Australia is ditching traditional paper arrival cards in favour of a digital customs declaration system, aiming to revolutionise its border control processes and streamline the entry experience for millions of international travellers. The Albanese government has announced plans to roll out the new system across all Australian airports and seaports, following a successful trial on Qantas flights arriving in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.
The current paper forms have long been a source of frustration for passengers, particularly those on long-haul journeys, requiring personal information and declarations of food, plant, or animal products. The government has committed A$56.1 million over four years to upgrade airport systems and introduce the new digital Australian travel declaration.
The trial, initially run by Qantas, will expand to Perth and Adelaide by the end of 2026, with the digital declaration system subsequently being introduced for all airlines and at seaports over the next 12-18 months. This phased approach aims to ensure a smooth transition and widespread adoption across all entry points into Australia.
Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell has highlighted that a more efficient arrivals process will allow visitors to spend less time on paperwork, giving them more time to enjoy Australia's attractions. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasised the digital shift's crucial role in maintaining national security, promising a seamless border experience for all international travellers.
The digital declaration will initially be accessible via a webform, but the government aims to integrate it directly into airline apps, mirroring the convenience offered during the Qantas trial. This transformation is expected to reduce manual processing, improve data quality for risk assessments, and enable rapid responses to global risks like biosecurity outbreaks.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has reassured that biosecurity protections will remain paramount throughout this modernisation, ensuring Australia's high standards of agricultural security are maintained.