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Australia is expanding the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD), a digital alternative to the paper Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) currently completed by international travellers during their flight or upon arrival.
The Australian Government has committed A$56.1 million over four years to modernise border systems and support the broader rollout of the digital declaration.
The ATD is expected to be introduced progressively across Australia’s international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months. However, the paper Incoming Passenger Card is expected to remain available for travellers who are unable to access the digital service.
How Does the Digital Declaration Work?
Under the current pilot, eligible passengers receive an invitation through the Qantas mobile app.
The declaration can be completed within 72 hours before the traveller’s scheduled departure to Australia. Once submitted, the passenger receives a digital pass containing a QR code through the Qantas app and their nominated email address.
The QR code must be presented to Australian Border Force and biosecurity officers after arriving in Australia.
The nationwide rollout is expected to begin with a publicly accessible online form. The government is also continuing to work with airlines and the travel industry on possible in-app declaration options.
As at July 2026, the public online form has not yet been launched.
Where Has the ATD Been Tested?
The pilot began in October 2024 on selected Qantas flights arriving in Brisbane from New Zealand.
It was later expanded to other eligible Qantas international flights arriving in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
As at July 2026, more than 450,000 eligible passengers have used the digital declaration during the pilot.
The Qantas pilot is expected to expand to additional mainland capital cities, including Perth and Adelaide, before the end of 2026.
What Information Does the ATD Collect?
The ATD collects information broadly corresponding to the details currently provided through the paper Incoming Passenger Card.
This may include information relating to:
- immigration;
- customs;
- health;
- biosecurity;
- currency declarations;
- travel and contact details.
Providing this information digitally gives border and biosecurity authorities earlier access to passenger declarations and may help streamline processing after arrival.
Does the ATD Replace an Australian Visa?
No.
The Australia Travel Declaration only provides an alternative to the paper Incoming Passenger Card. It does not replace a visa, Electronic Travel Authority or any other permission required to enter Australia.
Travellers who require a visa or ETA must obtain it separately before travelling.
Australian citizens, eligible New Zealand citizens and certain transit passengers may be subject to different entry arrangements.
Who Can Use the ATD?
At present, the ATD is available only to eligible passengers travelling on participating Qantas routes who receive an invitation through the Qantas app.
Travellers who are not included in the pilot must continue completing the paper Incoming Passenger Card during their flight or after arriving in Australia.
Once the broader rollout begins, the digital service is intended to become available to international travellers arriving at Australian airports and seaports.
However, the government has indicated that paper cards will continue to be available for travellers who cannot use the online service or an airline app.
What Should Travellers Do?
Before travelling to Australia:
- Check whether your Qantas booking or app includes an invitation to complete the ATD.
- Complete the declaration within 72 hours before your scheduled departure to Australia.
- Save the digital pass and ensure the QR code remains accessible through the Qantas app or your nominated email.
- Present the QR code to border and biosecurity officers after arrival.
- Complete the paper Incoming Passenger Card as usual if you have not been invited to participate.
- Make sure you separately hold any visa, ETA or travel permission required for your circumstances.
Key Takeaways
Australia is progressively introducing the digital Australia Travel Declaration as an alternative to the paper Incoming Passenger Card.
The ATD is currently being tested on eligible Qantas international flights arriving in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
More than 450,000 eligible passengers had used the digital declaration as at July 2026.
The pilot is expected to expand to Perth, Adelaide and other mainland capital cities before the end of 2026.
A wider rollout to Australia’s international airports and seaports is expected over the next 12 to 18 months.
The ATD does not replace an Australian visa, ETA or other entry requirement.
Travellers who are not currently eligible for the pilot should continue using the paper Incoming Passenger Card.
Information current as at July 2026. Pilot locations, eligible flights and digital declaration procedures may change as the rollout progresses.
The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.
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