Paper arrival cards to be phased out from Australian airports, replaced with digital option
The huge move comes as Australia prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2032.
Millions of travellers will no longer need to fill out paper-based passenger cards as a digital replacement is rolled out for arrivals.
The federal government will provide $56.1 million over four years to roll out the digital passenger cards to modernise airport operations across the country.
It follows a successful trial involving more than 450,000 passengers on inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne since October 2024.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The digital Australian travel declaration will be introduced to other capital cities before the end of the year.
It will be rolled out to all other international airports and seaports over 12 to 18 months.
The incoming passenger cards must be completed by all arriving travellers and returning Australian citizens, and include a series of questions about imported goods, criminal convictions and other personal information.
The digital version will initially be accessible via a web form as the government collaborates with industry to co-design alternatives.
The change is aimed at streamlining processes for arriving passengers ahead of an expected influx of tourists for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
The changes will also improve data quality and speed up collection in the case of global disease outbreaks or biosecurity hazards.
Tourism Minister Don Farrell said arrivals would become quicker and simpler with the change.
“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,” he said.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said traveller modernisation was essential to Australia’s prosperity and national security.
“When people arrive in Australia, I want them out of the airport and experiencing the best place in the world as fast as possible,” he said.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the digital option would strengthen biosecurity measures by helping authorities identify and respond to potential risks before they reached the nation’s shores.
