Australia Digital Arrival Card Phases Out Paper IPC
Australia is phasing out the paper Incoming Passenger Card and expanding the digital Australia Travel Declaration across airports and seaports.
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Australia digital arrival card is being phased in as the country moves away from the paper Incoming Passenger Card. The Australia Travel Declaration will expand across international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months, starting with a webform and adding in-app use later.
What changed
The government said the rollout is a nationwide transition, not an overnight switch. The first broader access will be via webform, while in-app capability is being co-designed later. More than 450,000 passengers have already trialled the ATD since October 2024, and the pilot is set to expand to Perth and Adelaide before the end of 2026. The government also said it will provide A$56.1 million over four years for traveller modernisation.
Who is affected
All nationalities passport holders will eventually move to the digital arrival declaration as each airport and seaport is switched over. During the transition, travelers not invited into the current pilot should keep using the paper Incoming Passenger Card. The ATD is an arrival declaration only – it does not replace visa requirements.
What travelers should do
Eligible Qantas pilot passengers should complete the Australia Travel Declaration in the Qantas app up to 72 hours before departure. Everyone else should check the latest airport-specific rollout status before booking or traveling, and keep the paper form ready until their location is included.
Why Australia made the change
Australia said the change is meant to streamline border processing, cut manual paperwork, improve the timing and quality of information used for risk assessments, and strengthen biosecurity response. The government also said the modernization is part of preparing for growing traveler volumes ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.
