Australia is set to eliminate paper arrival cards for inbound travellers, replacing them with a digital declaration system across all international airports and seaports. The Albanese government announced the move after a successful trial on Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Phased Rollout and Investment
The government will invest $56.1 million over four years to modernise airport systems and introduce the Australian Travel Declaration. The Qantas trial will expand to Perth and Adelaide by the end of 2026, with a full digital declaration phased in for all airlines and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months.
Benefits for Travellers and Security
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said the system will allow visitors to spend less time on forms and more time enjoying Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke described the modernisation as essential for prosperity and national security, creating a seamless border process. The digital system will initially be accessible via a webform, with plans to integrate it into airline apps.
The government emphasised that the digital collection of information ahead of time will improve data quality for risk assessments and enable rapid updates for biosecurity outbreaks. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stressed that biosecurity will never be compromised, noting that modernising the border strengthens protection.
Industry Support
A 2024 report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called the paper system antiquated and warned it risked damaging Australia's tourism reputation. The report advocated for abolishing paper cards and estimated that modernising passenger systems could add $50 billion annually to the Australian economy.
