Millions of travellers arriving in Australia will soon be able to stop filling in paper passenger cards, with the federal government moving ahead with a digital alternative.
Canberra will spend $56.1 million over four years to introduce digital passenger cards as part of a push to modernise airport operations nationwide.
The move comes after a successful trial involving more than 450,000 passengers on inbound Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne since October 2024.
The digital Australian travel declaration is due to expand to other capital cities before the end of the year. After that, it will be introduced at all remaining international airports and seaports over the following 12 to 18 months.
Incoming passenger cards are currently required for all arriving travellers and returning Australian citizens. They ask a range of questions covering imported goods, criminal convictions and other personal information.
At first, the digital version will be available through a web form while the government works with industry to co-design other options.
The overhaul is intended to make arrival procedures more efficient as Australia prepares for an anticipated surge in visitors for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. It is also expected to improve the quality of collected data and allow faster information gathering during global disease outbreaks or biosecurity threats.
Tourism Minister Don Farrell said the switch would make the arrivals process faster and easier.
“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 updating the traveller system was important for both the economy 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 system would bolster biosecurity protections by helping authorities detect and respond to possible threats before they reached Australia’s shores.
