Australia Travel Declaration will replace paper-based passenger cards at international airports & seaports by 2027 end
MELBOURNE, July 13, 2026 : The days of filling out paper incoming passenger cards on flights to Australia are numbered, with the Australian Border Force (ABF) announcing a sweeping digital transformation of the nation’s arrival process.
The Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) will be introduced at all international airports and seaports before the end of 2027, marking a significant shift toward a fully digital border experience for travellers.
Pilot Program Already Underway
Since October 2024, the ABF has been trialling the digital system in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) and Qantas. The current pilot allows passengers to pre-fill their digital passenger card up to 72 hours before travel through an in-app capability.
The trial is set to expand across all inbound international Qantas flights at remaining capital cities – including Perth and Adelaide – by the end of 2026.
Federal Govt. Commits $56.1 Million
Following a successful trial period, the Federal Government has committed $56.1 million over four years from 2026/2027 to roll out a webform format of the ATD across all international airports and seaports nationwide.
The investment will also fund several additional border modernisation projects, including:
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Exploring co-located domestic and international airport models
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A contactless arrivals clearance process
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Streamlined baggage processing for international-to-domestic transfers
Benefits for Travellers and Border Security
The national rollout of the ATD promises multiple advantages:
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Reduced manual processes for passengers
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Secure, pre-vetted digital collection of traveller information
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Prompt updates to questions and management of global biosecurity risks
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Meeting passenger expectations for a modern digital process
ABF Commissioner Gavan Reynolds hailed the announcement as a milestone moment for the agency.
“A 21st century society deserves a 21st century border, and moving from paper and pen to a webform mobile format is an excellent leap forward for Australia,” Commissioner Reynolds said.
“The ABF welcomes any and all investment into our Australian border. We want Australians and travellers alike to step through our airports with ease and convenience – we want to make their journey as seamless as possible.”
What This Means for Travellers
The transition from paper to digital is expected to streamline the arrival experience for millions of international visitors annually, aligning Australia with global trends in digital border management while enhancing biosecurity and efficiency.
The phased rollout will continue through 2026 and 2027, with further announcements expected as the program expands to additional airlines and ports.
