Australian government to phase out paper arrival cards
Share
- The federal government will replace paper passenger cards with digital travel declarations.
- The project will receive $56.1 million in funding over four years.
- The digital system aims to modernise airport security and speed up the arrivals process.
The Albanese government announced a $56.1 million plan over four years to phase out paper arrival cards and introduce digital passenger declarations at all Australian international airports and seaports.
This decision follows a trial programme run on Qantas (ASX:QAN) flights into Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, which will expand to Perth and Adelaide by the end of 2026.
"Visitors can spend less time filling out forms and more time enjoying everything Australia has to offer," said Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.
The digital declaration will initially be accessible via a webform, with a broader roll-out to all airlines and seaports planned over the next 12 to 18 months to enable digital collection of information ahead of time.
The government stated that the digital system is expected to increase data quality for risk assessments, allow for rapid updates during global biosecurity outbreaks, and meet passenger expectations.
Following the announcement, the Qantas share price was up 0.8% at $7.54.
A 2024 report by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry called the paper system antiquated and warned that it risked damaging the country's reputation as a desirable tourist destination.
The business group stated that modernising passenger systems could bring an additional $50 billion to the Australian economy every year.