Australia will phase out its paper Incoming Passenger Card and introduce a digital Australia Travel Declaration at every international airport and seaport. The nationwide rollout will take place over the next 12 to 18 months, backed by A$56.1 million in government funding over four years.

The key detail for passengers is simple: the orange paper card has not disappeared everywhere yet. Most people travelling to Australia should continue expecting a paper form unless their airline confirms that they are eligible to use the digital declaration.

Australia Digital Passenger Card: What Changes and When?

The rollout will expand in stages rather than becoming available to every passenger on the same date.

More than 450,000 passengers have already used the digital declaration since the Qantas-led pilot began in October 2024. The trial currently covers eligible flights arriving in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

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What Is the Australia Travel Declaration?

The Australia Travel Declaration is a digital version of the information travelers currently provide on the paper Incoming Passenger Card. It collects details needed for immigration, customs, health, currency and biosecurity checks before the passenger reaches the Australian border.

The digital form does not remove Australia’s entry rules. Travelers will still need to provide information such as:

• Passport and flight details
• Their intended address in Australia
• Immigration and health declarations
• Food, plant and animal products in their luggage
• Customs and currency information
• Items that may create a biosecurity risk

The change is about how information is submitted, not about relaxing inspections or declaration requirements.

How Does Australia’s Digital Passenger Card Work?

Eligible passengers in the current trial can complete the declaration through the Qantas app up to 72 hours before departure. After submission, they receive a digital pass with a unique QR code in the app and by email. Border and biosecurity officers may scan that pass around the baggage area or before the passenger exits the terminal.

The current process is:

1. Receive an invitation through the airline app.
2. Complete the declaration within 72 hours of departure.
3. Check every answer before submitting it.
4. Save the confirmation email containing the declaration pass.
5. Keep the phone charged and accessible after landing.
6. Show the QR code when requested by an officer.

The government has confirmed that the wider system will initially use a web form. The final process for passengers flying with airlines outside the current pilot has not yet been published.

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Who Can Use the Digital Arrival Card Today?

The existing pilot is not automatically available to every Qantas passenger. According to the Australian Border Force’s current eligibility guidance, participants must use the Qantas app, complete the declaration in English and be eligible to use airport kiosks and SmartGates.

Passengers who are not invited, cannot complete the digital form or prefer not to join the pilot will follow the normal arrival process using a paper Incoming Passenger Card.

Practical advice: Do not board a flight assuming an online form is available simply because you are landing in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Check the airline app and pre-departure emails. No invitation usually means you should expect the paper card onboard or in the arrivals terminal.

What Happens if Your Phone Dies or the Flight Changes?

A dead phone will not leave a passenger trapped at the border. Australian Border Force guidance says travelers who cannot access their digital pass will be directed to an officer for assistance. Keeping the email confirmation easy to find will still prevent unnecessary searching after a long flight.

Flight changes require more attention:

• Delayed flight, same arrival airport: The declaration can normally still be used.
• Cancelled or rescheduled flight: A paper card may be required.
• Flight diverted to another Australian airport: The digital pass may no longer work.
• Declaration details have changed: Update the form through the airline app or ask for a paper card.

This is one of the most important details for connecting passengers. A declaration created for Sydney may not remain valid when an operational diversion sends the aircraft to Melbourne or Brisbane.

Will the Digital Card Make Australian Airport Arrivals Faster?

The new system should reduce form filling and manual data entry, but it will not guarantee a queue-free arrival. Passport control, baggage delivery, customs inspections and biosecurity screening remain separate parts of the airport process.

The government says collecting information earlier will improve risk assessments and allow officials to respond faster to issues such as biosecurity outbreaks. It should also remove the familiar problem of passengers trying to find a pen shortly before landing.

For travelers, the biggest immediate benefit may be accuracy. Completing the form before departure gives passengers time to check an accommodation address, read declaration questions carefully and confirm what is inside their bags.

Does the Digital Declaration Change Australia’s Biosecurity Rules?

No. Food, plant material and animal products must still be declared when required. Australia’s Department of Agriculture also tells travelers to declare footwear, clothing and equipment used in rural areas or near animals.

A common mistake is assuming that packaged snacks do not count. Commercially prepared, dried, cooked, frozen and homemade foods can all require declaration.

The safest rule is straightforward: when unsure, declare the item. Declaring something does not automatically mean it will be confiscated. A biosecurity officer will assess whether it can enter Australia. The official guidance for bringing goods into Australia explains the current requirements.

Smart Arrival Checklist for Travelers Flying to Australia

Before departure:

• Confirm whether your flight is included in the digital trial.
• Complete the form only through an official airline or government channel.
• Check your Australian accommodation address before submitting.
• Review every food item, souvenir and medicine in your luggage.
• Save the declaration email and charge your phone.
• Carry a pen until your airline confirms you no longer need the paper card.

After landing:

• Keep the QR code open while collecting baggage.
• Do not discard packaged food from the aircraft into your cabin bag.
• Tell an officer when an item was packed by someone else or you are unsure what it contains.
• Use the paper card if your route or arrival airport has changed.

Is Personal Information Protected?

The Australian Government says information submitted through the current pilot is handled under the Privacy Act 1988. Its guidance states that personal data is stored in certified hosting arrangements in Australia and will not be commercialised. Travelers can review the official Australia Travel Declaration privacy information before participating.

What Travelers Need to Remember

Australia’s paper passenger card is being replaced, but the change is gradual. Eligible Qantas passengers can already use the digital declaration on selected arrivals, Perth and Adelaide are due to join the expansion before the end of 2026, and all international airports and seaports will follow during the national rollout.

Until an airline provides clear digital instructions, keep expecting the paper card. The most useful preparation remains unchanged: know your Australian address, check what is inside your luggage and declare questionable items rather than guessing.