAQ
Are corn snakes legal in Australia?
No. Corn snakes are prohibited imports under the Biosecurity Act 2015. No exotic snake species can be imported or kept in Australia.
I'm moving to Australia with a corn snake — what are my options?
You must rehome your corn snake before relocating. There is no quarantine option or import pathway for any non-native snake in Australia.
What snakes can I keep in Australia?
Only native Australian snake species with the appropriate state wildlife permit. No foreign species are permitted.