Australia is moving towards a fully digital border entry system by replacing traditional paper passenger cards with online arrival forms. The change is designed to modernise the country’s busy airports, reduce paperwork, and make the arrival process faster for both Australian citizens and international visitors.
The new digital passenger cards will allow travellers arriving in Australia to complete customs declarations and provide required travel information online before entering the country.
Digital Passenger Cards Already Being Trialled
The Australian Government has already begun testing the digital system. Since October 2024, more than 450,000 passengers have successfully used digital-only passenger cards on selected Qantas flights arriving at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane airports.
The successful trial has demonstrated that digital forms can simplify the arrival process while reducing reliance on paper documentation.
Expansion Planned Across Australia
Following the positive response to the initial trial, the program is set to expand further.
By the end of 2026, digital passenger cards are expected to be available on Qantas international flights arriving in Perth and Adelaide. Authorities then plan to roll out the system across all international airports and seaports throughout Australia over the following 12 to 18 months.
Once fully implemented, travellers entering Australia will no longer need to complete the traditional paper arrival cards.
How the Digital System Will Work
Initially, passengers will access and complete the arrival form through a dedicated webpage before arriving in Australia.
The government also plans to work closely with airlines and industry partners to introduce in-app functionality in the future, allowing travellers to complete the required information directly through participating airline applications.
The digital form will continue to collect essential information currently provided on paper passenger cards, including:
- Customs declarations
- Travel details
- Passenger identification information
- Biosecurity declarations
Benefits for Travellers
Moving to digital passenger cards is expected to provide several advantages for travellers, including:
- Faster arrival processing at Australian airports
- Reduced paperwork during international travel
- More convenient online submission before arrival
- Improved accuracy of passenger information
- A smoother customs and border clearance experience
The change also supports Australia’s broader efforts to modernise border services using digital technology.
What International Travellers Should Know
Travellers heading to Australia should stay informed about when the digital system becomes available for their airline and arrival airport. During the transition period, some passengers may still be required to complete paper passenger cards until the rollout is complete.
Authorities are expected to provide clear guidance before the nationwide implementation, ensuring travellers understand how and where to submit their digital arrival forms.
