Digital arrival cards to expand for international travellers across Australia

Here’s some good news for overseas holiday makers.

Australia’s paper arrival cards are set to become a thing of the past, with a digital replacement to be rolled out nationwide over the next two years.

The Australian Travel Declaration has been on trial since October 2024 on selected Qantas international flights, with the federal government describing the program as a success.

Currently, everyone arriving in Australia by air or sea must complete the familiar orange Incoming Passenger Card, usually filled in by hand during the flight or after landing. Under the new system, eligible travellers can submit their arrival details through the Qantas app up to three days before departure.

Once completed, the app generates a digital pass featuring a unique QR code, which is scanned by Australian Border Force officers on arrival, streamlining the entry process and reducing paperwork.

The trial is presently limited to selected Qantas services arriving in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but it will expand to Perth and Adelaide before the end of 2026.

From 2027, the digital declaration will be available to all international travellers arriving at Australian airports and seaports via an online web form, regardless of which airline they fly with.

The government also plans to work with more airlines to integrate the declaration into their mobile apps, mirroring the current Qantas trial and making the process even more convenient for passengers.

Paper arrival cards will not disappear entirely. Travellers who are unable to use the online form or airline apps will still have the option of completing the traditional paper declaration, ensuring the system remains accessible to everyone.