Travelling to Australia is set to become faster and more convenient as the Australian Government replaces the traditional paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) with the new Australia Travel Declaration (ATD).
Backed by $56.1 million in federal funding over four years, the initiative is designed to modernise Australia’s border processes, strengthen biosecurity, and improve the arrival experience for millions of international travellers. The digital system also forms part of Australia’s long-term preparation for increased visitor numbers leading up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What Is the Australia Travel Declaration?
The Australia Travel Declaration is a digital alternative to the orange paper arrival card that international passengers have completed for decades.
Instead of filling out a paper form during the flight, eligible travellers can submit their customs and arrival information online up to 72 hours before departure.
The declaration includes information such as:
- Personal and passport details
- Travel information
- Customs declarations, including food, plant material and animal products
- Questions relating to prohibited items and other border requirements
After completing the declaration, travellers receive a digital pass with a unique QR code that can be saved on their mobile device and accessed even without an internet connection upon arrival.
Initially, the declaration will be available through a secure web portal. The Australian Government is also working with airlines to integrate the system directly into airline mobile applications in future.
During the transition period, paper arrival cards will remain available for passengers who cannot access the digital service.
Why Is Australia Introducing a Digital Arrival System?
The move is about much more than convenience.
Faster Border Processing
Submitting information before departure allows border agencies to process passenger information earlier, helping reduce queues and speed up arrivals at Australian airports.
Stronger Biosecurity
Australia maintains some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws. Receiving customs declarations before passengers land allows authorities to identify potential biosecurity risks earlier and respond more effectively to prohibited goods or emerging disease threats.
Better Traveller Experience
The paper arrival card has long been criticised as outdated and inconvenient, particularly for international visitors arriving after long flights. The new digital process is expected to deliver a smoother and more efficient entry into Australia.
Preparing for Future Growth
Australia expects a significant increase in international travel over the coming years, particularly in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Digitising border processing will help manage higher passenger volumes while maintaining border security.
The Digital Declaration Has Already Been Tested
The nationwide rollout follows a successful pilot program that commenced in October 2024.
The trial involved the Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Qantas, with more than 450,000 passengers using the digital declaration on selected international flights arriving into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Following positive results, the Government committed funding to expand the system across Australia.
When Will the New System Be Available?
The rollout will occur in stages.
- Current rollout: Eligible Qantas passengers arriving into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne may already have access to the digital declaration.
- Late 2026: Expansion to additional Qantas services, including arrivals into Perth and Adelaide.
- 2027 to 2028: Progressive rollout across other airlines, international airports and cruise terminals throughout Australia.
Until the rollout is complete, travellers should continue following the arrival instructions provided by their airline.
What Does This Mean for International Travellers?
For most travellers, the Australia Travel Declaration means:
- Less paperwork during the flight
- Faster arrival processing
- A more streamlined customs experience
- Continued compliance with Australia’s customs and biosecurity requirements
It is important to remember that while the declaration process is becoming digital, travellers must still accurately declare any food, plant material, animal products or other restricted items. Providing false or misleading information may result in penalties or enforcement action.
How NB Migration Law Can Help
International travel and migration requirements continue to evolve. Whether you are travelling to Australia, applying for a visa, or planning to migrate permanently, understanding your obligations before arrival can help avoid unnecessary delays or complications.
NB Migration Law assists individuals, families and businesses with a wide range of Australian immigration matters, including:
- Visitor visas
- Student visas
- Partner visas
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Skilled migration
- Permanent residency pathways
- Visa refusals and cancellations
- Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) matters
- Australian citizenship applications
Our experienced migration team provides practical advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you navigate Australia’s changing immigration framework with confidence.