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🇦🇺 Australia /Technology

Australia to Replace Paper Arrival Cards with Digital System

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Australia is expanding a digital alternative to paper international arrival cards nationwide starting next year.
  • The digital system, called the Australia Traveller Declaration, has been successfully trialled on some Qantas flights since October 2024.
  • The initiative aims to streamline border processing, with a QR code replacing the traditional paper form, and will eventually be available to all travelers at all international airports and seaports.

Australia is set to phase out traditional paper international arrival cards in favor of a digital system, the Australia Traveller Declaration, which will be rolled out more widely across the country from next year. This move aims to modernize border processing and improve efficiency for international travelers.

The digital system has undergone successful trials on select Qantas flights arriving in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane since October 2024. Passengers participating in the trial have been able to complete their arrival details via the Qantas app up to three days before their trip. Upon arrival, a digital pass with a unique QR code is scanned by Australian Border Force officers, replacing the need for manual form completion.

The program is scheduled for expansion to include Perth and Adelaide by the end of 2026. Subsequently, from next year, it will encompass all Australian international airports and seaports. The digital declaration will become accessible to all travelers, not exclusively those flying with Qantas, through a dedicated webform. For individuals unable to access digital platforms, the existing paper forms will remain an option.

This initiative aligns with calls from tourism lobby groups to invest in border upgrades, particularly in anticipation of a surge in tourism for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Airports have frequently criticized the paper process as outdated, contributing to congestion in arrivals areas. Data from Tourism Research Australia projects a growth in international traveler numbers from 8.8 million last year to nearly 11 million by 2030, underscoring the need for efficient processing.

The federal government is allocating $56.1 million over the next four years for "traveller modernisation" efforts. Tourism Minister Don Farrell expressed optimism that these changes will reduce the time travelers spend at airports upon arrival, making the entry process simpler and quicker.

Making arrivals simpler and quicker means visitors c

— Don FarrellTourism minister, commenting on the benefits of the new digital arrival system.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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