Australia is set to scrap physical passenger cards for all arrivals, replacing them with a digital alternative in a move described as a "win for tourists" by Tourism Minister Don Farrell. The change will affect both visitors and residents entering the country.
Digital Cards to Replace Paper Forms
Passengers arriving at Australian airports will complete digital cards instead of the current physical forms. The digital system has already been trialled by more than 450,000 passengers on Qantas flights arriving at Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane since October 2024, according to an Australian news outlet.
The program is expected to extend to Qantas flights into Perth and Adelaide by the end of 2026, with a full rollout at all international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months.
Benefits for Tourists and Operators
"Making arrivals simpler and quicker means visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer," Tourism Minister Don Farrell said. "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."
The form will initially be available via a webpage, but is expected to be co-designed with industry for in-app capabilities. The government said the trial had returned anecdotal evidence of "significant success."
Investment and Security Improvements
The rollout of the scheme will be funded through a $56.1 million investment over a four-year period. It will help facilitate and reduce manual processing for passengers, allow for digital collection of information ahead of time, and increase data quality for risk assessments.
The government has also said it will allow for updates and "management of global risks and events," such as biosecurity outbreaks. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the modernisation was "essential to Australia's prosperity and national security."
"Visitors and Australian travellers alike will be able to take advantage of a seamless border process, which integrates into everyday digital life," he said.
Funding for the program is also expected to support ongoing work to improve airport and cruise departure models, including an increase in travellers ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
