Filling out paper forms will soon be a thing of the past for millions of travellers to Australia as the Australian Government rolls out digital passenger cards following a successful trial.
The government will provide $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at airports across Australia.
In a collaborative partnership with the Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Qantas, the Australia Travel Declaration pilot program has delivered a digital alternative to the paper incoming passenger card.
Since the pilot commenced in October 2024, more than 450,000 passengers on eligible inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne have trialled the Australia Travel Declaration, with anecdotal evidence proving the trial has been a significant success. This pilot, in partnership with Qantas will continue to be introduced to other capital cities including Perth and Adelaide, before the end of 2026.
The Australia Travel Declaration will then be rolled out to all international airports and seaports in a phased approach over the next 12 to 18-months, initially accessible via a webform option, with an aim to continue to collaborate with industry to co-design in-app capabilities.
The broader rollout of the Australia Travel Declaration will streamline facilitation and reduce manual processes for passengers, enable digital collection of information ahead of time and increase data quality for risk assessments, allow for rapid updates and management of global risks and events, such as biosecurity outbreaks, and meet passenger expectations for a biometric-enabled, seamless digital border experience.
Funding will also support ongoing co-design work with industry to improve airport departure and cruise clearance models. This funding will support border agencies in managing strong growth in traveller volumes post-COVID-19 and ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell said: “Making arrivals simpler and quicker means visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer.”
“This is a win for tourists and a win for our tourism operators, helping make Australia an even easier and more welcoming place to visit.”
Making the arrival process easier is a priority for our tourism industry and the Albanese Government is delivering the necessary investment to make it happen.”
Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said: “When people arrive in Australia, I want them out of the airport and experiencing the best place in the world as fast as possible.
“Traveller modernisation is essential to Australia’s prosperity and national security.
“Visitors and Australian travellers alike will be able to take advantage of a seamless border process, which integrates into everyday digital life.
“The Albanese Labor government is investing in Australia’s border to make digital declarations a permanent part of our border.
Acting Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said: “The days of scrambling for a pen on the plane to fill out the orange passenger card are numbered.
“Over the next 18 months, we’ll be rolling out digital passenger cards at every Australian International airport, making the walk from the gate to exit as efficient and stress-free as possible.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Julie Collins said: “Our Government will never compromise on biosecurity, with over $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing delivered since 2022.
“Australia’s strong biosecurity system protects our farmers, environment, food security and economy, and modernising our border is an important part of maintaining that protection.
“The Australia Travel Declaration will strengthen Australia’s biosecurity by providing better quality information earlier, helping us identify and respond to potential biosecurity risks before they reach our shores.
“This investment ensures Australia’s border keeps pace with growing traveller numbers and emerging global biosecurity threats, helping protect our world-leading biosecurity system while delivering a better experience for international travellers.”
Tourism industry welcomes new era for Australia’s border
The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia said the announcement marked the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation of Australia's international border.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: "This announcement brings Australia's border into the digital age. As digital passenger cards are rolled out at international airports across Australia over the next 18 months, we’ll see less paperwork, fewer queues and a safer, more secure arrival experience for millions of travellers.
"Australia is competing with destinations around the world that have already embraced digital borders. First impressions matter and the arrival experience shapes how international visitors feel about Australia before they've even left the airport. The easier we make that journey, the stronger our reputation as a world-class destination.”
Sydney Airport said the announcement was a significant step towards creating a faster, more seamless arrivals experience for millions of international passengers.
