Summary
The paper orange incoming passenger card is officially being scrapped — the Australian Government announced on 13 July 2026 that the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) digital system will roll out to all international airports and seaports over the next 12-18 months, following a successful trial with 450,000+ passengers
Adelaide and Perth airports are next — to be added before the end of 2026; all remaining Australian international airports and seaports to follow in a phased rollout through to mid-2028
How it works: Complete the declaration through a webform or app up to 72 hours before your flight; receive a QR code to your email; scan it at the border instead of handing over a paper card
For decades, the ritual has been the same for every international traveller arriving in Australia: the flight crew hands out a flimsy orange form somewhere over the ocean, you scramble for a pen, try to read the questions in dim cabin lighting, and shuffle off the plane clutching a card that may or may not be legible.
That era is ending.
On 13 July 2026, the Australian Government confirmed that the paper incoming passenger card — one of the last major holdouts of paper-based border processing in the developed world — will be permanently replaced by the digital Australia Travel Declaration (ATD).
What is the Australia Travel Declaration?
The Australia Travel Declaration is a digital form that replaces the paper incoming passenger card. Instead of filling out a physical form on the plane, travellers complete an online declaration before they fly — up to 72 hours before departure — and receive a QR code that is scanned by Australian Border Force (ABF) and biosecurity officers on arrival.
The declaration collects the same information as the paper card: your personal details, travel history, what you are bringing into Australia (food, goods, plant or animal products), and any declarations required for biosecurity or customs.
What was announced on 13 July 2026?
The Federal Government announced:
- $56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation at Australian airports
- The ATD pilot has been declared a success after more than 450,000 passengers used the digital system since October 2024
- The ATD will be extended to Adelaide and Perth airports before the end of 2026
- A full national rollout to all Australian international airports and seaports over the next 12-18 months (2027 through to mid-2028)
- The system will initially be accessible via a webform, with in-app integration to follow
Acting Minister for Infrastructure Kristy McBain said: “The days of scrambling for a pen on the plane to fill out the orange passenger card are numbered. Over the next 18 months, we’ll be rolling out digital passenger cards at every Australian international airport, making the walk from the gate to exit as efficient and stress-free as possible.”
Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “For decades, arriving in Australia has meant searching for a pen to fill out a paper card balanced on your tray table. It simply doesn’t make sense in 2026.”
Timeline: when does this apply to me?
| Phase | Airports | When |
|---|---|---|
| Already live | Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne (selected Qantas flights) | Since October 2024; Melbourne expanded May 2026 |
| Coming 2026 | Adelaide and Perth (selected Qantas flights) | Before end of 2026 |
| Full rollout | All Australian international airports and seaports | 2027 through to mid-2028 |
During the transition period: If you are not on an eligible Qantas flight or arriving at a non-pilot airport, you will still need to complete a paper incoming passenger card. The paper card is not being abolished overnight — it will phase out gradually as each airport and airline is brought into the new system.
How does the ATD work?
- Before your flight: Complete the Australia Travel Declaration online at the official webform (or through the Qantas app if travelling on an eligible Qantas flight) up to 72 hours before departure
- Receive your QR code: Once completed, a digital pass with a unique QR code is sent to your nominated email address and (for Qantas app users) displayed in the app
- On arrival: Present your QR code to Australian Border Force and biosecurity (DAFF) officers instead of handing over a paper card
- Faster clearance: The digital system allows border agencies to process information ahead of time, meaning faster clearance at the border
Currently, the Qantas app is the only Australian airline app offering this capability — other airlines are expected to integrate in-app capability as the rollout expands.
Why is this happening now?
The digital arrivals card has been a long time coming. This is actually the third attempt by the Australian Government to replace the paper card:
- 2016: The “Seamless Traveller” initiative included plans for a digital arrivals card trialled in early 2018 — the plans never materialised
- 2022: Global IT firm Accenture spent AUD $60 million developing the Digital Passenger Declaration (DPD) app, which launched in February 2022. It was widely criticised for poor usability and was axed after just five months in July 2022
- 2024-2026: The Australia Travel Declaration pilot launched quietly on selected Qantas flights in October 2024, expanding gradually to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. After 450,000+ successful completions, the Government has now committed to a national rollout
The cautious approach — three years of phased trial before full commitment — reflects the two previous failed attempts.
What does this mean for international travellers arriving in Australia?
If you are arriving on an eligible Qantas flight into Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne: The ATD is already available. Look out for the invitation in your Qantas app or email before your flight.
If you are arriving on any other airline or at any other airport: You will still need to complete the paper incoming passenger card for now. This will change as the rollout expands through 2026-2028.
For migrants arriving in Australia: The ATD collects the same information as the paper card and does not change the arrival or identity verification process at the border. You still go through passport control, baggage claim and biosecurity as normal. The only difference is how you declare your details — digitally rather than on paper.
For biosecurity declarations: You still need to declare all food, plant and animal products when entering Australia — the ATD makes the process faster but the requirements are unchanged. Australia’s biosecurity rules remain among the strictest in the world.
FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)
Is the paper incoming passenger card still required?
Yes, for most travellers in 2026. The paper card is only optional for passengers on eligible Qantas flights into Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. All other travellers must still complete the paper card until the rollout reaches their airport and airline.
How do I complete the Australia Travel Declaration?
For eligible Qantas flights, complete it through the Qantas app up to 72 hours before departure. A webform option will be available as the rollout expands to other airlines and airports. Check the Australian Border Force website (abf.gov.au) for the most current information.
Do I still go through passport control and biosecurity?
Yes. The ATD replaces the paper card but does not change the rest of the arrival process. You still present your passport at the ABF border gates and go through biosecurity screening.
When will all Australian airports have the digital card?
Adelaide and Perth are expected to join before the end of 2026. All remaining Australian international airports and seaports are expected to be included in the phased rollout through 2027 to mid-2028.
Does this affect what I can bring into Australia?
No. Australia’s biosecurity and customs rules are unchanged. You still need to declare all food, plant and animal products, and goods above the duty-free threshold. The ATD is a different way of making those same declarations — digitally rather than on paper.
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This article is based on the Australian Government announcement of 13 July 2026. The rollout timeline is subject to change. Always check abf.gov.au for the most current information on arrival requirements before travelling. Last updated 13 July 2026.
Sources: Australian Government — Digital passenger cards to streamline Australia’s borders (Minister for Trade and Tourism, 13 July 2026) | Travel Weekly Australia — Federal Government confirms full introduction of digital entry card (13 July 2026) | Executive Traveller — Digital arrivals card for all Australian airports this year (13 July 2026) | theabj.com.au — Australia digital passenger cards (13 July 2026) | Australian Government — Joint media release: ATD pilot expanded to Melbourne (26 May 2026)
