The Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) is going digital, as the Australian Border Force confirms it’s phasing out the paperbased arrivals card at all international airports and seaports by the end of 2027.
The Aussie Federal Government has committed AUD56.1 million over the next four years to roll out a webform format of the ATD for all international airports as well as seaports.
It’s a move welcomed by many, including the Australian Tourism Export Council’s md Peter Shelley who says the move reflects the expectations of today’s international travellers and will help strengthen Australia’s competitiveness as a destination.
The Australian digital declaration was first introduced in 2024, able to be filled out via an app up to 72 hours prior to travel to Australia on select routes in partnership with Qantas
The program will continue to roll out across inbound international QF flights at remaining capital cities, including Perth and Adelaide, before the end of the year.
. . . There’s More
The AUD56.1 million sum will also cover other border modernisation projects to help digitise and streamline Australia’s traveller experience, including exploring co-located domestic and international airport models, a contactless arrivals clearance process, and streamlined baggage processing for internal domestic transfers.
ABF Commissioner Gavan Reynolds says a 21st century society deserves a 21st century border, and moving from paper and pen to a mobile format is an excellent leap forward for Australia.
“The unique opportunity to collaborate with industry to deliver this digital offering in the coming years is one which we are proud to champion, working with industry is the benchmark of how we will modernise the border for decades to come,” adds Reynolds.
