Australia has commenced the nationwide rollout of a digital travel declaration system that will progressively replace the paper Incoming Passenger Card completed by international travellers upon entering the country, marking a major shift in the country’s border processing procedures.
The initiative forms part of the Australian government’s broader border modernisation programme and is designed to streamline customs, biosecurity and travel declarations before passengers depart for Australia. Backed by an investment of A$56.1 million over four years, the system is expected to be introduced across the country within the next 12 to 18 months.
Under the new arrangement, eligible travellers can submit their customs and biosecurity information electronically up to 72 hours before departure instead of filling out paper forms during their journey. Brandspur Brand News reports that passengers who complete the process receive a QR code, which can be presented to border officials upon arrival to facilitate faster processing.
The digital declaration is currently being piloted through selected Qantas flights, with invitations issued via the airline’s mobile application. Australian authorities have also indicated that future versions of the platform are expected to be integrated into airline apps, allowing travellers to complete required declarations as part of their pre-travel preparations.
Officials have clarified that the digital declaration does not replace Australia’s existing visa requirements. Travellers must still obtain the appropriate Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before travelling, as the new system is intended solely to replace the paper arrival card.
Information submitted through the declaration will cover customs requirements, recent travel history and biosecurity details, enabling border agencies to assess potential risks before passengers enter the country.
The programme has already undergone extensive testing since pilot trials began in October 2024 on selected flights from New Zealand before expanding to major international gateways, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. According to Australian authorities, more than 450,000 travellers have successfully completed the digital declaration during the testing phase.
Perth and Adelaide are expected to join the expanded pilot programme before the end of 2026 as preparations continue for full nationwide implementation.
The rollout comes amid broader changes to Australia’s migration and border policies. Earlier in 2026, the country increased the minimum salary threshold for most employer-sponsored skilled visas to AUD 76,515 and confirmed more than 20,000 places under its 2025/2026 skilled migration programme as it continues efforts to address labour shortages while modernising immigration processes.
